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Distribution and significance of small, artificial water bodies across the United States landscape

January 1, 2002

At least 2.6 million small, artificial water bodies dot the landscape of the conterminous United States; most are in the eastern half of the country. These features account for approximately 20% of the standing water area across the United States, and their impact on hydrology, sedimentology, geochemistry, and ecology is apparently large in proportion to their area. These features locally elevate evaporation, divert and delay downstream water flow, and modify groundwater interactions. They apparently intercept about as much eroded soil as larger, better-documented reservoirs. Estimated vertical accretion rates are much higher, hence, inferred sedimentary chemical reactions must be different in the small features than in larger ones. Finally, these features substantially alter the characteristics of aquatic habitats across the landscape. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Publication Year 2002
Title Distribution and significance of small, artificial water bodies across the United States landscape
DOI 10.1016/S0048-9697(02)00222-X
Authors S. V. Smith, W. H. Renwick, J.D. Bartley, R. W. Buddemeier
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Science of the Total Environment
Index ID 70024184
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
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