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Publications

These publications showcase the significant science conducted in our Science Centers.

Filter Total Items: 16756

Stream piracy in the Black Hills: A geomorphology lab exercise Stream piracy in the Black Hills: A geomorphology lab exercise

The Black Hills of South Dakota exhibits many fine examples of stream piracy that are very suitable for teaching geomorphology lab exercises. This lab goes beyond standard topographic map interpretation by using geologic maps, well logs, gravel provenance and other types of data to teach students about stream piracy. Using a step-by-step method in which the lab exercises ramp up in...
Authors
Brent J. Zaprowski, Edward B. Evenson, Jack B. Epstein

Feasibility of Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meters for the Production of Discharge Records from U.S. Geological Survey Streamflow-Gaging Stations Feasibility of Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meters for the Production of Discharge Records from U.S. Geological Survey Streamflow-Gaging Stations

It is feasible to use acoustic Doppler velocity meters (ADVM's) installed at U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamflow-gaging stations to compute records of river discharge. ADVM's are small acoustic current meters that use the Doppler principle to measure water velocities in a two-dimensional plane. Records of river discharge can be computed from stage and ADVM velocity data using the...
Authors
Scott E. Morlock, Hieu T. Nguyen, Jerry H. Ross

Estimation of shoreline position and change using airborne topographic lidar data Estimation of shoreline position and change using airborne topographic lidar data

A method has been developed for estimating shoreline position from airborne scanning laser data. This technique allows rapid estimation of objective, GPS-based shoreline positions over hundreds of kilometers of coast, essential for the assessment of large-scale coastal behavior. Shoreline position, defined as the cross-shore position of a vertical shoreline datum, is found by fitting a...
Authors
H.F. Stockdon, A. H. Sallenger, J. H. List, R.A. Holman

Breeding population density and habitat use of Swainson's warblers in a Georgia floodplain forest Breeding population density and habitat use of Swainson's warblers in a Georgia floodplain forest

I examined density and habitat use of a Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) breeding population in Georgia. This songbird species is inadequately monitored, and may be declining due to anthropogenic alteration of floodplain forest breeding habitats. I used distance sampling methods to estimate density, finding 9.4 singing males/ha (CV = 0.298). Individuals were encountered too
Authors
E.A. Wright

Tracking surf scoters Tracking surf scoters

No abstract available.
Authors
Matthew C. Perry

The exotic mute swan (Cygnus olor) in Chesapeake Bay, USA The exotic mute swan (Cygnus olor) in Chesapeake Bay, USA

The exotic mute swan (Cygnus olor) has increased its population size in Chesapeake Bay (Maryland and Virginia) to approximately 4,500 since 1962 when five swans were released in the Bay. The Bay population of mute swans now represents 30% of the total Atlantic Flyway population (12,600) and has had a phenomenal increase of 1,200% from 1986 to 1999. Unlike the tundra swans (Cygnus...
Authors
Matthew C. Perry

Reconstruction of Anacostia wetlands: success? Reconstruction of Anacostia wetlands: success?

Historically, the tidal Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. had been an extensive system of freshwater tidal marshes replete with a full array of wetland vegetation dominated by wild rice. The local Nacochtank Indians had found the abundant fish and wildlife sufficient to sustain their daily lives. White man's intrusion upon the landscape gradually brought about deterioration of the...
Authors
R.S. Hammerschlag

American black duck summer range versus winter range: a dichotomy of riches American black duck summer range versus winter range: a dichotomy of riches

The status of the American black duck (Anas rubripes) population has more often been attributed to a single event than to multiple events over time and throughout space. The difference in the quality of the habitat, however defined, within breeding areas in the North and in the southerly wintering areas, especially Chesapeake Bay, also has been proposed as affecting black duck status...
Authors
J. R. Longcore

Toxicological assessment of aquatic ecosystems: application to watercraft contaminants in shallow water environments Toxicological assessment of aquatic ecosystems: application to watercraft contaminants in shallow water environments

Recreational boating and personal watercraft use have the potential to adversely impact shallow water systems through contaminant release and physical disturbance of bottom sediments. These nearshore areas are often already degraded by surface runoff, municipal and industrial effluents, and other anthropogenic activities. For proper management, information is needed on the level of...
Authors
P. V. Winger

Role of selenium toxicity and oxidative stress in aquatic birds Role of selenium toxicity and oxidative stress in aquatic birds

Adverse effects of selenium (Se) in wild aquatic birds have been documented as a consequence of pollution of the aquatic environment by subsurface agricultural drainwater and other sources. These effects include mortality, impaired reproduction with teratogenesis, reduced growth, histopathological lesions and alterations in hepatic glutathione metabolism. A review is provided, relating...
Authors
D. J. Hoffman
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