A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Faith A Fitzpatrick
Faith Fitzpatrick is a research hydrologist at the Upper Midwest Water Science Center.
She has spent much of her career studying geomorphic characteristics and sediment dynamics of rivers related to land use and climate change. Her area of expertise is in historical watershed geomorphology and sediment budgets, specifically identifying natural and human causes for accelerated erosion and sedimentation problems, flooding, habitat degradation, eutrophication, and sources of contaminants. She works closely with water resources and fisheries managers from a variety of agencies in a scientific support role for decision-making. She recently completed an assignment as scientific support coordinator for EPA for the pipeline release of diluted bitumen into the Kalamazoo River Michigan. She is a lecturer in the UW-Madison Geography Department and an instructor for the USGS Training Center.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 33
Assessing River Erosion and Sedimentation in Ecuador
In cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USGS is helping Ecuadorian government officials from the Electric Corporation of Ecuador (CELEC) develop strategies for managing sediment and erosion in the Río Coca basin after the 2020 collapse of the 144-meter-tall San Rafael waterfall.
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: Nutrient Evaluations
Eutrophication and harmful algal blooms (HABs) are becoming an increasing concern in the Great Lakes. Although there is a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for phosphorus in the Milwaukee Estuary, abundance/biovolume of potential HAB-producing cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin presence in Milwaukee-area rivers and the estuary are largely unknown. USGS evaluations of nutrients in the MMSD Watercourse...
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: Geomorphology and Sediment Studies Related to Stream and Estuary Rehabilitation
Geomorphology and habitat studies related to stream and estuary rehabilitation consist of three subproject areas: evaluating the efficacy of fish passage restoration efforts (across multiple watersheds), a targeted assessment of fish passage in the Underwood Creek watershed, and characterization of the Milwaukee River estuary.
Kalamazoo River AOC Dam Removal Geomorphic/Habitat Assessments – Reference Reach Identification
The Kalamazoo River Area of Concern (AOC) has multiple dams in various stages of removal, at which restoration work will be completed in the coming years. Hydrogeomorphic data from relatively undisturbed river reaches are commonly used to inform the design parameters of river restoration projects. Reference reaches are selected to have similar prevailing boundary conditions as target restoration...
Hydrogeomorphic Classification and Conceptual Model
The overall objective of this study is to develop a hydrogeomorphic based conceptual model and hierarchical classification system for the UMRS. This model and classification system will build off the existing classification systems for the UMRS with a new aspect of potential for geomorphic change.
Environmental Effects of Agricultural Practices
As agricultural land in the Minnesota River Basin is retired, tile drains are removed or broken and riparian corridors are planted to reduce runoff. Early studies saw decreased sediment and nitrogen and improved biological indicators but no significant changes in phosphorus. This project continues to investigate the linkages between riparian buffer extent, age, and continuity; stream water; and...
Fluvial geomorphology studies
Fluvial geomorphology studies provide an understanding of the physical processes responsible for shaping the character of streams and their riparian zones across both glaciatied and unglaciated regions of Wisconsin and the midwestern U.S.
Measuring Suspended-Sediment Concentrations, Grain Sizes and Bedload using Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meters and Echologgers in the Lower Chippewa River, Wisconsin
Sediment from the Chippewa River deposits in the Mississippi River navigation channel, sometimes disrupting commercial barge traffic and resulting in expensive and ecologically disruptive dredging operations. The USGS is using new applications of hydroacoustic technologies to better understand sediment transport in the Chippewa River and associated effects on commercial navigation.
Upper Pecatonica River Wisconsin Buffer Initiative pilot project
The Upper Pecatonica River pilot project is testing targeted water-quality improvement strategies in small agricultural watersheds. The USGS is contributing by monitoring phosphorus and sediment at the watershed outlets, quantifying in-stream sources and sinks of phosphorus and sediment, and developing innovative approaches for quantifying sediment-related stream impairments and TMDLs.
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs)
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs) are fully-functional streamgages designed to be deployed quickly and temporarily to measure and transmit stream stage data in emergency situations.
USGS Flood Information
The USGS collects flood data and conducts targeted flood science to help Federal, State, and local agencies, decision makers, and the public before, during, and after a flood. Our efforts provide situational awareness, drive predictive models, inform infrastructure design and operation, undergird floodplain mapping, assist flood constituent/load quantification, and facilitate flood impact...
Surge, Wave, and Tide Hydrodynamics (SWaTH) Network
During large coastal storms, the storm surge and waves are the main cause of destruction and landscape change, transporting saline water, sediment, and debris inland. The USGS, in collaboration with stakeholders, has constructed a national Surge, Wave, and Tide Hydrodynamics (SWaTH) Network for the Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, and Central Pacific. SWaTH monitors and documents the height, extent, and...
Hypothetical Coastal Floodplain Diagram (with caption)
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Hypothetical Riverine Floodplain Diagram (with caption)
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Hypothetical Riverine Floodplain Diagram
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Hypothetical Coastal Floodplain Diagram
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Faith Fitzpatrick hiking with her Bernese Mountain Dog
Faith Fitzpatrick taking her Bernese Mountain dog on a hike to check out rock outcrops around southern Wisconsin.
Faith Fitzpatrick taking her Bernese Mountain dog on a hike to check out rock outcrops around southern Wisconsin.
Map dissolved oxygen and turbidity Milwaukee River
Map of dissolved oxygen and turbidity along the Milwaukee River.
These data are preliminary or provisional and are subject to revision. They are being provided to meet the need for timely best science.
Map of dissolved oxygen and turbidity along the Milwaukee River.
These data are preliminary or provisional and are subject to revision. They are being provided to meet the need for timely best science.
USGS scientists install a double ring infiltrometer
In this photo, USGS scientists Megan Haserodt (Hydrologist) and Jenelle Wempner (Student Intern) install a double ring infiltrometer along a recreated floodplain of Underwood Creek, a tributary to the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In this photo, USGS scientists Megan Haserodt (Hydrologist) and Jenelle Wempner (Student Intern) install a double ring infiltrometer along a recreated floodplain of Underwood Creek, a tributary to the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Bank erosion along an upstream reach of the Kinnickinnic River
Bank erosion along an upstream reach of the Kinnickinnic River, October 2018.
Bank erosion along an upstream reach of the Kinnickinnic River, October 2018.
Stream reach of Underwood Creek channel after rehabilitation
An example stream reach of Underwood Creek’s channel in 2018 after rehabilitation.
An example stream reach of Underwood Creek’s channel in 2018 after rehabilitation.
Milwaukee River Estuary, March 2016
Milwaukee River Estuary, March 2016
Milwaukee River Estuary, March 2016
Riverwalk along Milwaukee River, Wisconsin
Confluence of inner harbor and the Milwaukee River along North Riverwalk Way, leading into downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin in early spring.
Confluence of inner harbor and the Milwaukee River along North Riverwalk Way, leading into downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin in early spring.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 33
Assessing River Erosion and Sedimentation in Ecuador
In cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USGS is helping Ecuadorian government officials from the Electric Corporation of Ecuador (CELEC) develop strategies for managing sediment and erosion in the Río Coca basin after the 2020 collapse of the 144-meter-tall San Rafael waterfall.
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: Nutrient Evaluations
Eutrophication and harmful algal blooms (HABs) are becoming an increasing concern in the Great Lakes. Although there is a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for phosphorus in the Milwaukee Estuary, abundance/biovolume of potential HAB-producing cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin presence in Milwaukee-area rivers and the estuary are largely unknown. USGS evaluations of nutrients in the MMSD Watercourse...
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: Geomorphology and Sediment Studies Related to Stream and Estuary Rehabilitation
Geomorphology and habitat studies related to stream and estuary rehabilitation consist of three subproject areas: evaluating the efficacy of fish passage restoration efforts (across multiple watersheds), a targeted assessment of fish passage in the Underwood Creek watershed, and characterization of the Milwaukee River estuary.
Kalamazoo River AOC Dam Removal Geomorphic/Habitat Assessments – Reference Reach Identification
The Kalamazoo River Area of Concern (AOC) has multiple dams in various stages of removal, at which restoration work will be completed in the coming years. Hydrogeomorphic data from relatively undisturbed river reaches are commonly used to inform the design parameters of river restoration projects. Reference reaches are selected to have similar prevailing boundary conditions as target restoration...
Hydrogeomorphic Classification and Conceptual Model
The overall objective of this study is to develop a hydrogeomorphic based conceptual model and hierarchical classification system for the UMRS. This model and classification system will build off the existing classification systems for the UMRS with a new aspect of potential for geomorphic change.
Environmental Effects of Agricultural Practices
As agricultural land in the Minnesota River Basin is retired, tile drains are removed or broken and riparian corridors are planted to reduce runoff. Early studies saw decreased sediment and nitrogen and improved biological indicators but no significant changes in phosphorus. This project continues to investigate the linkages between riparian buffer extent, age, and continuity; stream water; and...
Fluvial geomorphology studies
Fluvial geomorphology studies provide an understanding of the physical processes responsible for shaping the character of streams and their riparian zones across both glaciatied and unglaciated regions of Wisconsin and the midwestern U.S.
Measuring Suspended-Sediment Concentrations, Grain Sizes and Bedload using Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meters and Echologgers in the Lower Chippewa River, Wisconsin
Sediment from the Chippewa River deposits in the Mississippi River navigation channel, sometimes disrupting commercial barge traffic and resulting in expensive and ecologically disruptive dredging operations. The USGS is using new applications of hydroacoustic technologies to better understand sediment transport in the Chippewa River and associated effects on commercial navigation.
Upper Pecatonica River Wisconsin Buffer Initiative pilot project
The Upper Pecatonica River pilot project is testing targeted water-quality improvement strategies in small agricultural watersheds. The USGS is contributing by monitoring phosphorus and sediment at the watershed outlets, quantifying in-stream sources and sinks of phosphorus and sediment, and developing innovative approaches for quantifying sediment-related stream impairments and TMDLs.
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs)
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs) are fully-functional streamgages designed to be deployed quickly and temporarily to measure and transmit stream stage data in emergency situations.
USGS Flood Information
The USGS collects flood data and conducts targeted flood science to help Federal, State, and local agencies, decision makers, and the public before, during, and after a flood. Our efforts provide situational awareness, drive predictive models, inform infrastructure design and operation, undergird floodplain mapping, assist flood constituent/load quantification, and facilitate flood impact...
Surge, Wave, and Tide Hydrodynamics (SWaTH) Network
During large coastal storms, the storm surge and waves are the main cause of destruction and landscape change, transporting saline water, sediment, and debris inland. The USGS, in collaboration with stakeholders, has constructed a national Surge, Wave, and Tide Hydrodynamics (SWaTH) Network for the Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, and Central Pacific. SWaTH monitors and documents the height, extent, and...
Hypothetical Coastal Floodplain Diagram (with caption)
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Hypothetical Riverine Floodplain Diagram (with caption)
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Hypothetical Riverine Floodplain Diagram
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Hypothetical Coastal Floodplain Diagram
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Faith Fitzpatrick hiking with her Bernese Mountain Dog
Faith Fitzpatrick taking her Bernese Mountain dog on a hike to check out rock outcrops around southern Wisconsin.
Faith Fitzpatrick taking her Bernese Mountain dog on a hike to check out rock outcrops around southern Wisconsin.
Map dissolved oxygen and turbidity Milwaukee River
Map of dissolved oxygen and turbidity along the Milwaukee River.
These data are preliminary or provisional and are subject to revision. They are being provided to meet the need for timely best science.
Map of dissolved oxygen and turbidity along the Milwaukee River.
These data are preliminary or provisional and are subject to revision. They are being provided to meet the need for timely best science.
USGS scientists install a double ring infiltrometer
In this photo, USGS scientists Megan Haserodt (Hydrologist) and Jenelle Wempner (Student Intern) install a double ring infiltrometer along a recreated floodplain of Underwood Creek, a tributary to the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In this photo, USGS scientists Megan Haserodt (Hydrologist) and Jenelle Wempner (Student Intern) install a double ring infiltrometer along a recreated floodplain of Underwood Creek, a tributary to the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Bank erosion along an upstream reach of the Kinnickinnic River
Bank erosion along an upstream reach of the Kinnickinnic River, October 2018.
Bank erosion along an upstream reach of the Kinnickinnic River, October 2018.
Stream reach of Underwood Creek channel after rehabilitation
An example stream reach of Underwood Creek’s channel in 2018 after rehabilitation.
An example stream reach of Underwood Creek’s channel in 2018 after rehabilitation.
Milwaukee River Estuary, March 2016
Milwaukee River Estuary, March 2016
Milwaukee River Estuary, March 2016
Riverwalk along Milwaukee River, Wisconsin
Confluence of inner harbor and the Milwaukee River along North Riverwalk Way, leading into downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin in early spring.
Confluence of inner harbor and the Milwaukee River along North Riverwalk Way, leading into downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin in early spring.