Jeffrey Cole is Team Lead of the Groundwater and Ecology Field Innovation Unit.
Jeffrey's current work centers on characterizing groundwater - surface water interactions using paired air and stream temperature monitoring.
Previous projects characterized the spatial distribution and habitat needs of aquatic organisms with emphasis on freshwater mussels and their host fish. He has also developed and applied two-dimensional hydrodynamic flow models and temperature models to better understand what drives where freshwater mussels thrive.
Professional Experience
Pennsylvania Water Science Center Williamsport office since 2020
Leetown Science Center Wellsboro, Pennsylvania Fish Lab, 2008-2019
Education and Certifications
M.S., Frostburg State University, 2007
B.S., Westminster College, 1999
Science and Products
Using United States Geological Survey stream gages to predict flow and temperature conditions to maintain freshwater mussel habitat
Habitat conditions necessary to support freshwater mussels can be difficult to characterize and predict, particularly for rare or endangered species such as the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon. In this study, we evaluate flow and temperature conditions in three areas of the mainstem Delaware River known to consistently support A. heterodon, and we develop predictive m
Reestablishing a host–affiliate relationship: Migratory fish reintroduction increases native mussel recruitment
Co‐extirpation among host–affiliate species is thought to be a leading cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. Freshwater mussels (Unionida) are at risk globally and face many threats to survival, including limited access to viable host fish required to complete their life history. We examine the relationship between the common eastern elliptio mussel (Elliptio complanata) and its migratory host fis
Freshwater mussel survey for the Columbia Dam removal, Paulins Kill, New Jersey
Semi-quantitative mussel surveys, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Delaware Riverkeeper Network in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy, were completed in the vicinity of the Columbia Dam, on the Paulins Kill, New Jersey, in August 2017 in order to document the mussel species composition and relative abundance prior to removal of the dam. Surveys were conducted from the Brugler R
Freshwater mussel salvage and relocation at the Pond Eddy Bridge, Delaware River, New York and Pennsylvania
In a study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, freshwater mussels were salvaged and relocated from the anticipated zone of impact for the Pond Eddy Bridge construction project in New York and Pennsylvania. Five 25-meter (m) by 25-m cells along the Pennsylvania bank of the Delaware River were sampled in three generally straight
Geographic variation in host fish use and larval metamorphosis for the endangered dwarf wedgemussel
Host fishes play a crucial role in survival and dispersal of freshwater mussels (Unionoida), particularly rare unionids at conservation risk. Intraspecific variation in host use is not well understood for many mussels, including the endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) in the USA.Host suitability of 33 fish species for dwarf wedgemussel glochidia (larvae) from the Delaware and Conn
Population demographics for the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel
The dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon, is a federally endangered freshwater mussel species inhabiting several Atlantic Slope rivers. Studies on population demographics of this species are necessary for status assessment and directing recovery efforts. We conducted qualitative and quantitative surveys for dwarf wedgemussel in the mainstem Delaware River and in four of its tributaries (Big Fl
Evaluating methods to establish habitat suitability criteria: A case study in the upper Delaware River Basin, USA
Defining habitat suitability criteria (HSC) of aquatic biota can be a key component to environmental flow science. HSC can be developed through numerous methods; however, few studies have evaluated the consistency of HSC developed by different methodologies. We directly compared HSC for depth and velocity developed by the Delphi method (expert opinion) and by two primary literature meta-analyses (
An integrated Riverine Environmental Flow Decision Support System (REFDSS) to evaluate the ecological effects of alternative flow scenarios on river ecosystems
In regulated rivers, managers must evaluate competing flow release scenarios that attempt to balance both human and natural needs. Meeting these natural flow needs is complex due to the myriad of interacting physical and hydrological factors that affect ecosystems. Tools that synthesize the voluminous scientific data and models on these factors will facilitate management of these systems. Here, we
Developing and testing temperature models for regulated systems: a case study on the Upper Delaware River
Water temperature is an important driver of many processes in riverine ecosystems. If reservoirs are present, their releases can greatly influence downstream water temperatures. Models are important tools in understanding the influence these releases may have on the thermal regimes of downstream rivers. In this study, we developed and tested a suite of models to predict river temperature at a loca
Newly documented host fishes for the eastern elliptio mussel (Elliptio complanata)
The eastern elliptio Elliptio complanata is a common, abundant, and ecologically important freshwater mussel that occurs throughout the Atlantic Slope drainage in the United States and Canada. Previous research has shown E. complanata glochidia to be host fish generalists, parasitizing yellow perch Perca flavescens, banded killifish Fundulus diaphanus, banded sculpin Cottus carolinae, and seven ce
Non-USGS Publications**
Cole, J.C., P.A. Townsend, and K.N. Eshleman, 2008, Predicting flow and temperature regimes at three Alasmidonta heterodon locations in the Delaware River: National Park Service, Technical Report NPS/NER/NRTR—2008/109, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, accessed September 22, 2020 as Supplemental Material Reference S2 at https://doi.org/10.3996/112014-JFWM-084.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Paired Air and Water Temperature Monitoring for Next Generation Water Observing System
USGS characterizes the relationship between a stream's water temperature and the surrounding air temperature to understand the influence groundwater flow into and out of the stream has on that relationship.
Modeling accumulated surface runoff and water availability for aquifer storage and recovery in the MENA region from 1984-2015
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is the most water-scarce region with only two percent of the global average annual rainfall, hence underground aquifers are the major source of water. The need to improve water productivity and increase aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) is driving the efforts for this acceleration of aquifer storage and recovery project. The objective was to model ru
Neversink River freshwater mussel surveys: 2006-2009
Data are included for two types of field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels within the Neversink River in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in consecutive ~200 meter sections of river in 2006 and 2007; a subset of these sections were re-surveyed qualitatively in 2009. The number of mussels of each species and associated search tim
Pine Creek freshwater mussel qualitative survey data 1995 through 2009
Data are included for field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels within the Pine Creek watershed in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in ~200 meter sections of river between 1995 and 2009; The number of mussels of each species and associated search time were recorded for each survey section to determine a catch per unit effort (CPUE
Susquehanna River Basin freshwater mussel surveys: 2008-2015
Data are included for two types of field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels throughout the Susquehanna River Basin (and one site in the Potomac River Basin) in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States from 2008-2010. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in consecutive ~200 meter sections of river (at least 8 in each stream). The number of mussels of each species and associat
Site bathymetry, water temperature and rating curve 2004 and 2005 data for 3 sites in the Delaware River mainstem
Data were obtained in order to develop bathymetric maps, rating curve relationships between site stage and river flow conditions, and water temperature to better understand the habitat needs of the dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon, to inform conservation of the species and management of the river. Data are included from three parts of the research in the Delaware River focusing on three si
Host fishes for the endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) from various locations in the northeastern United States (1999-2007)
Data is included for three sets of laboratory experiments where various fish species were tested in several multi-week trials to determine their suitability in serving as parasitic hosts for larvae of the freshwater mussel named dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) from the Mid-Atlantic region and New England of the United States. The first set of experiments tested host suitability of multip
Science and Products
- Publications
Using United States Geological Survey stream gages to predict flow and temperature conditions to maintain freshwater mussel habitat
Habitat conditions necessary to support freshwater mussels can be difficult to characterize and predict, particularly for rare or endangered species such as the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon. In this study, we evaluate flow and temperature conditions in three areas of the mainstem Delaware River known to consistently support A. heterodon, and we develop predictive mReestablishing a host–affiliate relationship: Migratory fish reintroduction increases native mussel recruitment
Co‐extirpation among host–affiliate species is thought to be a leading cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. Freshwater mussels (Unionida) are at risk globally and face many threats to survival, including limited access to viable host fish required to complete their life history. We examine the relationship between the common eastern elliptio mussel (Elliptio complanata) and its migratory host fisFreshwater mussel survey for the Columbia Dam removal, Paulins Kill, New Jersey
Semi-quantitative mussel surveys, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Delaware Riverkeeper Network in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy, were completed in the vicinity of the Columbia Dam, on the Paulins Kill, New Jersey, in August 2017 in order to document the mussel species composition and relative abundance prior to removal of the dam. Surveys were conducted from the Brugler RFreshwater mussel salvage and relocation at the Pond Eddy Bridge, Delaware River, New York and Pennsylvania
In a study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, freshwater mussels were salvaged and relocated from the anticipated zone of impact for the Pond Eddy Bridge construction project in New York and Pennsylvania. Five 25-meter (m) by 25-m cells along the Pennsylvania bank of the Delaware River were sampled in three generally straightGeographic variation in host fish use and larval metamorphosis for the endangered dwarf wedgemussel
Host fishes play a crucial role in survival and dispersal of freshwater mussels (Unionoida), particularly rare unionids at conservation risk. Intraspecific variation in host use is not well understood for many mussels, including the endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) in the USA.Host suitability of 33 fish species for dwarf wedgemussel glochidia (larvae) from the Delaware and ConnPopulation demographics for the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel
The dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon, is a federally endangered freshwater mussel species inhabiting several Atlantic Slope rivers. Studies on population demographics of this species are necessary for status assessment and directing recovery efforts. We conducted qualitative and quantitative surveys for dwarf wedgemussel in the mainstem Delaware River and in four of its tributaries (Big FlEvaluating methods to establish habitat suitability criteria: A case study in the upper Delaware River Basin, USA
Defining habitat suitability criteria (HSC) of aquatic biota can be a key component to environmental flow science. HSC can be developed through numerous methods; however, few studies have evaluated the consistency of HSC developed by different methodologies. We directly compared HSC for depth and velocity developed by the Delphi method (expert opinion) and by two primary literature meta-analyses (An integrated Riverine Environmental Flow Decision Support System (REFDSS) to evaluate the ecological effects of alternative flow scenarios on river ecosystems
In regulated rivers, managers must evaluate competing flow release scenarios that attempt to balance both human and natural needs. Meeting these natural flow needs is complex due to the myriad of interacting physical and hydrological factors that affect ecosystems. Tools that synthesize the voluminous scientific data and models on these factors will facilitate management of these systems. Here, weDeveloping and testing temperature models for regulated systems: a case study on the Upper Delaware River
Water temperature is an important driver of many processes in riverine ecosystems. If reservoirs are present, their releases can greatly influence downstream water temperatures. Models are important tools in understanding the influence these releases may have on the thermal regimes of downstream rivers. In this study, we developed and tested a suite of models to predict river temperature at a locaNewly documented host fishes for the eastern elliptio mussel (Elliptio complanata)
The eastern elliptio Elliptio complanata is a common, abundant, and ecologically important freshwater mussel that occurs throughout the Atlantic Slope drainage in the United States and Canada. Previous research has shown E. complanata glochidia to be host fish generalists, parasitizing yellow perch Perca flavescens, banded killifish Fundulus diaphanus, banded sculpin Cottus carolinae, and seven ceNon-USGS Publications**
Cole, J.C., P.A. Townsend, and K.N. Eshleman, 2008, Predicting flow and temperature regimes at three Alasmidonta heterodon locations in the Delaware River: National Park Service, Technical Report NPS/NER/NRTR—2008/109, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, accessed September 22, 2020 as Supplemental Material Reference S2 at https://doi.org/10.3996/112014-JFWM-084.**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
- Science
Paired Air and Water Temperature Monitoring for Next Generation Water Observing System
USGS characterizes the relationship between a stream's water temperature and the surrounding air temperature to understand the influence groundwater flow into and out of the stream has on that relationship. - Data
Modeling accumulated surface runoff and water availability for aquifer storage and recovery in the MENA region from 1984-2015
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is the most water-scarce region with only two percent of the global average annual rainfall, hence underground aquifers are the major source of water. The need to improve water productivity and increase aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) is driving the efforts for this acceleration of aquifer storage and recovery project. The objective was to model ruNeversink River freshwater mussel surveys: 2006-2009
Data are included for two types of field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels within the Neversink River in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in consecutive ~200 meter sections of river in 2006 and 2007; a subset of these sections were re-surveyed qualitatively in 2009. The number of mussels of each species and associated search timPine Creek freshwater mussel qualitative survey data 1995 through 2009
Data are included for field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels within the Pine Creek watershed in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in ~200 meter sections of river between 1995 and 2009; The number of mussels of each species and associated search time were recorded for each survey section to determine a catch per unit effort (CPUESusquehanna River Basin freshwater mussel surveys: 2008-2015
Data are included for two types of field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels throughout the Susquehanna River Basin (and one site in the Potomac River Basin) in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States from 2008-2010. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in consecutive ~200 meter sections of river (at least 8 in each stream). The number of mussels of each species and associatSite bathymetry, water temperature and rating curve 2004 and 2005 data for 3 sites in the Delaware River mainstem
Data were obtained in order to develop bathymetric maps, rating curve relationships between site stage and river flow conditions, and water temperature to better understand the habitat needs of the dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon, to inform conservation of the species and management of the river. Data are included from three parts of the research in the Delaware River focusing on three siHost fishes for the endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) from various locations in the northeastern United States (1999-2007)
Data is included for three sets of laboratory experiments where various fish species were tested in several multi-week trials to determine their suitability in serving as parasitic hosts for larvae of the freshwater mussel named dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) from the Mid-Atlantic region and New England of the United States. The first set of experiments tested host suitability of multip - Multimedia
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