Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Jennifer L Bruce (Former Employee)

Science and Products

The water cycle The water cycle

An illustrated diagram of the water cycle. This is a modern, updated version of the widely used diagram featured on the USGS Water Science School. Notably, this new water cycle diagram depicts humans and major categories of human water use as key components of the water cycle, in addition to the key pools and fluxes of the hydrologic cycle. This product targets an 8th grade audience and...
Authors
Hayley R. Corson-Dosch, Cee S. Nell, Rachel E. Volentine, Althea A. Archer, Ellen Bechtel, Jennifer L. Bruce, Nicole Felts, Tara A. Gross, Dianne Lopez-Trujillo, Charlotte E. Riggs, Emily Read
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC), Colorado Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE)

The Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) studies the occurrence, fate and transport, and health effects of human and agricultural zoonotic pathogens in the environment. The LIDE is an interagency collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service that conducts research to inform decision...
Authors
Joel P. Stokdyk, Jennifer L. Bruce, Tucker R. Burch, Susan K. Spencer, Aaron D. Firnstahl, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Communicating hazards—A social science review to meet U.S. Geological Survey needs Communicating hazards—A social science review to meet U.S. Geological Survey needs

This report is for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)—and any other—hazard scientists who want to improve the understanding and use of their scientific information, particularly by non-experts. In order for people to use science, they need to understand it. The highly technical, specialized nature of scientific information makes that difficult, particularly when few scientists are trained to
Authors
Kerry F. Milch, Suzanne C. Perry, Jennifer L. Bruce
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area

The HayWired earthquake scenario—We can outsmart disaster The HayWired earthquake scenario—We can outsmart disaster

The HayWired earthquake scenario, led by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), anticipates the impacts of a hypothetical magnitude-7.0 earthquake on the Hayward Fault. The fault is along the east side of California’s San Francisco Bay and is among the most active and dangerous in the United States, because it runs through a densely urbanized and interconnected region. One way to learn about...
Authors
Kenneth W. Hudnut, Anne M. Wein, Dale A. Cox, Keith A. Porter, Laurie A. Johnson, Suzanne C. Perry, Jennifer L. Bruce, Drew LaPointe
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Earthquake Hazards Program, Earthquake Science Center

FishVis, A regional decision support tool for identifying vulnerabilities of riverine habitat and fishes to climate change in the Great Lakes Region FishVis, A regional decision support tool for identifying vulnerabilities of riverine habitat and fishes to climate change in the Great Lakes Region

Climate change is expected to alter the distributions and community composition of stream fishes in the Great Lakes region in the 21st century, in part as a result of altered hydrological systems (stream temperature, streamflow, and habitat). Resource managers need information and tools to understand where fish species and stream habitats are expected to change under future conditions...
Authors
Jana S. Stewart, S. Alex Covert, Nick J. Estes, Stephen M. Westenbroek, Damon Krueger, Daniel J. Wieferich, Michael T. Slattery, John D. Lyons, James E. McKenna, Dana M. Infante, Jennifer L. Bruce
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Science Synthesis, Analysis, and Research Program, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Identifying and preserving high-water mark data Identifying and preserving high-water mark data

High-water marks provide valuable data for understanding recent and historical flood events. The proper collection and recording of high-water mark data from perishable and preserved evidence informs flood assessments, research, and water resource management. Given the high cost of flooding in developed areas, experienced hydrographers, using the best available techniques, can contribute...
Authors
Todd A. Koenig, Jennifer L. Bruce, Jim O’Connor, Benton D. McGee, Robert R. Holmes, Ryan Hollins, Brandon T. Forbes, Michael S. Kohn, Mathew Schellekens, Zachary W. Martin, Marie C. Peppler
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Colorado Water Science Center, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Jose, Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Nate, Water Science School

Organic waste compounds as contaminants in Milwaukee-area streams Organic waste compounds as contaminants in Milwaukee-area streams

Organic waste compounds (OWCs) are ingredients and by-products of common agricultural, industrial, and household substances that can contaminate our streams through sources like urban runoff, sewage overflows, and leaking septic systems. To better understand how OWCs are affecting Milwaukee-area streams, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage...
Authors
Austin K. Baldwin, Steven R. Corsi, Christopher Magruder, Matthew Magruder, Jennifer L. Bruce
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Tools for discovering and accessing Great Lakes scientific data Tools for discovering and accessing Great Lakes scientific data

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is a multidisciplinary and interagency effort focused on the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes (GL) using the best available science and applying lessons learned from previous studies. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) contributes to the GLRI effort by providing resource managers with information and tools needed to meet...
Authors
Jessica M. Lucido, Jennifer L. Bruce
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Water-quality characteristics for selected sites within the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District planning area, Wisconsin, February 2004-September 2005 Water-quality characteristics for selected sites within the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District planning area, Wisconsin, February 2004-September 2005

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) Corridor Study is a three-phase project designed to improve the understanding of water resources in the MMSD planning area to assist managers and policy makers in their decisions. Phase I of the Study involved the compilation of existing data from multiple agencies into a single database. These data were analyzed to identify spatial...
Authors
Judith C. Thomas, Michelle A. Lutz, Jennifer L. Bruce, David J. Graczyk, Kevin D. Richards, David P. Krabbenhoft, Stephen M. Westenbroek, Barbara C. Scudder, Daniel J. Sullivan, Amanda H. Bell
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, M3 Research Laboratory

Water-resources investigations in Wisconsin, 2004 Water-resources investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

The statewide average precipitation for the 2003 water year was 27.42 inches, which was 5.22 inches less than the normal annual precipitation of 32.64 inches for water years 1971–2000. Average precipitation values affecting streamflow conditions ranged from 67 percent in southeast Wisconsin to 99 percent in northeast Wisconsin with a statewide average of 84 percent (summary tables...
Authors
Jennifer L. Bruce, Michelle M. Greenwood, Susan Z. Jones
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Bruce, J.L., 2010, Are CAMA Land-Use Plans Protecting Coastal Resources? An Evaluation of North Carolina’s Coastal Planning Requirement: Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences Master's Project, 141 p.

**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.

Image: Sorlie Bridge Flooded

Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program

The USGS Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program helps communities protect lives and property by providing tools and information to help them understand their local flood risks and make cost-effective mitigation decisions.
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Hurricanes
Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program

Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program

The USGS Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program helps communities protect lives and property by providing tools and information to help them understand their local flood risks and make cost-effective mitigation decisions.
Learn More
Image of the USGS Water Cycle Diagram

Water Cycle Diagrams

Learn more about where water is on Earth and how it moves using one of the USGS water cycle diagrams. We offer downloadable and interactive versions of the water cycle diagram in English, the official language and authoritative version of all federal information. In addition, our diagrams are available in multiple languages. In addition our diagrams are available in multiple languages. Explore our...
By
Water Science School
Water Cycle Diagrams

Water Cycle Diagrams

Learn more about where water is on Earth and how it moves using one of the USGS water cycle diagrams. We offer downloadable and interactive versions of the water cycle diagram in English, the official language and authoritative version of all federal information. In addition, our diagrams are available in multiple languages. In addition our diagrams are available in multiple languages. Explore our...
Learn More
Image Collage of Landsat, pollinator, and volcanologist

Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest...
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest, which
Learn More
USGS science for a changing world logo

Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest...
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest, which
Learn More

Stakeholder Engagement for Water-Hazard Science and Response in the USGS Rocky Mountain Region Stakeholder Engagement for Water-Hazard Science and Response in the USGS Rocky Mountain Region

Stakeholder engagement is essential to successful development and implementation of products and services supporting emergency management. Governmental agencies often have a unique challenge of ensuring equitable stakeholder representation across large geographic, administrative, and topical areas. This project used stakeholder engagement to understand end-users needs concerning water...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
A landscape depicting where water is (in bright blue) and how it moves (with arrows). Human activities are shown throughout.
The Water Cycle (PNG)
The Water Cycle (PNG)
A landscape depicting where water is (in bright blue) and how it moves (with arrows). Human activities are shown throughout.

The Water Cycle (PNG)

The Water Cycle (PNG)

This diagram, released in 2022, depicts the global water cycle. It shows how human water use affects where water is stored, how it moves, and how clean it is. This diagram is available in English and Spanish.

A landscape depicting where water is (in bright blue) and how it moves (with arrows). Human activities are shown throughout.

The Water Cycle (PNG)

The Water Cycle (PNG)

This diagram, released in 2022, depicts the global water cycle. It shows how human water use affects where water is stored, how it moves, and how clean it is. This diagram is available in English and Spanish.

Colorado River Basin drought and the 2023 water year Colorado River Basin drought and the 2023 water year

How wet was 2023 when compared to historical averages? This geonarrative compares precipitation and streamflow amounts observed during the 2023 water year with historical conditions in the Colorado River Basin over the last 30 years. While the 2023 water year was a wet year with above-average precipitation at many locations, it was not uniformly good or record-setting.
By
Colorado River Basin: Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology, Drought

USGS Science Collaboration Portal for the Colorado River Basin USGS Science Collaboration Portal for the Colorado River Basin

To help resource managers plan and mitigate long-term drought impacts in the Colorado River Basin, the USGS has launched a platform that brings together science, data, and mapping and analytical tools from across the basin in a central location.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Arizona Water Science Center, California Water Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Nevada Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Geographic Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Colorado River Basin: Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology, Drought

USGS Response to Hurricane Florence USGS Response to Hurricane Florence

The USGS studies the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms to better understand potential impacts on coastal and inland areas. This geonarrative highlights USGS activities and information produced for Hurricane Florence.
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

What to Expect in a Big Urban Earthquake What to Expect in a Big Urban Earthquake

How do we get ready for big earthquakes in populated areas? An important first step is to learn what a big earthquake could be like. These pages summarize the main patterns — the earthquake effects that show up again and again. Here, urban is shorthand for “cities, towns, and suburbs”.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Earthquake Hazards Program, Science Application for Risk Reduction

The HayWired Scenario: An Urban Earthquake in a Connected World - A Geonarrative The HayWired Scenario: An Urban Earthquake in a Connected World - A Geonarrative

What might it be like the next time the Hayward Fault has a large earthquake? A geonarrative and related imagery examines a hypothetical earthquake, the magnitude 7.0 HayWired earthquake scenario.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Science Application for Risk Reduction

GLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring: Assessing stormwater reduction using green infrastructure (geonarrative) GLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring: Assessing stormwater reduction using green infrastructure (geonarrative)

The GLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring effort brings together the expertise of the USGS with local and national partners to assess the ability of green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff in Great Lakes urban areas. This geonarrative discusses the problem with stormwater, the potential benefits and challenges of green infrastructure, and how this effort is evaluating its effectiveness.
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Measuring the July 2016 flood in northern Wisconsin and the Bad River Reservation Measuring the July 2016 flood in northern Wisconsin and the Bad River Reservation

On July 11-12, 2016, severe thunderstorms hit northern Wisconsin, resulting in widespread flooding. Immediately following the flood, the USGS and the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians began collecting evidence of peak flood levels. USGS scientists used these high-water marks, along with streamflow and lake level, to reconstruct the extent and depth of flood inundation.
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

GLRI Edge-of-Field Monitoring (geonarrative) GLRI Edge-of-Field Monitoring (geonarrative)

The GLRI Edge-of-Field Monitoring project focuses on identifying and reducing agricultural sources of excess nutrients which can threaten the health of the Great Lakes. This geonarrative details the basics of edge-of-field monitoring (EOF), explores EOF applications, shows USGS is working collaboratively with our partners, and discusses how EOF can improve conservation efforts.
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Water Science School
USGS releases a comprehensive look at water resources in the United States

USGS releases a comprehensive look at water resources in the United States

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) today released the National Water Availability Assessment, a pioneering scientific overview of water...

Read Article
USGS provides easy access to Colorado River science with new online portal

USGS provides easy access to Colorado River science with new online portal

All users of the Colorado River now have a more efficient way to find U.S. Geological Survey science critical to its future management.

Read Article
New USGS diagram re-envisions how Earth’s most precious commodity cycles the planet

New USGS diagram re-envisions how Earth’s most precious commodity cycles the planet

New educational tool better illustrates the role humans play in water availability

Read Article
Colorado River Flow Dwindles as Warming-Driven Loss of Reflective Snow Energizes Evaporation

Colorado River Flow Dwindles as Warming-Driven Loss of Reflective Snow Energizes Evaporation

New USGS research indicates that streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) is decreasing by about 5% per degree Fahrenheit as a consequence...

Read Article
Using Story Maps to communicate USGS science

Using Story Maps to communicate USGS science

Gary Latzke and Jamie Velkoverh (WiM) presented an invited plenary talk at the 2016 ESRI Federal GIS conference in Washington, DC, on Feb, 24, 2016...

Read Article

Science and Products

The water cycle The water cycle

An illustrated diagram of the water cycle. This is a modern, updated version of the widely used diagram featured on the USGS Water Science School. Notably, this new water cycle diagram depicts humans and major categories of human water use as key components of the water cycle, in addition to the key pools and fluxes of the hydrologic cycle. This product targets an 8th grade audience and...
Authors
Hayley R. Corson-Dosch, Cee S. Nell, Rachel E. Volentine, Althea A. Archer, Ellen Bechtel, Jennifer L. Bruce, Nicole Felts, Tara A. Gross, Dianne Lopez-Trujillo, Charlotte E. Riggs, Emily Read
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC), Colorado Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE)

The Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) studies the occurrence, fate and transport, and health effects of human and agricultural zoonotic pathogens in the environment. The LIDE is an interagency collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service that conducts research to inform decision...
Authors
Joel P. Stokdyk, Jennifer L. Bruce, Tucker R. Burch, Susan K. Spencer, Aaron D. Firnstahl, Mark A. Borchardt
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Communicating hazards—A social science review to meet U.S. Geological Survey needs Communicating hazards—A social science review to meet U.S. Geological Survey needs

This report is for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)—and any other—hazard scientists who want to improve the understanding and use of their scientific information, particularly by non-experts. In order for people to use science, they need to understand it. The highly technical, specialized nature of scientific information makes that difficult, particularly when few scientists are trained to
Authors
Kerry F. Milch, Suzanne C. Perry, Jennifer L. Bruce
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area

The HayWired earthquake scenario—We can outsmart disaster The HayWired earthquake scenario—We can outsmart disaster

The HayWired earthquake scenario, led by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), anticipates the impacts of a hypothetical magnitude-7.0 earthquake on the Hayward Fault. The fault is along the east side of California’s San Francisco Bay and is among the most active and dangerous in the United States, because it runs through a densely urbanized and interconnected region. One way to learn about...
Authors
Kenneth W. Hudnut, Anne M. Wein, Dale A. Cox, Keith A. Porter, Laurie A. Johnson, Suzanne C. Perry, Jennifer L. Bruce, Drew LaPointe
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Earthquake Hazards Program, Earthquake Science Center

FishVis, A regional decision support tool for identifying vulnerabilities of riverine habitat and fishes to climate change in the Great Lakes Region FishVis, A regional decision support tool for identifying vulnerabilities of riverine habitat and fishes to climate change in the Great Lakes Region

Climate change is expected to alter the distributions and community composition of stream fishes in the Great Lakes region in the 21st century, in part as a result of altered hydrological systems (stream temperature, streamflow, and habitat). Resource managers need information and tools to understand where fish species and stream habitats are expected to change under future conditions...
Authors
Jana S. Stewart, S. Alex Covert, Nick J. Estes, Stephen M. Westenbroek, Damon Krueger, Daniel J. Wieferich, Michael T. Slattery, John D. Lyons, James E. McKenna, Dana M. Infante, Jennifer L. Bruce
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Science Synthesis, Analysis, and Research Program, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Identifying and preserving high-water mark data Identifying and preserving high-water mark data

High-water marks provide valuable data for understanding recent and historical flood events. The proper collection and recording of high-water mark data from perishable and preserved evidence informs flood assessments, research, and water resource management. Given the high cost of flooding in developed areas, experienced hydrographers, using the best available techniques, can contribute...
Authors
Todd A. Koenig, Jennifer L. Bruce, Jim O’Connor, Benton D. McGee, Robert R. Holmes, Ryan Hollins, Brandon T. Forbes, Michael S. Kohn, Mathew Schellekens, Zachary W. Martin, Marie C. Peppler
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program, Colorado Water Science Center, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Jose, Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Nate, Water Science School

Organic waste compounds as contaminants in Milwaukee-area streams Organic waste compounds as contaminants in Milwaukee-area streams

Organic waste compounds (OWCs) are ingredients and by-products of common agricultural, industrial, and household substances that can contaminate our streams through sources like urban runoff, sewage overflows, and leaking septic systems. To better understand how OWCs are affecting Milwaukee-area streams, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage...
Authors
Austin K. Baldwin, Steven R. Corsi, Christopher Magruder, Matthew Magruder, Jennifer L. Bruce
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Tools for discovering and accessing Great Lakes scientific data Tools for discovering and accessing Great Lakes scientific data

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is a multidisciplinary and interagency effort focused on the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes (GL) using the best available science and applying lessons learned from previous studies. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) contributes to the GLRI effort by providing resource managers with information and tools needed to meet...
Authors
Jessica M. Lucido, Jennifer L. Bruce
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Water-quality characteristics for selected sites within the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District planning area, Wisconsin, February 2004-September 2005 Water-quality characteristics for selected sites within the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District planning area, Wisconsin, February 2004-September 2005

The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) Corridor Study is a three-phase project designed to improve the understanding of water resources in the MMSD planning area to assist managers and policy makers in their decisions. Phase I of the Study involved the compilation of existing data from multiple agencies into a single database. These data were analyzed to identify spatial...
Authors
Judith C. Thomas, Michelle A. Lutz, Jennifer L. Bruce, David J. Graczyk, Kevin D. Richards, David P. Krabbenhoft, Stephen M. Westenbroek, Barbara C. Scudder, Daniel J. Sullivan, Amanda H. Bell
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, M3 Research Laboratory

Water-resources investigations in Wisconsin, 2004 Water-resources investigations in Wisconsin, 2004

The statewide average precipitation for the 2003 water year was 27.42 inches, which was 5.22 inches less than the normal annual precipitation of 32.64 inches for water years 1971–2000. Average precipitation values affecting streamflow conditions ranged from 67 percent in southeast Wisconsin to 99 percent in northeast Wisconsin with a statewide average of 84 percent (summary tables...
Authors
Jennifer L. Bruce, Michelle M. Greenwood, Susan Z. Jones
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Bruce, J.L., 2010, Are CAMA Land-Use Plans Protecting Coastal Resources? An Evaluation of North Carolina’s Coastal Planning Requirement: Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences Master's Project, 141 p.

**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.

Image: Sorlie Bridge Flooded

Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program

The USGS Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program helps communities protect lives and property by providing tools and information to help them understand their local flood risks and make cost-effective mitigation decisions.
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Hurricanes
Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program

Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program

The USGS Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program helps communities protect lives and property by providing tools and information to help them understand their local flood risks and make cost-effective mitigation decisions.
Learn More
Image of the USGS Water Cycle Diagram

Water Cycle Diagrams

Learn more about where water is on Earth and how it moves using one of the USGS water cycle diagrams. We offer downloadable and interactive versions of the water cycle diagram in English, the official language and authoritative version of all federal information. In addition, our diagrams are available in multiple languages. In addition our diagrams are available in multiple languages. Explore our...
By
Water Science School
Water Cycle Diagrams

Water Cycle Diagrams

Learn more about where water is on Earth and how it moves using one of the USGS water cycle diagrams. We offer downloadable and interactive versions of the water cycle diagram in English, the official language and authoritative version of all federal information. In addition, our diagrams are available in multiple languages. In addition our diagrams are available in multiple languages. Explore our...
Learn More
Image Collage of Landsat, pollinator, and volcanologist

Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest...
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest, which
Learn More
USGS science for a changing world logo

Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest...
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

Geographic Searches for USGS Publications (Bureau-wide Application)

The purpose of this project is to improve the USGS Publications Warehouse (Pubs Warehouse) so that a person can search for USGS publications by geographic region in addition to existing search criteria; for example, one could search using map zooms or congressional districts. The addition of geographic searches allows users to narrow their search results to specific areas of interest, which
Learn More

Stakeholder Engagement for Water-Hazard Science and Response in the USGS Rocky Mountain Region Stakeholder Engagement for Water-Hazard Science and Response in the USGS Rocky Mountain Region

Stakeholder engagement is essential to successful development and implementation of products and services supporting emergency management. Governmental agencies often have a unique challenge of ensuring equitable stakeholder representation across large geographic, administrative, and topical areas. This project used stakeholder engagement to understand end-users needs concerning water...
By
Water Resources Mission Area
A landscape depicting where water is (in bright blue) and how it moves (with arrows). Human activities are shown throughout.
The Water Cycle (PNG)
The Water Cycle (PNG)
A landscape depicting where water is (in bright blue) and how it moves (with arrows). Human activities are shown throughout.

The Water Cycle (PNG)

The Water Cycle (PNG)

This diagram, released in 2022, depicts the global water cycle. It shows how human water use affects where water is stored, how it moves, and how clean it is. This diagram is available in English and Spanish.

A landscape depicting where water is (in bright blue) and how it moves (with arrows). Human activities are shown throughout.

The Water Cycle (PNG)

The Water Cycle (PNG)

This diagram, released in 2022, depicts the global water cycle. It shows how human water use affects where water is stored, how it moves, and how clean it is. This diagram is available in English and Spanish.

Colorado River Basin drought and the 2023 water year Colorado River Basin drought and the 2023 water year

How wet was 2023 when compared to historical averages? This geonarrative compares precipitation and streamflow amounts observed during the 2023 water year with historical conditions in the Colorado River Basin over the last 30 years. While the 2023 water year was a wet year with above-average precipitation at many locations, it was not uniformly good or record-setting.
By
Colorado River Basin: Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology, Drought

USGS Science Collaboration Portal for the Colorado River Basin USGS Science Collaboration Portal for the Colorado River Basin

To help resource managers plan and mitigate long-term drought impacts in the Colorado River Basin, the USGS has launched a platform that brings together science, data, and mapping and analytical tools from across the basin in a central location.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Arizona Water Science Center, California Water Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Nevada Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Utah Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Geographic Science Center, Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Colorado River Basin: Actionable and Strategic Integrated Science and Technology, Drought

USGS Response to Hurricane Florence USGS Response to Hurricane Florence

The USGS studies the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms to better understand potential impacts on coastal and inland areas. This geonarrative highlights USGS activities and information produced for Hurricane Florence.
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

What to Expect in a Big Urban Earthquake What to Expect in a Big Urban Earthquake

How do we get ready for big earthquakes in populated areas? An important first step is to learn what a big earthquake could be like. These pages summarize the main patterns — the earthquake effects that show up again and again. Here, urban is shorthand for “cities, towns, and suburbs”.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Earthquake Hazards Program, Science Application for Risk Reduction

The HayWired Scenario: An Urban Earthquake in a Connected World - A Geonarrative The HayWired Scenario: An Urban Earthquake in a Connected World - A Geonarrative

What might it be like the next time the Hayward Fault has a large earthquake? A geonarrative and related imagery examines a hypothetical earthquake, the magnitude 7.0 HayWired earthquake scenario.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Science Application for Risk Reduction

GLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring: Assessing stormwater reduction using green infrastructure (geonarrative) GLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring: Assessing stormwater reduction using green infrastructure (geonarrative)

The GLRI Urban Stormwater Monitoring effort brings together the expertise of the USGS with local and national partners to assess the ability of green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff in Great Lakes urban areas. This geonarrative discusses the problem with stormwater, the potential benefits and challenges of green infrastructure, and how this effort is evaluating its effectiveness.
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Measuring the July 2016 flood in northern Wisconsin and the Bad River Reservation Measuring the July 2016 flood in northern Wisconsin and the Bad River Reservation

On July 11-12, 2016, severe thunderstorms hit northern Wisconsin, resulting in widespread flooding. Immediately following the flood, the USGS and the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians began collecting evidence of peak flood levels. USGS scientists used these high-water marks, along with streamflow and lake level, to reconstruct the extent and depth of flood inundation.
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center

GLRI Edge-of-Field Monitoring (geonarrative) GLRI Edge-of-Field Monitoring (geonarrative)

The GLRI Edge-of-Field Monitoring project focuses on identifying and reducing agricultural sources of excess nutrients which can threaten the health of the Great Lakes. This geonarrative details the basics of edge-of-field monitoring (EOF), explores EOF applications, shows USGS is working collaboratively with our partners, and discusses how EOF can improve conservation efforts.
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Water Science School
USGS releases a comprehensive look at water resources in the United States

USGS releases a comprehensive look at water resources in the United States

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) today released the National Water Availability Assessment, a pioneering scientific overview of water...

Read Article
USGS provides easy access to Colorado River science with new online portal

USGS provides easy access to Colorado River science with new online portal

All users of the Colorado River now have a more efficient way to find U.S. Geological Survey science critical to its future management.

Read Article
New USGS diagram re-envisions how Earth’s most precious commodity cycles the planet

New USGS diagram re-envisions how Earth’s most precious commodity cycles the planet

New educational tool better illustrates the role humans play in water availability

Read Article
Colorado River Flow Dwindles as Warming-Driven Loss of Reflective Snow Energizes Evaporation

Colorado River Flow Dwindles as Warming-Driven Loss of Reflective Snow Energizes Evaporation

New USGS research indicates that streamflow in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) is decreasing by about 5% per degree Fahrenheit as a consequence...

Read Article
Using Story Maps to communicate USGS science

Using Story Maps to communicate USGS science

Gary Latzke and Jamie Velkoverh (WiM) presented an invited plenary talk at the 2016 ESRI Federal GIS conference in Washington, DC, on Feb, 24, 2016...

Read Article
Was this page helpful?