Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Lillian E Gorman Sanisaca

Lillian (Lily) is a Physical Scientist with the USGS. She works on a variety of projects as an expert in the R programming language, Rshiny, and in translation of proprietary programming languages (SAS, Python, etc.) to R.  Current research projects include development of RSPARROW and RSPARROW, Bayesian with Richard Alexander and of the Sediment Source Assessment Tool (Sed_SAT) with Allen Gellis.

Select Publications

Gorman Sanisaca, L.E., Gellis, A.C., and Lorenz, D.L., 2017, Determining the sources of finegrained sediment using the Sediment Source Assessment Tool (Sed_SAT): U.S. Geological Survey Open File Report 2017–1062, 104 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20171062, IP-079059.

Gorman Sanisaca, L., Gellis, Allen, Lorenz, David, 2017, Sediment Source Assessment Tool (Sed_SAT): U.S. Geological Survey software release, accessed at https://my.usgs.gov/bitbucket/projects/SED/repos/sed_sat/

Professional Experience

  • 2014-present: Physical Scientist USGS MD-DE-DC Water Science Center Baltimore, MD

  • 2013-2014: Contractor USGS MD-DE-DC Water Science Center Baltimore, MD

  • 2013: Volunteer USGS MD-DE-DC Water Science Center Baltimore, MD

Education and Certifications

  • Graduate Studies, Dept. Earth and Planetary Science, Johns Hopkins University 2008-2010

  • B.S. Geophysics, B.S. Geology University of Minnesota, Twin-Cities, Minneapolis, MN

Science and Products

link
DOI logo customblock size

GIS & Dataset Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC

Spatial analysts at the MD-DE-DC WSC use Geographic Information Systems to interpret data collected through field reconnaissance and downloaded from internal USGS, other federal, state, and local agencies, academic institutions, industry, and other professional contracting organizations. GIS is used to analyze the data using shapefiles and geodatabased information to help prove or disprove...
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
link

GIS & Dataset Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC

Spatial analysts at the MD-DE-DC WSC use Geographic Information Systems to interpret data collected through field reconnaissance and downloaded from internal USGS, other federal, state, and local agencies, academic institutions, industry, and other professional contracting organizations. GIS is used to analyze the data using shapefiles and geodatabased information to help prove or disprove...
Learn More
link
Example layer-bottom altitudes from MODFLOW-NWT.

Modeling Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC

USGS models are widely used to predict responses of hydrologic systems to changing stresses, such as increases in precipitation or ground-water pumping rates, as well as to predict the fate and movement of solutes and contaminants in water. The USGS is at the forefront of devising new techniques and computer software to solve practical problems in the study of water resources. Predictive models...
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
link

Modeling Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC

USGS models are widely used to predict responses of hydrologic systems to changing stresses, such as increases in precipitation or ground-water pumping rates, as well as to predict the fate and movement of solutes and contaminants in water. The USGS is at the forefront of devising new techniques and computer software to solve practical problems in the study of water resources. Predictive models...
Learn More
link
Daily depths by year (dots) and sparrow hydrologic preferences (rectangles) for subpopulation F

Coding and Statistical Data Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC

This site is dedicated to Coding and Statistical Data that is produced and analyzed by scientists at the MD-DE-DC WSC. We use many tools at the USGS including software exclusively developed for, sometimes written by the USGS.
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
link

Coding and Statistical Data Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC

This site is dedicated to Coding and Statistical Data that is produced and analyzed by scientists at the MD-DE-DC WSC. We use many tools at the USGS including software exclusively developed for, sometimes written by the USGS.
Learn More

Thermoelectric-power condenser duty estimates by month and cooling type for use to calculate water use by power plant for the 2008-2020 reanalysis period for the conterminous United States

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed models to estimate the amount of water that is withdrawn and consumed by thermoelectric power plants (Diehl and others, 2013; Diehl and Harris, 2014; Harris and Diehl, 2019). The thermoelectric water use models are based on linked heat-and-water budgets that are constrained by power plant generation and cooling system technologies, the amount of fuels co
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Thermoelectric-power water use reanalysis for the 2008-2020 period by power plant, month, and year for the conterminous United States

Previous work by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed models to estimate the amount of water that is withdrawn and consumed by thermoelectric power plants (Diehl and others, 2013; Diehl and Harris, 2014; Harris and Diehl, 2019 [full citations listed in srcinfo of the metadata file]). This data release presents a historical reanalysis of thermoelectric water use from 2008 to 2020 and include
By
New England Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center

Sediment and geomorphology data for Walnut Creek, Iowa

This data release consists of 9 comma-delimited ascii files that contain 1) ten-minute discharge values, 2) mean daily discharge and computed sediment loads, 3) grain size percentiles, 4) radionuclide source sample results, 5) radionuclide target sample results,6) laboratory sample splits, 7) elemental analysis results of samples, 8) suspended-sediment measurements, and 9) turbidity measurements.
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Source and target sediment fingerprint data for Upper Difficult Run, VA

This metadata record documents 2 comma delimited tables that support the journal article "Bank-derived material dominates fluvial sediment in a suburban Chesapeake Bay watershed." They consist of a source and target dataset.
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Sediment-sample and climate data for the agricultural and forested parts of Smith Creek watershed, Virginia (2012-2015)

This metadata record covers 5 comma delimited ascii files that contain sediment source sample data, sediment target sample data, quantitation limits for samples, and daily temperature data. This data release is a companion to the journal article Sediment fingerprinting to delineate sources of fine-grained sediment in the agricultural and forested Smith Creek watershed, Virginia (2012-2015).
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Radionuclide and Pesticide data for sediment age and source analysis in the Midwest Stream-Quality Assessment Region (2013-2014)

A study examining the sources and ages of fine-grained bed material (less than 0.063 mm) was conducted for 99 sites in the USGS NAWQA Midwest Stream Quality Assessment (MSQA) during the summer of 2014, including 15 suspended sediment and 5 cropland top soil samples. Bed material samples were analyzed for radionuclides (7Be, 210Pbex, 137Cs) and pesticides (bifenthrin and DDE); suspended sediment fo
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Application of the RSPARROW modeling tool to estimate total nitrogen sources to streams and evaluate source reduction management scenarios in the Grande River Basin, Brazil

Large-domain hydrological models are increasingly needed to support water-resource assessment and management in large river basins. Here, we describe results for the first Brazilian application of the SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) model using a new open-source modeling and interactive decision support system tool (RSPARROW) to quantify the origin, flux, and fate
Authors
Matthew P. Miller, Marcelo L de Souza, Richard B Alexander, Lillian Gorman Sanisaca, Alexandre de Amorim Teixeira, Alison P. Appling
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Monthly suspended-sediment apportionment for a western Lake Erie agricultural tributary

Black Creek, a headwater to the Maumee River and western Lake Erie, is an agricultural basin with a mix of cropland (66%), pasture (19%), and forest (7%) linked by a road network to the rural community. Suspended sediment was collected monthly during the 2018 water year for the main stem and two sub-basins using in-situ, passive samplers that integrated a range of streamflow conditions. Sediment
Authors
Tanja N. Williamson, Edward G. Dobrowolski, Allen C. Gellis, Timur Sabitov, Lillian Gorman Sanisaca
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Annual wastewater nutrient data preparation and load estimation using the Point Source Load Estimation Tool (PSLoadEsT)

The Point-Source Load Estimation Tool (PSLoadEsT) provides a user-friendly interface for generating reproducible load calculations for point source dischargers while managing common data challenges including duplicates, incompatible input tables, and incomplete or missing nutrient concentration or effluent flow data. Maintaining a consistent method across an entire study area is important when est
Authors
Lillian E. Gorman Sanisaca, Kenneth D. Skinner, Molly A. Maupin
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Bank‐derived material dominates fluvial sediment in a suburban Chesapeake Bay watershed

Excess fine sediment is a leading cause of ecological degradation within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. To effectively target sediment mitigation measures, it is necessary to identify and quantify the delivery of sediment sources to local waterbodies.This study examines the contributions of sediment sources within Upper Difficult Run, a suburbanized watershed in Fairfax County, Virginia. A source s
Authors
Matt J. Cashman, Allen C. Gellis, Lillian Gorman Sanisaca, Gregory B. Noe, Vanessa Cogliandro, Anna Baker
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Sediment Source Assessment Using Sediment Fingerprints

ProblemSediment is one of the most common causes of loss of stream-biologic integrity, whether in suspension in the water column, or as deposition on a stream or lake bottom. Fine-grained silts and clays are of particular concern because they can degrade habitat and often carry phosphorus and (or) other contaminants harmful to humans and aquatic life. Sediment-impaired water bodies, usually identi
Authors
Allen C. Gellis, Lillian E. Gorman Sanisaca, Matthew J. Cashman
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Sediment fingerprinting to delineate sources of sediment in the agricultural and forested Smith Creek Watershed, Virginia, USA

The sediment fingerprinting approach was used to apportion fine‐grained sediment to cropland, pasture, forests, and streambanks in the agricultural and forested Smith Creek, watershed, Virginia. Smith Creek is a showcase study area in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, where management actions to reduce nutrients and sediment are being monitored. Analyses of suspended sediment at the downstream and ups
Authors
Allen C. Gellis, Lillian Gorman Sanisaca

Determining the sources of fine-grained sediment using the Sediment Source Assessment Tool (Sed_SAT)

A sound understanding of sources contributing to instream sediment flux in a watershed is important when developing total maximum daily load (TMDL) management strategies designed to reduce suspended sediment in streams. Sediment fingerprinting and sediment budget approaches are two techniques that, when used jointly, can qualify and quantify the major sources of sediment in a given watershed. The
Authors
Lillian E. Gorman Sanisaca, Allen C. Gellis, David L. Lorenz
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Identifying sediment sources in the sediment TMDL process

Sediment is an important pollutant contributing to aquatic-habitat degradation in many waterways of the United States. This paper discusses the application of sediment budgets in conjunction with sediment fingerprinting as tools to determine the sources of sediment in impaired waterways. These approaches complement monitoring, assessment, and modeling of sediment erosion, transport, and storage in
Authors
Allen C. Gellis, Faith A. Fitzpatrick, Joseph P. Schubauer-Berigan, R.B. Landy, Lillian E. Gorman Sanisaca
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Point-Source Load Estimation Tool (PSLoadEsT)

The Point-Source Load Estimation Tool (PSLoadEsT) provides a user-friendly interface for generating reproducible load calculations for point source dischargers while managing common data challenges including duplicates, incompatible input tables, and incomplete or missing nutrient concentration or effluent flow data. Maintaining a consistent method across an entire study area is important when est
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Sediment Source Assessment Tool (Sed_SAT)

A sound understanding of sources contributing to instream sediment flux in a watershed is important when developing total maximum daily load (TMDL) management strategies designed to reduce suspended sediment in streams. Sediment fingerprinting and sediment budget approaches are two techniques, that when used jointly, can qualify and quantify the major sources of sediment in a given watershed. T
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Science and Products

link
DOI logo customblock size

GIS & Dataset Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC

Spatial analysts at the MD-DE-DC WSC use Geographic Information Systems to interpret data collected through field reconnaissance and downloaded from internal USGS, other federal, state, and local agencies, academic institutions, industry, and other professional contracting organizations. GIS is used to analyze the data using shapefiles and geodatabased information to help prove or disprove...
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
link

GIS & Dataset Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC

Spatial analysts at the MD-DE-DC WSC use Geographic Information Systems to interpret data collected through field reconnaissance and downloaded from internal USGS, other federal, state, and local agencies, academic institutions, industry, and other professional contracting organizations. GIS is used to analyze the data using shapefiles and geodatabased information to help prove or disprove...
Learn More
link
Example layer-bottom altitudes from MODFLOW-NWT.

Modeling Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC

USGS models are widely used to predict responses of hydrologic systems to changing stresses, such as increases in precipitation or ground-water pumping rates, as well as to predict the fate and movement of solutes and contaminants in water. The USGS is at the forefront of devising new techniques and computer software to solve practical problems in the study of water resources. Predictive models...
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
link

Modeling Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC

USGS models are widely used to predict responses of hydrologic systems to changing stresses, such as increases in precipitation or ground-water pumping rates, as well as to predict the fate and movement of solutes and contaminants in water. The USGS is at the forefront of devising new techniques and computer software to solve practical problems in the study of water resources. Predictive models...
Learn More
link
Daily depths by year (dots) and sparrow hydrologic preferences (rectangles) for subpopulation F

Coding and Statistical Data Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC

This site is dedicated to Coding and Statistical Data that is produced and analyzed by scientists at the MD-DE-DC WSC. We use many tools at the USGS including software exclusively developed for, sometimes written by the USGS.
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center
link

Coding and Statistical Data Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC

This site is dedicated to Coding and Statistical Data that is produced and analyzed by scientists at the MD-DE-DC WSC. We use many tools at the USGS including software exclusively developed for, sometimes written by the USGS.
Learn More

Thermoelectric-power condenser duty estimates by month and cooling type for use to calculate water use by power plant for the 2008-2020 reanalysis period for the conterminous United States

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed models to estimate the amount of water that is withdrawn and consumed by thermoelectric power plants (Diehl and others, 2013; Diehl and Harris, 2014; Harris and Diehl, 2019). The thermoelectric water use models are based on linked heat-and-water budgets that are constrained by power plant generation and cooling system technologies, the amount of fuels co
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Thermoelectric-power water use reanalysis for the 2008-2020 period by power plant, month, and year for the conterminous United States

Previous work by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed models to estimate the amount of water that is withdrawn and consumed by thermoelectric power plants (Diehl and others, 2013; Diehl and Harris, 2014; Harris and Diehl, 2019 [full citations listed in srcinfo of the metadata file]). This data release presents a historical reanalysis of thermoelectric water use from 2008 to 2020 and include
By
New England Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center

Sediment and geomorphology data for Walnut Creek, Iowa

This data release consists of 9 comma-delimited ascii files that contain 1) ten-minute discharge values, 2) mean daily discharge and computed sediment loads, 3) grain size percentiles, 4) radionuclide source sample results, 5) radionuclide target sample results,6) laboratory sample splits, 7) elemental analysis results of samples, 8) suspended-sediment measurements, and 9) turbidity measurements.
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Source and target sediment fingerprint data for Upper Difficult Run, VA

This metadata record documents 2 comma delimited tables that support the journal article "Bank-derived material dominates fluvial sediment in a suburban Chesapeake Bay watershed." They consist of a source and target dataset.
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Sediment-sample and climate data for the agricultural and forested parts of Smith Creek watershed, Virginia (2012-2015)

This metadata record covers 5 comma delimited ascii files that contain sediment source sample data, sediment target sample data, quantitation limits for samples, and daily temperature data. This data release is a companion to the journal article Sediment fingerprinting to delineate sources of fine-grained sediment in the agricultural and forested Smith Creek watershed, Virginia (2012-2015).
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Radionuclide and Pesticide data for sediment age and source analysis in the Midwest Stream-Quality Assessment Region (2013-2014)

A study examining the sources and ages of fine-grained bed material (less than 0.063 mm) was conducted for 99 sites in the USGS NAWQA Midwest Stream Quality Assessment (MSQA) during the summer of 2014, including 15 suspended sediment and 5 cropland top soil samples. Bed material samples were analyzed for radionuclides (7Be, 210Pbex, 137Cs) and pesticides (bifenthrin and DDE); suspended sediment fo
By
South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Application of the RSPARROW modeling tool to estimate total nitrogen sources to streams and evaluate source reduction management scenarios in the Grande River Basin, Brazil

Large-domain hydrological models are increasingly needed to support water-resource assessment and management in large river basins. Here, we describe results for the first Brazilian application of the SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) model using a new open-source modeling and interactive decision support system tool (RSPARROW) to quantify the origin, flux, and fate
Authors
Matthew P. Miller, Marcelo L de Souza, Richard B Alexander, Lillian Gorman Sanisaca, Alexandre de Amorim Teixeira, Alison P. Appling
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Monthly suspended-sediment apportionment for a western Lake Erie agricultural tributary

Black Creek, a headwater to the Maumee River and western Lake Erie, is an agricultural basin with a mix of cropland (66%), pasture (19%), and forest (7%) linked by a road network to the rural community. Suspended sediment was collected monthly during the 2018 water year for the main stem and two sub-basins using in-situ, passive samplers that integrated a range of streamflow conditions. Sediment
Authors
Tanja N. Williamson, Edward G. Dobrowolski, Allen C. Gellis, Timur Sabitov, Lillian Gorman Sanisaca
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center

Annual wastewater nutrient data preparation and load estimation using the Point Source Load Estimation Tool (PSLoadEsT)

The Point-Source Load Estimation Tool (PSLoadEsT) provides a user-friendly interface for generating reproducible load calculations for point source dischargers while managing common data challenges including duplicates, incompatible input tables, and incomplete or missing nutrient concentration or effluent flow data. Maintaining a consistent method across an entire study area is important when est
Authors
Lillian E. Gorman Sanisaca, Kenneth D. Skinner, Molly A. Maupin
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Bank‐derived material dominates fluvial sediment in a suburban Chesapeake Bay watershed

Excess fine sediment is a leading cause of ecological degradation within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. To effectively target sediment mitigation measures, it is necessary to identify and quantify the delivery of sediment sources to local waterbodies.This study examines the contributions of sediment sources within Upper Difficult Run, a suburbanized watershed in Fairfax County, Virginia. A source s
Authors
Matt J. Cashman, Allen C. Gellis, Lillian Gorman Sanisaca, Gregory B. Noe, Vanessa Cogliandro, Anna Baker
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Sediment Source Assessment Using Sediment Fingerprints

ProblemSediment is one of the most common causes of loss of stream-biologic integrity, whether in suspension in the water column, or as deposition on a stream or lake bottom. Fine-grained silts and clays are of particular concern because they can degrade habitat and often carry phosphorus and (or) other contaminants harmful to humans and aquatic life. Sediment-impaired water bodies, usually identi
Authors
Allen C. Gellis, Lillian E. Gorman Sanisaca, Matthew J. Cashman
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Sediment fingerprinting to delineate sources of sediment in the agricultural and forested Smith Creek Watershed, Virginia, USA

The sediment fingerprinting approach was used to apportion fine‐grained sediment to cropland, pasture, forests, and streambanks in the agricultural and forested Smith Creek, watershed, Virginia. Smith Creek is a showcase study area in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, where management actions to reduce nutrients and sediment are being monitored. Analyses of suspended sediment at the downstream and ups
Authors
Allen C. Gellis, Lillian Gorman Sanisaca

Determining the sources of fine-grained sediment using the Sediment Source Assessment Tool (Sed_SAT)

A sound understanding of sources contributing to instream sediment flux in a watershed is important when developing total maximum daily load (TMDL) management strategies designed to reduce suspended sediment in streams. Sediment fingerprinting and sediment budget approaches are two techniques that, when used jointly, can qualify and quantify the major sources of sediment in a given watershed. The
Authors
Lillian E. Gorman Sanisaca, Allen C. Gellis, David L. Lorenz
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Identifying sediment sources in the sediment TMDL process

Sediment is an important pollutant contributing to aquatic-habitat degradation in many waterways of the United States. This paper discusses the application of sediment budgets in conjunction with sediment fingerprinting as tools to determine the sources of sediment in impaired waterways. These approaches complement monitoring, assessment, and modeling of sediment erosion, transport, and storage in
Authors
Allen C. Gellis, Faith A. Fitzpatrick, Joseph P. Schubauer-Berigan, R.B. Landy, Lillian E. Gorman Sanisaca
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center

Point-Source Load Estimation Tool (PSLoadEsT)

The Point-Source Load Estimation Tool (PSLoadEsT) provides a user-friendly interface for generating reproducible load calculations for point source dischargers while managing common data challenges including duplicates, incompatible input tables, and incomplete or missing nutrient concentration or effluent flow data. Maintaining a consistent method across an entire study area is important when est
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Sediment Source Assessment Tool (Sed_SAT)

A sound understanding of sources contributing to instream sediment flux in a watershed is important when developing total maximum daily load (TMDL) management strategies designed to reduce suspended sediment in streams. Sediment fingerprinting and sediment budget approaches are two techniques, that when used jointly, can qualify and quantify the major sources of sediment in a given watershed. T
By
Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center