Kolobeng River, Botswana, downstream of a streamflow monitoring station currently recording zero streamflow.
Molly S Wood
Molly Wood is the Acting Deputy Director of the Observing Systems Division and Chief of the Hydrologic Networks Branch.
Molly is a Senior Hydrologist and Branch Chief for the USGS’ Water Resources Mission Area Headquarters. She has an educational background in Civil and Environmental Engineering and has worked in both the private consulting and federal government sectors. She helps set national policies for water resources monitoring, advises on funding priorities, provides expert advice and training, and develops innovative water monitoring techniques to inform water resource management decisions. Previous USGS roles include serving as a Hydrologist for the Florida Integrated Science Center working on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, a Hydrologist and Surface Water Specialist for the Idaho Water Science Center, the National Sediment Specialist for the Water Resources Mission Area, and the acting Chief of the USGS Office of International Programs’ Branch of International Science Collaboration. She has provided technical assistance with hydrologic data collection and research to government agencies and organizations across the world..
Science and Products
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.
Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS)
Substantial advances in water science, together with emerging breakthroughs in technical and computational capabilities, have led the USGS to develop a Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS). The USGS NGWOS will provide real-time data on water quantity and quality in more affordable and rapid ways than previously possible, and in more locations.
Sediment Laboratories
The USGS maintains sediment laboratories in several Water Science Centers and offices across the country.
Sediment Surrogate Techniques
USGS develops and uses “surrogate” techniques to estimate sediment at times when it can’t be physically measured through samples.
Sediment Sampling and Data Processing
USGS collects sediment samples at thousands of locations across the U.S. using nationally consistent methods.
Sediment Acoustics
The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes the need to provide sediment acoustic training and to develop standardized techniques and practices.
Sound Sediment Science
A training course to augment USGS Course H-17-037, Acoustic Index Method for Estimating Fluvial Suspended Sediment and USGS Techniques and Methods Report 3C-5
Fluvial Sediment and Geomorphology: Resources for Monitoring and Analysis
The USGS collects fluvial sediment and geomorphic data and conducts related research at numerous sites across the Nation. This information is essential to informed solutions to sediment-related and overall water resource management issues.
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
The Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program serves as the national source of impartial, timely, quality-assured, and relevant water data for short- and long-term water decisions by local, State, tribal, regional, and national stakeholders. Our objectives are to collect, manage, and disseminate consistently high-quality and reliable hydrologic information in real-time and over the long-term.
Kolobeng River, Botswana
Kolobeng River, Botswana, downstream of a streamflow monitoring station currently recording zero streamflow.
USGS employees at a streamgage on the Limpopo River, Botswana
USGS employees John Lane (L) and Molly Wood (R) learning about field processes conducted at a streamgage on the Limpopo River near Mahalapye, Botswana.
USGS employees John Lane (L) and Molly Wood (R) learning about field processes conducted at a streamgage on the Limpopo River near Mahalapye, Botswana.
Letsibogo Dam, Botswana
Letsibogo Dam, Botswana’s third largest dam based on capacity, currently at 40 percent capacity due to the drought.
Letsibogo Dam, Botswana’s third largest dam based on capacity, currently at 40 percent capacity due to the drought.
USGS employees visiting a managed aquifer recharge injection well in Botswana
USGS employees Molly Wood (L) and John Lane (R) visiting a managed aquifer recharge injection well pilot site operated by the Botswana Ministry of Land Management and Sanitation Services, Department of Water and Sanitation, Mahalapye, Botswana.
USGS employees Molly Wood (L) and John Lane (R) visiting a managed aquifer recharge injection well pilot site operated by the Botswana Ministry of Land Management and Sanitation Services, Department of Water and Sanitation, Mahalapye, Botswana.
Groundwater pump station in Mahalapye, Botswana
Calf drinking from an overflow point at a groundwater pump station in Mahalapye, Botswana.
Calf drinking from an overflow point at a groundwater pump station in Mahalapye, Botswana.
USGS meets with Namibian government staff
USGS employees Molly Wood (3rd from left) and John Lane (3rd from right) with staff from the Namibia Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, after a workshop on geophysics data collection.
USGS employees Molly Wood (3rd from left) and John Lane (3rd from right) with staff from the Namibia Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, after a workshop on geophysics data collection.
Aerial photograph of the arid Namibian landscape
Aerial photograph of the arid Namibian landscape near Windhoek showing ephemeral streambeds.
Aerial photograph of the arid Namibian landscape near Windhoek showing ephemeral streambeds.
USGS Office of International Programs Kenya Groundwater Project
This is an Office of International Programs (OIP) science highlight featuring groundwater remote sensing and optimizations in Kenya.
This is an Office of International Programs (OIP) science highlight featuring groundwater remote sensing and optimizations in Kenya.
Sediment deposits at the discharge outlet of a hydropower facility on the Rio Coca, Ecuador.
Sediment deposits at the discharge outlet of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower facility on the Rio Coca, Ecuador. (Molly Wood, USGS)
Sediment deposits at the discharge outlet of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower facility on the Rio Coca, Ecuador. (Molly Wood, USGS)
Molly Wood at a viewpoint on the Rio Coca, Ecuador, where substantial erosion and landslides have occurred
linkMolly Wood at a viewpoint on the Rio Coca, Ecuador, where substantial erosion and landslides have occurred.
Molly Wood at a viewpoint on the Rio Coca, Ecuador, where substantial erosion and landslides have occurred
linkMolly Wood at a viewpoint on the Rio Coca, Ecuador, where substantial erosion and landslides have occurred.
Upstream diversion dam at Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower facility on the Rio Coca, Ecuador
Upstream diversion dam at Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower facility on the Rio Coca, Ecuador. (Molly Wood, USGS)
Upstream diversion dam at Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower facility on the Rio Coca, Ecuador. (Molly Wood, USGS)
USGS employees inside Itaipu Binational Dam on Parana River bottom
(L to R) USGS's Brian McCallum, Joel Groten, and Molly Wood inside Itaipu Binational dam and standing on the original Paraná River bottom on the border of Brazil and Paraguay.
(L to R) USGS's Brian McCallum, Joel Groten, and Molly Wood inside Itaipu Binational dam and standing on the original Paraná River bottom on the border of Brazil and Paraguay.
Monitoring Suspended Sediment and Flow along the Mississippi River: Episode 1
In this video segment, Physical Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Lower Mississippi Gulf Water Science Center (LMGWSC) give an overview of USGS monitoring efforts along the Lower Mississippi River. General sampling logistics and monitoring frequencies are also shown.
In this video segment, Physical Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Lower Mississippi Gulf Water Science Center (LMGWSC) give an overview of USGS monitoring efforts along the Lower Mississippi River. General sampling logistics and monitoring frequencies are also shown.
Kootenai River Habitat Restoration
Constructed channel features and changes in the Phase 1A side channel restoration area of the Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is managing a large-scale, ecosystem-based river habitat restoration effort that will be implemented over a period of 10 to 15 years across a 55-mile reach of the Kootenai River in northern Idaho.
Constructed channel features and changes in the Phase 1A side channel restoration area of the Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is managing a large-scale, ecosystem-based river habitat restoration effort that will be implemented over a period of 10 to 15 years across a 55-mile reach of the Kootenai River in northern Idaho.
Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meter
An acoustic Doppler velocity meter mounted on a track for instream deployment. The USGS deployed devices similar to this on at three monitoring sites on northern Idaho's Kootenai River to estimate sediment concentrations in the spawning habitat of the endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon.
An acoustic Doppler velocity meter mounted on a track for instream deployment. The USGS deployed devices similar to this on at three monitoring sites on northern Idaho's Kootenai River to estimate sediment concentrations in the spawning habitat of the endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon.
Science and Products
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.
Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS)
Substantial advances in water science, together with emerging breakthroughs in technical and computational capabilities, have led the USGS to develop a Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS). The USGS NGWOS will provide real-time data on water quantity and quality in more affordable and rapid ways than previously possible, and in more locations.
Sediment Laboratories
The USGS maintains sediment laboratories in several Water Science Centers and offices across the country.
Sediment Surrogate Techniques
USGS develops and uses “surrogate” techniques to estimate sediment at times when it can’t be physically measured through samples.
Sediment Sampling and Data Processing
USGS collects sediment samples at thousands of locations across the U.S. using nationally consistent methods.
Sediment Acoustics
The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes the need to provide sediment acoustic training and to develop standardized techniques and practices.
Sound Sediment Science
A training course to augment USGS Course H-17-037, Acoustic Index Method for Estimating Fluvial Suspended Sediment and USGS Techniques and Methods Report 3C-5
Fluvial Sediment and Geomorphology: Resources for Monitoring and Analysis
The USGS collects fluvial sediment and geomorphic data and conducts related research at numerous sites across the Nation. This information is essential to informed solutions to sediment-related and overall water resource management issues.
Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program
The Groundwater and Streamflow Information Program serves as the national source of impartial, timely, quality-assured, and relevant water data for short- and long-term water decisions by local, State, tribal, regional, and national stakeholders. Our objectives are to collect, manage, and disseminate consistently high-quality and reliable hydrologic information in real-time and over the long-term.
Kolobeng River, Botswana
Kolobeng River, Botswana, downstream of a streamflow monitoring station currently recording zero streamflow.
Kolobeng River, Botswana, downstream of a streamflow monitoring station currently recording zero streamflow.
USGS employees at a streamgage on the Limpopo River, Botswana
USGS employees John Lane (L) and Molly Wood (R) learning about field processes conducted at a streamgage on the Limpopo River near Mahalapye, Botswana.
USGS employees John Lane (L) and Molly Wood (R) learning about field processes conducted at a streamgage on the Limpopo River near Mahalapye, Botswana.
Letsibogo Dam, Botswana
Letsibogo Dam, Botswana’s third largest dam based on capacity, currently at 40 percent capacity due to the drought.
Letsibogo Dam, Botswana’s third largest dam based on capacity, currently at 40 percent capacity due to the drought.
USGS employees visiting a managed aquifer recharge injection well in Botswana
USGS employees Molly Wood (L) and John Lane (R) visiting a managed aquifer recharge injection well pilot site operated by the Botswana Ministry of Land Management and Sanitation Services, Department of Water and Sanitation, Mahalapye, Botswana.
USGS employees Molly Wood (L) and John Lane (R) visiting a managed aquifer recharge injection well pilot site operated by the Botswana Ministry of Land Management and Sanitation Services, Department of Water and Sanitation, Mahalapye, Botswana.
Groundwater pump station in Mahalapye, Botswana
Calf drinking from an overflow point at a groundwater pump station in Mahalapye, Botswana.
Calf drinking from an overflow point at a groundwater pump station in Mahalapye, Botswana.
USGS meets with Namibian government staff
USGS employees Molly Wood (3rd from left) and John Lane (3rd from right) with staff from the Namibia Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, after a workshop on geophysics data collection.
USGS employees Molly Wood (3rd from left) and John Lane (3rd from right) with staff from the Namibia Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, after a workshop on geophysics data collection.
Aerial photograph of the arid Namibian landscape
Aerial photograph of the arid Namibian landscape near Windhoek showing ephemeral streambeds.
Aerial photograph of the arid Namibian landscape near Windhoek showing ephemeral streambeds.
USGS Office of International Programs Kenya Groundwater Project
This is an Office of International Programs (OIP) science highlight featuring groundwater remote sensing and optimizations in Kenya.
This is an Office of International Programs (OIP) science highlight featuring groundwater remote sensing and optimizations in Kenya.
Sediment deposits at the discharge outlet of a hydropower facility on the Rio Coca, Ecuador.
Sediment deposits at the discharge outlet of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower facility on the Rio Coca, Ecuador. (Molly Wood, USGS)
Sediment deposits at the discharge outlet of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower facility on the Rio Coca, Ecuador. (Molly Wood, USGS)
Molly Wood at a viewpoint on the Rio Coca, Ecuador, where substantial erosion and landslides have occurred
linkMolly Wood at a viewpoint on the Rio Coca, Ecuador, where substantial erosion and landslides have occurred.
Molly Wood at a viewpoint on the Rio Coca, Ecuador, where substantial erosion and landslides have occurred
linkMolly Wood at a viewpoint on the Rio Coca, Ecuador, where substantial erosion and landslides have occurred.
Upstream diversion dam at Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower facility on the Rio Coca, Ecuador
Upstream diversion dam at Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower facility on the Rio Coca, Ecuador. (Molly Wood, USGS)
Upstream diversion dam at Coca Codo Sinclair hydropower facility on the Rio Coca, Ecuador. (Molly Wood, USGS)
USGS employees inside Itaipu Binational Dam on Parana River bottom
(L to R) USGS's Brian McCallum, Joel Groten, and Molly Wood inside Itaipu Binational dam and standing on the original Paraná River bottom on the border of Brazil and Paraguay.
(L to R) USGS's Brian McCallum, Joel Groten, and Molly Wood inside Itaipu Binational dam and standing on the original Paraná River bottom on the border of Brazil and Paraguay.
Monitoring Suspended Sediment and Flow along the Mississippi River: Episode 1
In this video segment, Physical Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Lower Mississippi Gulf Water Science Center (LMGWSC) give an overview of USGS monitoring efforts along the Lower Mississippi River. General sampling logistics and monitoring frequencies are also shown.
In this video segment, Physical Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Lower Mississippi Gulf Water Science Center (LMGWSC) give an overview of USGS monitoring efforts along the Lower Mississippi River. General sampling logistics and monitoring frequencies are also shown.
Kootenai River Habitat Restoration
Constructed channel features and changes in the Phase 1A side channel restoration area of the Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is managing a large-scale, ecosystem-based river habitat restoration effort that will be implemented over a period of 10 to 15 years across a 55-mile reach of the Kootenai River in northern Idaho.
Constructed channel features and changes in the Phase 1A side channel restoration area of the Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is managing a large-scale, ecosystem-based river habitat restoration effort that will be implemented over a period of 10 to 15 years across a 55-mile reach of the Kootenai River in northern Idaho.
Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meter
An acoustic Doppler velocity meter mounted on a track for instream deployment. The USGS deployed devices similar to this on at three monitoring sites on northern Idaho's Kootenai River to estimate sediment concentrations in the spawning habitat of the endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon.
An acoustic Doppler velocity meter mounted on a track for instream deployment. The USGS deployed devices similar to this on at three monitoring sites on northern Idaho's Kootenai River to estimate sediment concentrations in the spawning habitat of the endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon.