Richard Wanty (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Screening Techniques for Legacy Mine Land (LML) Sites Using Data Mining and Site-specific Studies in the Western U.S.
The main goal of this project is to provide a science-based approach for screening legacy mine land (LML) sites for remediation and identifying watersheds where relatively low-cost restoration efforts may yield substantial improvements to stream water quality. We are combing analysis of multiple existing regional data coverages with focused field studies to develop a protocol that land managers...
Geochemistry and Environmental Tracer Data for Groundwater, Stream Water, and Sediment from the East Mancos River, Colorado, 2023 Geochemistry and Environmental Tracer Data for Groundwater, Stream Water, and Sediment from the East Mancos River, Colorado, 2023
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains data from stream water, groundwater, and stream sediment samples collected in August 2023 in the East Mancos River watershed in southwestern Colorado. Data were collected as part of a study aimed at identifying sources of elevated metal concentrations in the stream. Eighteen streambank wells were installed in pairs at nine...
GIS data and scripts for Colorado Legacy Mine Lands Watershed Delineation and Scoring tool (WaDeS) GIS data and scripts for Colorado Legacy Mine Lands Watershed Delineation and Scoring tool (WaDeS)
This data release includes GIS datasets supporting the Colorado Legacy Mine Lands Watershed Delineation and Scoring tool (WaDeS), a web mapping application available at https://geonarrative.usgs.gov/colmlwades/. Water chemistry data were compiled from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Information System (NWIS), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) STORET database...
Chemistry and Flow Data from Headwater Streams Draining Hydrothermally Altered Areas in Colorado Chemistry and Flow Data from Headwater Streams Draining Hydrothermally Altered Areas in Colorado
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains stream water chemistry and streamflow data collected in late August and early September, 2021 from 28 sites located throughout Colorado, USA. The sampled streams all drain high-elevation mountain watersheds in areas where the bedrock is hydrothermally altered and contains abundant sulfide minerals. Most sampled streams are...
Geochemistry and Environmental Tracer Data for Groundwater, Stream Water, and Soil and Sediment from North Quartz Creek, Colorado Geochemistry and Environmental Tracer Data for Groundwater, Stream Water, and Soil and Sediment from North Quartz Creek, Colorado
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains data from stream water, groundwater, and soil samples collected in 2019 and 2020 in the North Quartz Creek watershed in central Colorado. Fourteen streambank wells were installed in pairs at seven locations in August 2020 to capture the emerging groundwater from the left bank and right banks (relative to downstream-facing direction...
Trace metals in water and biota in and near headwater streams in the Colorado Mineral Belt Trace metals in water and biota in and near headwater streams in the Colorado Mineral Belt
This data release includes sampling location data, field-collected water chemistry data, cation and anion concentration data for water and tissues of submerged aquatic vegetation, aquatic insect larvae, adult aquatic insects and riparian spiders from 35 first- and second-order sub-alpine streams that ranged over several orders of magnitude in metal concentrations but were similar in...
Geochemical analyses of surface water, groundwater and springs surrounding Mount Emmons near Crested Butte, Colorado (ver. 2.0, September 2020) Geochemical analyses of surface water, groundwater and springs surrounding Mount Emmons near Crested Butte, Colorado (ver. 2.0, September 2020)
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS), and Coal Creek Watershed Coalition (CCWC) working independently, have intermittently collected samples of surface- and groundwater and springs around Mount Emmons, near Crested Butte, Colorado. This data release is a compilation of the comprehensive inorganic chemical analyses conducted as a...
Maps showing hydrostatic levels and general ground-water quality for an area near Conifer, Colorado Maps showing hydrostatic levels and general ground-water quality for an area near Conifer, Colorado
Static water levels (SWL's) were measured in more than one hundred wells in the study area during April-May 1989. The water levels were monitored for 10-15 minutes to determine if they were static. If a given level was found not to be static, the measurement was repeated at a later data when the level was static.
Filter Total Items: 113
Incorporating streambank wells in stream mass loading studies to more effectively identify sources of solutes in stream water Incorporating streambank wells in stream mass loading studies to more effectively identify sources of solutes in stream water
Stream synoptic sampling studies that include flow estimates derived from the stream tracer dilution method are now commonly performed to identify sources and processes controlling solute transport to streams. However, a limitation of this mass-loading approach is its inability to identify the side of the stream on which a source is located in the common case where loading is largely...
Authors
Andrew H. Manning, Robert L. Runkel, Jean M. Morrison, Richard Wanty, Katherine Walton-Day
Regional occurrence of aqueous tungsten and relations with antimony, arsenic and molybdenum concentrations (Sardinia, Italy) Regional occurrence of aqueous tungsten and relations with antimony, arsenic and molybdenum concentrations (Sardinia, Italy)
Tungsten (W) is rarely found in natural waters, yet it can be introduced into the food chain and cause potentially toxic effects. Uptake of W by plants and vegetables, or trace presence of W in drinking water are possible vectors for ingestion of W by humans. The latter is recognized as a possible cause of lymphatic leukemia. Increased uses of W might result in a degradation of water...
Authors
Rosa Cidu, Riccardo Biddau, Franco Frau, Richard Wanty, Stefano Naitza
Variation in metal concentrations across a large contamination gradient is reflected in stream but not linked riparian food webs Variation in metal concentrations across a large contamination gradient is reflected in stream but not linked riparian food webs
Aquatic insects link food web dynamics across freshwater-terrestrial boundaries and subsidize terrestrial consumer populations. Contaminants that accumulate in larval aquatic insects and are retained across metamorphosis can increase dietary exposure for riparian insectivores. To better understand potential exposure of terrestrial insectivores to aquatically-derived trace metals, metal
Authors
Johanna M. Kraus, Richard Wanty, Travis S. Schmidt, David Walters, Ruth E. Wolf
Direct observation of the depth of active groundwater circulation in an alpine watershed Direct observation of the depth of active groundwater circulation in an alpine watershed
The depth of active groundwater circulation is a fundamental control on stream flows and chemistry in mountain watersheds, yet it remains challenging to characterize and is rarely well constrained. We collected hydraulic conductivity, hydraulic head, temperature, chemical, noble gas, and 3H/3He groundwater age data from discrete levels in two boreholes 46 and 81 m deep in an alpine...
Authors
Andrew H. Manning, Lyndsay B. Ball, Richard Wanty, Kenneth H. Williams
Using stream-side groundwater discharge for geochemical exploration in mountainous terrain Using stream-side groundwater discharge for geochemical exploration in mountainous terrain
Groundwater chemistry has been predominantly used in geochemical exploration studies to identify mineralized targets concealed under transported cover in areas with gentle topography. Another potentially valuable ap-plication that has received little attention is using groundwater chemistry to identify deposits concealed within mountain ridges. A number of geochemical exploration studies...
Authors
Andrew H. Manning, Jean M. Morrison, Richard Wanty, Christopher T. Mills
A 20-year record of water chemistry in an alpine setting, Mount Emmons, Colorado, USA A 20-year record of water chemistry in an alpine setting, Mount Emmons, Colorado, USA
From 1997 to the present, the U.S. Geological Survey and other agencies have been collecting water samples for chemical analyses on Mount Emmons in central Colorado, USA. The geology of Mount Emmons is dominated by Upper Cretaceous to Paleogene sediments of marine to continental origin, with felsic intrusive rocks interrupting the sedimentary block. Extensive sulphide-rich alteration...
Authors
Richard Wanty, Andrew H. Manning, Michaela Johnson, Philip Verplanck
Non-USGS Publications**
Wanty, Richard B., 1986, Geochemistry of vanadium in an epigenetic sandstone-hosted vanadium-uranium deposit, Henry basin, Utah: Ph.D. Dissertation, Colorado School of Mines, 198 pp.
Wanty, Richard B., 1981, The use of radiogenic elements, and selected trace elements and their solution-mineral equilibria in groundwater as exploration tools for uranium deposits: M.S. Thesis, Colorado School of Mines, 151 pp.
Wanty, R.B., Langmuir, D., and Chatham, J.R., 1981, Groundwater prospecting for sandstone-type uranium deposits: The merits of mineral-solution equilibria versus single element tracer methods: U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office Report GJO-79-360-E, v. 2, 91 pp.
Chatham, J.R., Wanty, R.B., and Langmuir, D., 1981, National Uranium Resource Evaluation. Groundwater prospecting for sandstone-type uranium deposits: the merits of mineral-solution equilibria versus single element tracer methods. Final Report: U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office Report GJO-79-360-E, 197 pp.
**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.
Colorado Legacy Mine Lands Watershed Delineation and Scoring tool (WaDeS) Colorado Legacy Mine Lands Watershed Delineation and Scoring tool (WaDeS)
This web application, a summarized compilation of central Colorado water chemistry datasets from USGS and EPA, identifies legacy mine sites within the headwaters of central Colorado that could be good candidates for future remediation work based on stream metal concentrations, the number and complexity of mine features, and the potential for high natural background metal concentrations.
Science and Products
Screening Techniques for Legacy Mine Land (LML) Sites Using Data Mining and Site-specific Studies in the Western U.S.
The main goal of this project is to provide a science-based approach for screening legacy mine land (LML) sites for remediation and identifying watersheds where relatively low-cost restoration efforts may yield substantial improvements to stream water quality. We are combing analysis of multiple existing regional data coverages with focused field studies to develop a protocol that land managers...
Geochemistry and Environmental Tracer Data for Groundwater, Stream Water, and Sediment from the East Mancos River, Colorado, 2023 Geochemistry and Environmental Tracer Data for Groundwater, Stream Water, and Sediment from the East Mancos River, Colorado, 2023
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains data from stream water, groundwater, and stream sediment samples collected in August 2023 in the East Mancos River watershed in southwestern Colorado. Data were collected as part of a study aimed at identifying sources of elevated metal concentrations in the stream. Eighteen streambank wells were installed in pairs at nine...
GIS data and scripts for Colorado Legacy Mine Lands Watershed Delineation and Scoring tool (WaDeS) GIS data and scripts for Colorado Legacy Mine Lands Watershed Delineation and Scoring tool (WaDeS)
This data release includes GIS datasets supporting the Colorado Legacy Mine Lands Watershed Delineation and Scoring tool (WaDeS), a web mapping application available at https://geonarrative.usgs.gov/colmlwades/. Water chemistry data were compiled from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Information System (NWIS), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) STORET database...
Chemistry and Flow Data from Headwater Streams Draining Hydrothermally Altered Areas in Colorado Chemistry and Flow Data from Headwater Streams Draining Hydrothermally Altered Areas in Colorado
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains stream water chemistry and streamflow data collected in late August and early September, 2021 from 28 sites located throughout Colorado, USA. The sampled streams all drain high-elevation mountain watersheds in areas where the bedrock is hydrothermally altered and contains abundant sulfide minerals. Most sampled streams are...
Geochemistry and Environmental Tracer Data for Groundwater, Stream Water, and Soil and Sediment from North Quartz Creek, Colorado Geochemistry and Environmental Tracer Data for Groundwater, Stream Water, and Soil and Sediment from North Quartz Creek, Colorado
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains data from stream water, groundwater, and soil samples collected in 2019 and 2020 in the North Quartz Creek watershed in central Colorado. Fourteen streambank wells were installed in pairs at seven locations in August 2020 to capture the emerging groundwater from the left bank and right banks (relative to downstream-facing direction...
Trace metals in water and biota in and near headwater streams in the Colorado Mineral Belt Trace metals in water and biota in and near headwater streams in the Colorado Mineral Belt
This data release includes sampling location data, field-collected water chemistry data, cation and anion concentration data for water and tissues of submerged aquatic vegetation, aquatic insect larvae, adult aquatic insects and riparian spiders from 35 first- and second-order sub-alpine streams that ranged over several orders of magnitude in metal concentrations but were similar in...
Geochemical analyses of surface water, groundwater and springs surrounding Mount Emmons near Crested Butte, Colorado (ver. 2.0, September 2020) Geochemical analyses of surface water, groundwater and springs surrounding Mount Emmons near Crested Butte, Colorado (ver. 2.0, September 2020)
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS), and Coal Creek Watershed Coalition (CCWC) working independently, have intermittently collected samples of surface- and groundwater and springs around Mount Emmons, near Crested Butte, Colorado. This data release is a compilation of the comprehensive inorganic chemical analyses conducted as a...
Maps showing hydrostatic levels and general ground-water quality for an area near Conifer, Colorado Maps showing hydrostatic levels and general ground-water quality for an area near Conifer, Colorado
Static water levels (SWL's) were measured in more than one hundred wells in the study area during April-May 1989. The water levels were monitored for 10-15 minutes to determine if they were static. If a given level was found not to be static, the measurement was repeated at a later data when the level was static.
Filter Total Items: 113
Incorporating streambank wells in stream mass loading studies to more effectively identify sources of solutes in stream water Incorporating streambank wells in stream mass loading studies to more effectively identify sources of solutes in stream water
Stream synoptic sampling studies that include flow estimates derived from the stream tracer dilution method are now commonly performed to identify sources and processes controlling solute transport to streams. However, a limitation of this mass-loading approach is its inability to identify the side of the stream on which a source is located in the common case where loading is largely...
Authors
Andrew H. Manning, Robert L. Runkel, Jean M. Morrison, Richard Wanty, Katherine Walton-Day
Regional occurrence of aqueous tungsten and relations with antimony, arsenic and molybdenum concentrations (Sardinia, Italy) Regional occurrence of aqueous tungsten and relations with antimony, arsenic and molybdenum concentrations (Sardinia, Italy)
Tungsten (W) is rarely found in natural waters, yet it can be introduced into the food chain and cause potentially toxic effects. Uptake of W by plants and vegetables, or trace presence of W in drinking water are possible vectors for ingestion of W by humans. The latter is recognized as a possible cause of lymphatic leukemia. Increased uses of W might result in a degradation of water...
Authors
Rosa Cidu, Riccardo Biddau, Franco Frau, Richard Wanty, Stefano Naitza
Variation in metal concentrations across a large contamination gradient is reflected in stream but not linked riparian food webs Variation in metal concentrations across a large contamination gradient is reflected in stream but not linked riparian food webs
Aquatic insects link food web dynamics across freshwater-terrestrial boundaries and subsidize terrestrial consumer populations. Contaminants that accumulate in larval aquatic insects and are retained across metamorphosis can increase dietary exposure for riparian insectivores. To better understand potential exposure of terrestrial insectivores to aquatically-derived trace metals, metal
Authors
Johanna M. Kraus, Richard Wanty, Travis S. Schmidt, David Walters, Ruth E. Wolf
Direct observation of the depth of active groundwater circulation in an alpine watershed Direct observation of the depth of active groundwater circulation in an alpine watershed
The depth of active groundwater circulation is a fundamental control on stream flows and chemistry in mountain watersheds, yet it remains challenging to characterize and is rarely well constrained. We collected hydraulic conductivity, hydraulic head, temperature, chemical, noble gas, and 3H/3He groundwater age data from discrete levels in two boreholes 46 and 81 m deep in an alpine...
Authors
Andrew H. Manning, Lyndsay B. Ball, Richard Wanty, Kenneth H. Williams
Using stream-side groundwater discharge for geochemical exploration in mountainous terrain Using stream-side groundwater discharge for geochemical exploration in mountainous terrain
Groundwater chemistry has been predominantly used in geochemical exploration studies to identify mineralized targets concealed under transported cover in areas with gentle topography. Another potentially valuable ap-plication that has received little attention is using groundwater chemistry to identify deposits concealed within mountain ridges. A number of geochemical exploration studies...
Authors
Andrew H. Manning, Jean M. Morrison, Richard Wanty, Christopher T. Mills
A 20-year record of water chemistry in an alpine setting, Mount Emmons, Colorado, USA A 20-year record of water chemistry in an alpine setting, Mount Emmons, Colorado, USA
From 1997 to the present, the U.S. Geological Survey and other agencies have been collecting water samples for chemical analyses on Mount Emmons in central Colorado, USA. The geology of Mount Emmons is dominated by Upper Cretaceous to Paleogene sediments of marine to continental origin, with felsic intrusive rocks interrupting the sedimentary block. Extensive sulphide-rich alteration...
Authors
Richard Wanty, Andrew H. Manning, Michaela Johnson, Philip Verplanck
Non-USGS Publications**
Wanty, Richard B., 1986, Geochemistry of vanadium in an epigenetic sandstone-hosted vanadium-uranium deposit, Henry basin, Utah: Ph.D. Dissertation, Colorado School of Mines, 198 pp.
Wanty, Richard B., 1981, The use of radiogenic elements, and selected trace elements and their solution-mineral equilibria in groundwater as exploration tools for uranium deposits: M.S. Thesis, Colorado School of Mines, 151 pp.
Wanty, R.B., Langmuir, D., and Chatham, J.R., 1981, Groundwater prospecting for sandstone-type uranium deposits: The merits of mineral-solution equilibria versus single element tracer methods: U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office Report GJO-79-360-E, v. 2, 91 pp.
Chatham, J.R., Wanty, R.B., and Langmuir, D., 1981, National Uranium Resource Evaluation. Groundwater prospecting for sandstone-type uranium deposits: the merits of mineral-solution equilibria versus single element tracer methods. Final Report: U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office Report GJO-79-360-E, 197 pp.
**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.
Colorado Legacy Mine Lands Watershed Delineation and Scoring tool (WaDeS) Colorado Legacy Mine Lands Watershed Delineation and Scoring tool (WaDeS)
This web application, a summarized compilation of central Colorado water chemistry datasets from USGS and EPA, identifies legacy mine sites within the headwaters of central Colorado that could be good candidates for future remediation work based on stream metal concentrations, the number and complexity of mine features, and the potential for high natural background metal concentrations.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government