Staff
Science and Products
Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MAP): Water Availability Study
The Mississippi Alluvial Plain is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the Nation and depends on groundwater for irrigation. The MAP area constitutes the third largest area of irrigated cropland in the United States. The area is approximately 29,000 square miles (19 million acres) and includes parts of the States of Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.The U.S...
Enhanced Characterization of the MAP Groundwater System
The current characterization of the MAP groundwater system relies on information gained through various methods at individual well locations. To complete a full picture of the system, the information between these points are assumed to continue over large areas. As a result, a detailed characterization of the MAP groundwater system suitable to evaluate water sustainability at the scales now...
Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT) surveys conducted near campgrounds on the Buffalo National River, Arkansas
Karst environments present many challenges to agencies and engineers attempting to work in these landscapes, particularly towards building infrastructure. The interconnectivity of karst hydrologic systems means that activities occurring on the surface of a karst landscape can have an impact on water quality and quantity. Additionally, soil thickness in karst landscape is often highly variable due
Thickness of the Chicot aquifer system of southwestern Louisiana’s surficial confining unit and shallow sand lenses
The Chicot aquifer system is a vital water resource for Southwestern Louisiana, providing nearly half of the fresh groundwater the region consumes (Sargent, 2011). The aquifer’s surficial confining unit consists of a wedge-shaped thickening sequence of south to southeastern dipping, interbedded clays and courser material (primarily sand and gravel). In collaboration with the Louisiana Department o
Historical (1940–2006) and recent (2019–20) aquifer slug test datasets used to model transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity of the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer from recent (2018–20) airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey d
The Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (“alluvial aquifer”) is one of the most extensively developed aquifers in the United States. The alluvial aquifer is present at the land surface in parts of southeastern Missouri, northeastern Louisiana, western Mississippi, western Tennessee and Kentucky near the Mississippi River, and throughout eastern Arkansas. Historical (1940–2006) and recent (20
Datasets used to map the potentiometric surface, Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer, spring 2020
A potentiometric-surface map for spring 2020 was created for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (MRVA), which was referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88), using most of the available groundwater-altitude data from wells and surface-water-altitude data from streamgages. The location and water-level altitude in feet for these wells and streamgages in spring 2020
Datasets used to map the potentiometric surface, Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer, spring 2018
A potentiometric-surface map for spring 2018 was created for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial (MRVA) aquifer, which was referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88), using most of the available groundwater-altitude data from wells and surface-water-altitude data from streamgages. Most of the wells were measured annually or one time, after installation, but some wells were
Airborne electromagnetic, magnetic, and radiometric survey of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, November 2018 - February 2019
Airborne electromagnetic (AEM), magnetic, and radiometric data were acquired November 2018 to February 2019 along 16,816 line-kilometers (line-km) over the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MAP). Data were acquired by CGG Canada Services, Ltd. with three different helicopter-borne sensors: the CGG Canada Services, Ltd. Resolve frequency-domain AEM instrument that is used to map subsurface geologic struc
Airborne electromagnetic, magnetic, and radiometric survey, Shellmound, Mississippi, March 2018
Airborne electromagnetic (AEM), magnetic, and radiometric data were acquired in late February to early March 2018 along 2,364 line-kilometers in the Shellmound, Mississippi study area. Data were acquired by CGG Canada Services, Ltd. with three different helicopter-borne sensors: the CGG Canada Services, Ltd. RESOLVE frequency-domain AEM instrument that is used to map subsurface geologic structure
Estimated and measured streamflow and groundwater-level data in the Mississippi Delta
This data release provides the data that support the findings in "Characterizing groundwater and surface-water interaction using hydrograph-separation techniques and groundwater-level data throughout the Mississippi Delta" by Killian and others (2019). There are two child items below: (1) Estimated baseflow includes the baseflow_est data and metadata that contain daily mean streamflow data provid
Waterborne resistivity surveys for streams in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, 2017
This data release has three components for each of the eight stream lengths: 1) a geospatial dataset of the processed data; 2) tabular data of the processed waterborne resistivity profiling data and associated water-quality data; 3) tabular data of the raw waterborne resistivity data and associated water-quality data. In fresh water aquifers, the geoelectric resistivity of earth materials comm
Water-borne continuous resistivity profiling data from select streams of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain in northwestern Mississippi
This data release consists of two different datasets, waterborne resistivity profiling data and water quality data collected during profiling.
In fresh water aquifers, the geoelectric resistivity of earth materials commonly has a positive correlation with hydraulic conductivity. In June 2016, continuous resistivity profiling data were collected, as a proxy for streambed hydraulic conductivity,
Altitude of the potentiometric surface in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer, spring 2020
The purpose of this report is to present a potentiometric-surface map for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (MRVA). The source data for the map were groundwater-altitude data from wells measured manually or continuously generally in spring 2020 and from the altitude of the top of the water surface measured generally on April 9, 2020, in rivers in the area.
Altitude of the potentiometric surface in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer, spring 2018
A potentiometric-surface map for spring 2018 was created for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial (MRVA) aquifer using available groundwater-altitude data from 1,126 wells completed in the MRVA aquifer and from the altitude of the top of the water surface in area rivers from 66 streamgages. Personnel from Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Geological Su
High-resolution airborne geophysical survey of the Shellmound, Mississippi area
In late February to early March 2018, the U.S. Geological Survey acquired 2,364 line-kilometers (km) of airborne electromagnetic, magnetic, and radiometric data in the Shellmound, Mississippi study area. The purpose of this survey is to contribute high-resolution information about subsurface geologic structure to inform groundwater models, water resource infrastructure studies, and local decision
Potentiometric surface of the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer, spring 2016
A potentiometric surface map for spring 2016 was created for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial (MRVA) aquifer using selected available groundwater-altitude data from wells and surface-water-altitude data from streamgages. Most of the wells were measured annually or one time after installation, but some wells were measured more than one time or continually; streamgages are typically operated co
...
Filter Total Items: 27
Simulation of monthly mean and monthly base flow of streamflow using random forests for the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain, 1901 to 2018
Improved simulations of streamflow and base flow for selected sites within and adjacent to the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain area are important for modeling groundwater flow because surface-water flows have a substantial effect on groundwater levels. One method for simulating streamflow and base flow, random forest (RF) models, was developed from the data at gaged sites and, in turn, was used t
Authors
Benjamin J. Dietsch, William H. Asquith, Brian K. Breaker, Stephen M. Westenbroek, Wade H. Kress
A model of transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity from electrical resistivity distribution derived from airborne electromagnetic surveys of the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer, Midwest USA
Groundwater-flow models require the spatial distribution of the hydraulic conductivity parameter. One approach to defining this spatial distribution in groundwater-flow model grids is to map the electrical resistivity distribution by airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey and establish a petrophysical relation between mean resistivity calculated as a nonlinear function of the resistivity layering a
Authors
Scott Ikard, Burke J. Minsley, James Robert Rigby, Wade Kress
Airborne geophysical surveys of the lower Mississippi Valley demonstrate system-scale mapping of subsurface architecture
The Mississippi Alluvial Plain hosts one of the most prolific shallow aquifer systems in the United States but is experiencing chronic groundwater decline. The Reelfoot rift and New Madrid seismic zone underlie the region and represent an important and poorly understood seismic hazard. Despite its societal and economic importance, the shallow subsurface architecture has not been mapped with the sp
Authors
Burke J. Minsley, James Robert Rigby, Stephanie R. James, Bethany L. Burton, Katherine J. Knierim, Michael Pace, Paul A. Bedrosian, Wade Kress
Methods to quality assure, plot, summarize, interpolate, and extend groundwater-level information—Examples for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer
Large-scale computational investigations of groundwater levels are proposed to accelerate science delivery through a workflow spanning database assembly, statistics, and information synthesis and packaging. A water-availability study of the Mississippi River alluvial plain, and particularly the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (MRVA), is ongoing. Software (visGWDBmrva) has been released a
Authors
William H. Asquith, Ronald C. Seanor, Virginia L. McGuire, Wade Kress
Characterizing the diverse hydrogeology underlying rivers and estuaries using new floating transient electromagnetic methodology
The hydrogeology below large surface water features such as rivers and estuaries is universally under-informed at the long reach to basin scales (tens of km+). This challenge inhibits the accurate modeling of fresh/saline groundwater interfaces and groundwater/surface water exchange patterns at management-relevant spatial extents. Here we introduce a towed, floating transient electromagnetic (TEM)
Authors
John W. Lane, Martin A. Briggs, PK Maurya, Eric A. White, JB Pedersen, Esben Auken, Neil Terry, Burke J. Minsley, Wade Kress, Denis R. LeBlanc, Ryan F. Adams, Carole D. Johnson
Hydrogeologic framework and simulation of predevelopment groundwater flow, eastern Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Groundwater in eastern Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates is an important resource that is widely used for irrigation and domestic supplies in rural areas. The U.S. Geological Survey and the Environment Agency—Abu Dhabi cooperated on an investigation to integrate existing hydrogeologic information and to answer questions about regional groundwater resources in Abu Dhabi by developing a numerica
Authors
Jack R. Eggleston, Thomas J. Mack, Jeffrey L. Imes, Wade Kress, Dennis W. Woodward, Daniel J. Bright
Characterizing groundwater/surface-water interaction using hydrograph-separation techniques and groundwater-level data throughout the Mississippi Delta, USA
The Mississippi Delta, located in northwest Mississippi, is an area dense with industrial-level agriculture sustained by groundwater-dependent irrigation supplied by the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial aquifer (alluvial aquifer). The Delta provides agricultural commodities across the United States and around the world. Observed declines in groundwater altitudes and streamflow contemporaneous wit
Authors
Courtney D. Killian, William H. Asquith, Jeannie R. B. Barlow, Gardner C. Bent, Wade Kress, Paul M. Barlow, Darrel W. Schmitz
The use of national datasets to produce an average annual water budget for the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, 2000–13
OverviewWater is a critically important resource for the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MAP) region, supporting a multibillion-dollar agricultural industry. There are concerns that continued withdrawals of groundwater for irrigation may decrease future water supplies. The U.S. Geological Survey has a history of conducting research in the MAP region and recently began an effort to integrate multiple m
Authors
Meredith Reitz, Wade Kress
Hydrogeophysics at societally relevant scales: Airborne electromagnetic applications and model structural uncertainty quantification
There is a critical and growing need for information about subsurface geological properties and processes over sufficiently large areas that can inform key scientific and societal studies. Airborne geophysical methods fill a unique role in Earth observation because of their ability to detect deep subsurface properties at regional scales and with high spatial resolution that cannot be achieved with
Authors
Burke J. Minsley, Nathan Leon Foks, Wade Kress, James R. Rigby
Improving our understanding of hydraulic-electrical relations: A case study of the surficial aquifer in Emirate Abu Dhabi
Transmissivity is a bulk hydraulic property that can be correlated with bulk electrical properties of an aquifer. In aquifers that are electrically-resistive relative to adjacent layers in a horizontally stratified sequence, transmissivity has been shown to correlate with bulk transverse resistance. Conversely, in aquifers that are electrically-conductive relative to adjacent layers, transmissivit
Authors
Scott Ikard, Wade H. Kress
Water levels and water quality in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer in eastern Arkansas, 2012
During the spring of 2012, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and the Arkansas Geological Survey, measured water levels in 342 wells completed in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer in eastern Arkansas. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission measured water levels in 11 wells, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resource
Authors
Tony P. Schrader
Estimation of Leakage Potential of Selected Sites in Interstate and Tri-State Canals Using Geostatistical Analysis of Selected Capacitively Coupled Resistivity Profiles, Western Nebraska, 2004
With increasing demands for reliable water supplies and availability estimates, groundwater flow models often are developed to enhance understanding of surface-water and groundwater systems. Specific hydraulic variables must be known or calibrated for the groundwater-flow model to accurately simulate current or future conditions. Surface geophysical surveys, along with selected test-hole informati
Authors
Joseph Vrabel, Andrew Teeple, Wade H. Kress
Source code in R to quality assure, plot, summarize, interpolate, and extend groundwater-level information, visGWDB---Groundwater-level informatics with demonstration for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer
This page contains extensive source code in the R language supporting groundwater level informatics, and the entry point is the script visGWDB.R. The approximately 4,000 lines of aggregate code requires also extensive external dependencies. The code provides for near arbitrary-scale information processing of observations or recordings of water levels associated groundwater resources. The processin
Science and Products
- Science
Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MAP): Water Availability Study
The Mississippi Alluvial Plain is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the Nation and depends on groundwater for irrigation. The MAP area constitutes the third largest area of irrigated cropland in the United States. The area is approximately 29,000 square miles (19 million acres) and includes parts of the States of Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana.The U.S...Enhanced Characterization of the MAP Groundwater System
The current characterization of the MAP groundwater system relies on information gained through various methods at individual well locations. To complete a full picture of the system, the information between these points are assumed to continue over large areas. As a result, a detailed characterization of the MAP groundwater system suitable to evaluate water sustainability at the scales now... - Data
Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT) surveys conducted near campgrounds on the Buffalo National River, Arkansas
Karst environments present many challenges to agencies and engineers attempting to work in these landscapes, particularly towards building infrastructure. The interconnectivity of karst hydrologic systems means that activities occurring on the surface of a karst landscape can have an impact on water quality and quantity. Additionally, soil thickness in karst landscape is often highly variable dueThickness of the Chicot aquifer system of southwestern Louisiana’s surficial confining unit and shallow sand lenses
The Chicot aquifer system is a vital water resource for Southwestern Louisiana, providing nearly half of the fresh groundwater the region consumes (Sargent, 2011). The aquifer’s surficial confining unit consists of a wedge-shaped thickening sequence of south to southeastern dipping, interbedded clays and courser material (primarily sand and gravel). In collaboration with the Louisiana Department oHistorical (1940–2006) and recent (2019–20) aquifer slug test datasets used to model transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity of the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer from recent (2018–20) airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey d
The Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (“alluvial aquifer”) is one of the most extensively developed aquifers in the United States. The alluvial aquifer is present at the land surface in parts of southeastern Missouri, northeastern Louisiana, western Mississippi, western Tennessee and Kentucky near the Mississippi River, and throughout eastern Arkansas. Historical (1940–2006) and recent (20Datasets used to map the potentiometric surface, Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer, spring 2020
A potentiometric-surface map for spring 2020 was created for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (MRVA), which was referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88), using most of the available groundwater-altitude data from wells and surface-water-altitude data from streamgages. The location and water-level altitude in feet for these wells and streamgages in spring 2020Datasets used to map the potentiometric surface, Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer, spring 2018
A potentiometric-surface map for spring 2018 was created for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial (MRVA) aquifer, which was referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88), using most of the available groundwater-altitude data from wells and surface-water-altitude data from streamgages. Most of the wells were measured annually or one time, after installation, but some wells wereAirborne electromagnetic, magnetic, and radiometric survey of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, November 2018 - February 2019
Airborne electromagnetic (AEM), magnetic, and radiometric data were acquired November 2018 to February 2019 along 16,816 line-kilometers (line-km) over the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MAP). Data were acquired by CGG Canada Services, Ltd. with three different helicopter-borne sensors: the CGG Canada Services, Ltd. Resolve frequency-domain AEM instrument that is used to map subsurface geologic strucAirborne electromagnetic, magnetic, and radiometric survey, Shellmound, Mississippi, March 2018
Airborne electromagnetic (AEM), magnetic, and radiometric data were acquired in late February to early March 2018 along 2,364 line-kilometers in the Shellmound, Mississippi study area. Data were acquired by CGG Canada Services, Ltd. with three different helicopter-borne sensors: the CGG Canada Services, Ltd. RESOLVE frequency-domain AEM instrument that is used to map subsurface geologic structureEstimated and measured streamflow and groundwater-level data in the Mississippi Delta
This data release provides the data that support the findings in "Characterizing groundwater and surface-water interaction using hydrograph-separation techniques and groundwater-level data throughout the Mississippi Delta" by Killian and others (2019). There are two child items below: (1) Estimated baseflow includes the baseflow_est data and metadata that contain daily mean streamflow data providWaterborne resistivity surveys for streams in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, 2017
This data release has three components for each of the eight stream lengths: 1) a geospatial dataset of the processed data; 2) tabular data of the processed waterborne resistivity profiling data and associated water-quality data; 3) tabular data of the raw waterborne resistivity data and associated water-quality data. In fresh water aquifers, the geoelectric resistivity of earth materials commWater-borne continuous resistivity profiling data from select streams of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain in northwestern Mississippi
This data release consists of two different datasets, waterborne resistivity profiling data and water quality data collected during profiling. In fresh water aquifers, the geoelectric resistivity of earth materials commonly has a positive correlation with hydraulic conductivity. In June 2016, continuous resistivity profiling data were collected, as a proxy for streambed hydraulic conductivity, - Maps
Altitude of the potentiometric surface in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer, spring 2020
The purpose of this report is to present a potentiometric-surface map for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (MRVA). The source data for the map were groundwater-altitude data from wells measured manually or continuously generally in spring 2020 and from the altitude of the top of the water surface measured generally on April 9, 2020, in rivers in the area.Altitude of the potentiometric surface in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer, spring 2018
A potentiometric-surface map for spring 2018 was created for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial (MRVA) aquifer using available groundwater-altitude data from 1,126 wells completed in the MRVA aquifer and from the altitude of the top of the water surface in area rivers from 66 streamgages. Personnel from Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Geological SuHigh-resolution airborne geophysical survey of the Shellmound, Mississippi area
In late February to early March 2018, the U.S. Geological Survey acquired 2,364 line-kilometers (km) of airborne electromagnetic, magnetic, and radiometric data in the Shellmound, Mississippi study area. The purpose of this survey is to contribute high-resolution information about subsurface geologic structure to inform groundwater models, water resource infrastructure studies, and local decisionPotentiometric surface of the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer, spring 2016
A potentiometric surface map for spring 2016 was created for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial (MRVA) aquifer using selected available groundwater-altitude data from wells and surface-water-altitude data from streamgages. Most of the wells were measured annually or one time after installation, but some wells were measured more than one time or continually; streamgages are typically operated co - Publications
...
Filter Total Items: 27Simulation of monthly mean and monthly base flow of streamflow using random forests for the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain, 1901 to 2018
Improved simulations of streamflow and base flow for selected sites within and adjacent to the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain area are important for modeling groundwater flow because surface-water flows have a substantial effect on groundwater levels. One method for simulating streamflow and base flow, random forest (RF) models, was developed from the data at gaged sites and, in turn, was used tAuthorsBenjamin J. Dietsch, William H. Asquith, Brian K. Breaker, Stephen M. Westenbroek, Wade H. KressA model of transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity from electrical resistivity distribution derived from airborne electromagnetic surveys of the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer, Midwest USA
Groundwater-flow models require the spatial distribution of the hydraulic conductivity parameter. One approach to defining this spatial distribution in groundwater-flow model grids is to map the electrical resistivity distribution by airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey and establish a petrophysical relation between mean resistivity calculated as a nonlinear function of the resistivity layering aAuthorsScott Ikard, Burke J. Minsley, James Robert Rigby, Wade KressAirborne geophysical surveys of the lower Mississippi Valley demonstrate system-scale mapping of subsurface architecture
The Mississippi Alluvial Plain hosts one of the most prolific shallow aquifer systems in the United States but is experiencing chronic groundwater decline. The Reelfoot rift and New Madrid seismic zone underlie the region and represent an important and poorly understood seismic hazard. Despite its societal and economic importance, the shallow subsurface architecture has not been mapped with the spAuthorsBurke J. Minsley, James Robert Rigby, Stephanie R. James, Bethany L. Burton, Katherine J. Knierim, Michael Pace, Paul A. Bedrosian, Wade KressMethods to quality assure, plot, summarize, interpolate, and extend groundwater-level information—Examples for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer
Large-scale computational investigations of groundwater levels are proposed to accelerate science delivery through a workflow spanning database assembly, statistics, and information synthesis and packaging. A water-availability study of the Mississippi River alluvial plain, and particularly the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (MRVA), is ongoing. Software (visGWDBmrva) has been released aAuthorsWilliam H. Asquith, Ronald C. Seanor, Virginia L. McGuire, Wade KressCharacterizing the diverse hydrogeology underlying rivers and estuaries using new floating transient electromagnetic methodology
The hydrogeology below large surface water features such as rivers and estuaries is universally under-informed at the long reach to basin scales (tens of km+). This challenge inhibits the accurate modeling of fresh/saline groundwater interfaces and groundwater/surface water exchange patterns at management-relevant spatial extents. Here we introduce a towed, floating transient electromagnetic (TEM)AuthorsJohn W. Lane, Martin A. Briggs, PK Maurya, Eric A. White, JB Pedersen, Esben Auken, Neil Terry, Burke J. Minsley, Wade Kress, Denis R. LeBlanc, Ryan F. Adams, Carole D. JohnsonHydrogeologic framework and simulation of predevelopment groundwater flow, eastern Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Groundwater in eastern Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates is an important resource that is widely used for irrigation and domestic supplies in rural areas. The U.S. Geological Survey and the Environment Agency—Abu Dhabi cooperated on an investigation to integrate existing hydrogeologic information and to answer questions about regional groundwater resources in Abu Dhabi by developing a numericaAuthorsJack R. Eggleston, Thomas J. Mack, Jeffrey L. Imes, Wade Kress, Dennis W. Woodward, Daniel J. BrightCharacterizing groundwater/surface-water interaction using hydrograph-separation techniques and groundwater-level data throughout the Mississippi Delta, USA
The Mississippi Delta, located in northwest Mississippi, is an area dense with industrial-level agriculture sustained by groundwater-dependent irrigation supplied by the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial aquifer (alluvial aquifer). The Delta provides agricultural commodities across the United States and around the world. Observed declines in groundwater altitudes and streamflow contemporaneous witAuthorsCourtney D. Killian, William H. Asquith, Jeannie R. B. Barlow, Gardner C. Bent, Wade Kress, Paul M. Barlow, Darrel W. SchmitzThe use of national datasets to produce an average annual water budget for the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, 2000–13
OverviewWater is a critically important resource for the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MAP) region, supporting a multibillion-dollar agricultural industry. There are concerns that continued withdrawals of groundwater for irrigation may decrease future water supplies. The U.S. Geological Survey has a history of conducting research in the MAP region and recently began an effort to integrate multiple mAuthorsMeredith Reitz, Wade KressHydrogeophysics at societally relevant scales: Airborne electromagnetic applications and model structural uncertainty quantification
There is a critical and growing need for information about subsurface geological properties and processes over sufficiently large areas that can inform key scientific and societal studies. Airborne geophysical methods fill a unique role in Earth observation because of their ability to detect deep subsurface properties at regional scales and with high spatial resolution that cannot be achieved withAuthorsBurke J. Minsley, Nathan Leon Foks, Wade Kress, James R. RigbyImproving our understanding of hydraulic-electrical relations: A case study of the surficial aquifer in Emirate Abu Dhabi
Transmissivity is a bulk hydraulic property that can be correlated with bulk electrical properties of an aquifer. In aquifers that are electrically-resistive relative to adjacent layers in a horizontally stratified sequence, transmissivity has been shown to correlate with bulk transverse resistance. Conversely, in aquifers that are electrically-conductive relative to adjacent layers, transmissivitAuthorsScott Ikard, Wade H. KressWater levels and water quality in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer in eastern Arkansas, 2012
During the spring of 2012, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and the Arkansas Geological Survey, measured water levels in 342 wells completed in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer in eastern Arkansas. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission measured water levels in 11 wells, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural ResourceAuthorsTony P. SchraderEstimation of Leakage Potential of Selected Sites in Interstate and Tri-State Canals Using Geostatistical Analysis of Selected Capacitively Coupled Resistivity Profiles, Western Nebraska, 2004
With increasing demands for reliable water supplies and availability estimates, groundwater flow models often are developed to enhance understanding of surface-water and groundwater systems. Specific hydraulic variables must be known or calibrated for the groundwater-flow model to accurately simulate current or future conditions. Surface geophysical surveys, along with selected test-hole informatiAuthorsJoseph Vrabel, Andrew Teeple, Wade H. Kress - Software
Source code in R to quality assure, plot, summarize, interpolate, and extend groundwater-level information, visGWDB---Groundwater-level informatics with demonstration for the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer
This page contains extensive source code in the R language supporting groundwater level informatics, and the entry point is the script visGWDB.R. The approximately 4,000 lines of aggregate code requires also extensive external dependencies. The code provides for near arbitrary-scale information processing of observations or recordings of water levels associated groundwater resources. The processin