Unified Interior Regions
North Carolina
We conduct impartial, multi- and interdisciplinary research and monitoring on a large range of natural-resource issues that impact the quality of life of citizens and landscapes of the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean region.
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Hurricane Dorian - Forecast and Documentation of Coastal Change
Hurricane Dorian coastal change forecast and pre- and post-storm photos documenting coastal change.
Real-Time Storm Response
Coastal change forecasts and pre- and post-storm photos documenting coastal change for landfalling storms. Currently responding to Hurricane Dorian.
Hurricane Dorian 2019
The South Atlantic Water Science Center prepares for Hurricane Dorian.
United States Assessments of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources
USGS Energy Resources Program provides periodic assessments of the oil and natural gas endowment of the United States and the World. This website provides access to new, prioritized, assessment results and supporting data for the United States, as part of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA).
Sea Level and Storm Hazards: Past and Present
Sea level and Storm Hazards: Past and Present is a multidisciplinary study of past changes in sea level. Prehistoric shorelines can be used as a baseline for current and future sea level changes under warmer-than-present climate. Emphasis is placed on looking at sea levels during warm periods of the last 500,000 years as well as how base level changes increase the risk of coastal inundation...
Eastern Basins Oil and Gas Assessments
The USGS has conducted several assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in formations in the Blue Ridge Thrust Belt (5068), Piedmont Province (5069), Atlantic Coastal Plain Province (5070), and the New England Province (5072). These basins are generally east of the Appalachian Basin Province (5067).
Geological Investigations of the Neogene
More than a third of the United States population lives in counties directly on the shoreline, making them vulnerable to hazards associated with changing sea level and storm surges associated with hurricanes and severe storms. The geologic record contains many examples of past intervals of warm climate and high sea level. "Geological Investigation of the Neogene" is examining proxy records of...
Blue Ridge and Inner Piedmont Geologic Mapping
The Blue Ridge and Inner Piedmont Geologic Mapping Task (BRIP) is the western focus of geologic mapping and framework studies of the Piedmont and Blue Ridge Project. BRIP will conduct modern geologic mapping and geologic framework studies in the Wytheville, Hickory and Boone 30x60-min. sheets. Collectively, the objectives of BRIP are to (1) characterize the geologic framework of the Blue Ridge...
Piedmont and Blue Ridge Project
The Piedmont and Blue Ridge Project is a geologic mapping project supported by the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. The Piedmont Blue Ridge Project aims to understand the geologic framework and tectonic evolution of terranes and basins in the Appalachian Piedmont and Blue Ridge, and their significance for water, mineral and energy resources, natural hazards, and engineering/...
Hurricane Florence - Forecast and Documentation of Coastal Change
Hurricane Florence coastal change forecast and pre- and post-storm photos documenting coastal change.
Webinar: Connectivity for Climate Change: Assessing Threats and Identifying Conservation Actions
View this webinar to learn how researchers are examining habitat connectivity as a conservation strategy in the face of climate change.
Surface-water data for the South Atlantic Water Science Center (NWISWeb)
Real-time, daily, peak-flow, field measurements, and statistics of current and historical data that describe stream levels, streamflow (discharge), reservoir and lake levels, surface-water quality, and rainfall in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Current Conditions: Georgia...
Groundwater data for the South Atlantic Water Science Center (NWISWeb)
Data from wells, springs, test holes, tunnels, drains, and excavations in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina; well location data includes information such as latitude and longitude, well depth, and aquifer. Current and historical observations, and daily data are offered.
Current Conditions: Georgia...
Water-quality data for the South Atlantic Water Science Center (NWISWeb)
Chemical, physical, and biological properties of water, sediment, and tissue samples from Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Water-quality data are collected as either discrete field measurements or as continuous time-series data from automated recorders.
Current Conditions: ...
Real time precipitation data for Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina (NWISWeb)
Data from rain gages that provide real-time data are relayed to the USGS and are transmitted from each station at intervals of 1 to 8 hours. Real-time data available on these web pages are provisional data that have not been reviewed or edited.
Georgia || ...
Water use data for the South Atlantic Water Science Center (NWISWeb)
Water-use data are collected by area type (state, county, watershed, or aquifer) and source (rivers or groundwater), and category (such as public supply or irrigation). Water-use data has been reported every five years since 1950. The USGS works with local, State, and Federal agencies as well as other organizations to collect and report withdrawals.
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WaterWatch - View streamflow data using maps, graphs, and tables.
WaterWatch is a U.S. Geological Survey Web site that displays maps, graphs, and tables describing real-time, recent, and past streamflow conditions for the United States. The real-time information generally is updated on an hourly basis.
Groundwater Watch - Below Normal Groundwater Levels (GA/NC/SC)
The U.S. Geological Survey has a database/archive of about 850,000 wells across the Nation. A well with below normal groundwater levels is identified when the most recent water-level measurement is in the 24th percentile or lower in the month of measurement over the period of record for the well.
Groundwater Watch - View groundwater data using maps, graphs, and tables.
These "groundwater watch" web pages group related wells and data from these active well networks, and provide basic statistics about the water-level data collected by USGS water science centers for Cooperative Programs, for Federal Programs, and from data supplied to us by our customers through cooperative agreements.
Real-Time Precipitation Network Mapper
Real-time precipitation data is available in our map-driven application for Georgia and North Carolina. You can use a map to select a precipitation-monitoring site and view precipitation amounts for the previous hours and days. A data table shows precipitation at all sites within the state.
Go to the mapper: Georgia || ...
Rainfall data, maps and resources for Georgia, North and South Carolina
Precipitation data and related rainfall information, for the South Atlantic Water Science Center geographical region (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina).
Shift Adjusted Ratings for Georgia, North and South Carolina Stream Gages
Project sampling locations.
This map is based on data from more than 70 raingages operated by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County as part of the Flood Information and Notification System (FINS).
The 3DEP products and services available through The National Map consist of standard digital elevation models (DEMs) at various horizontal resolutions, elevation source and associated datasets, an elevation point query service and bulk point query service. All 3DEP products are available, free of charge and without use restrictions.
The USGS Storm Tide Mapper is a tool for viewing, analyzing, and accessing storm tide data collected during and after hurricanes and Nor’easters. The USGS Storm Tide Mapper will continue to provide a unified and consistent source of real-time and archived storm-tide data.
This map is based on data from more than 70 raingages operated by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County as part of the Flood Information and Notification System (FINS).
Map of North Carolina rain gages with National Weather Service precipitation overlays.
This map is based on data from more than 70 raingages operated by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County as part of the Flood Information and Notification System (FINS).
There are 72 sites collecting 5-minute interval precipitation data in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Network.
Most sites use line-of-site radios to transmit the data to the USGS within minutes after data is recorded. These data are loaded in the USGS database before the next 5-minute interval and available online soon after.
Map of Catawba-Wateree Groundwater Network monitoring locations.
Hydraulic model and flood-inundation maps developed for the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina
A one-dimensional step-backwater model was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina, to provide a means for predicting flood-plain inundation. The model was developed for selected reaches of the Pee Dee River, Brown Creek, and Rocky River...
Smith, Douglas G.; Wagner, Chad R.
Spatial and temporal variation in microcystins occurrence in wadeable streams in the southeastern USA
Despite historical observations of potential microcystin-producing cyanobacteria (including Leptolyngbya,Phormidium, Pseudoanabaena, and Anabaena species) in 74% of headwater streams in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina (USA) from 1993 to 2011, fluvial cyanotoxin occurrence has not been systematically assessed in the...
Loftin, Keith A.; Clark, Jimmy M.; Journey, Celeste A.; Kolpin, Dana W.; Van Metre, Peter C.; Bradley, Paul M. Identifying long term empirical relationships between storm characteristics and episodic groundwater recharge
Shallow aquifers are an important source of water resources and provide base flow to streams; yet actual rates of groundwater recharge are difficult to estimate. While climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and magnitude of extreme precipitation events, the resulting impact on groundwater recharge remains poorly understood. We...
Tashie, Arik; Mirus, Benjamin B.; Pavelsky, Tamlin
Surface-water quality in agricultural watersheds of the North Carolina Coastal Plain associated with concentrated animal feeding operations
The effects of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) on water quality were investigated at 54 agricultural stream sites throughout the North Carolina Coastal Plain during 2012 and 2013. Three general watershed land-use types were examined during the study, including 18 background watersheds with no active CAFOs (BK sites), 18 watersheds...
Harden, Stephen L. Characterization of stormwater runoff from bridges in North Carolina and the effects of bridge runoff on receiving streams
The presentation will provide an overview of a collaborative study between USGS, NC Department of Transportation and URS Corporation to characterize stormwater runoff from bridges in North Carolina and the effects of bridge runoff on receiving streams. This investigation measured bridge deck runoff from 15 bridges for 12-15 storms, stream water-...
Wagner, Chad; Fitzgerald, Sharon; Lauffer, Matthew
Baseline well inventory and groundwater-quality data from a potential shale gas resource area in parts of Lee and Chatham Counties, North Carolina, October 2011-August 2012
Records were obtained for 305 wells and 1 spring in northwestern Lee and southeastern Chatham counties, North Carolina. Well depths ranged from 26 to 720 feet and yields ranged from 0.25 to 100 gallons per minute. A subset of 56 wells and 1 spring were sampled for baseline groundwaterquality constituents including the following: major ions;...
Chapman, Melinda J.; Gurley, Laura N.; Fitzgerald, Sharon A.
Hydrogeology, hydraulic characteristics, and water-quality conditions in the surficial, Castle Hayne and Peedee aquifers of the greater New Hanover County area, North Carolina, 2012-13
A major issue facing the greater New Hanover County, North Carolina, area is the increased demand for drinking water resources as a result of rapid growth. The principal sources of freshwater supply in the greater New Hanover County area are withdrawals of surface water from the Cape Fear River and groundwater from the underlying Castle Hayne and...
McSwain, Kristen Bukowski; Gurley, Laura N.; Antolino, Dominick J.
Estuarine monitoring programs in the Albemarle Sound study area, North Carolina
Albemarle Sound was selected in 2012 as one of the two demonstration sites in the Nation to test and improve the design of the National Water Quality Monitoring Council’s National Monitoring Network (NMN) for U.S. Coastal Waters and their tributaries. The goal of the NMN for U.S. coastal waters and tributaries is to provide information about...
Moorman, Michelle; Kolb, Katharine R.; Supak, Stacy Igneous activity, metamorphism, and deformation in the Mount Rogers area of SW Virginia and NW North Carolina: A geologic record of Precambrian tectonic evolution of the southern Blue Ridge Province
Mesoproterozoic basement in the vicinity of Mount Rogers is characterized by considerable lithologic variability, including major map units composed of gneiss, amphibolite, migmatite, meta-quartz monzodiorite and various types of granitoid. SHRIMP U-Pb geochronology and field mapping indicate that basement units define four types of occurrences,...
Tollo, Richard P.; Aleinikoff, John N.; Mundil, Roland; Southworth, C. Scott; Cosca, Michael A.; Rankin, Douglas W.; Rubin, Allison E.; Kentner, Adrienne; Parendo, Christopher A.; Ray, Molly S.
Characterization of nutrients and fecal indicator bacteria at a concentrated swine feeding operation in Wake County, North Carolina, 2009-2011
Hydrologic and water-quality data were collected during October 2009–January 2011 to characterize nutrient and bacteria concentrations in stormwater runoff from agricultural fields that receive wastewater originating at a swine facility at North Carolina State University's Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory (LWRFL) in Wake County, North...
Harden, Stephen L.; Rogers, Shane W.; Jahne, Michael A.; Shaffer, Carrie E.; Smith, Douglas G.
Characterization of stormwater runoff from bridges in North Carolina and the effects of bridge deck runoff on receiving streams
In 2008, the North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 2436 that required the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to study the water-quality effects of bridges on receiving streams. In response, the NCDOT and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collaborated on a study to provide information necessary to address the...
Wagner, Chad R.; Fitzgerald, Sharon A.; Sherrell, Roy D.; Harned, Douglas A.; Staub, Erik L.; Pointer, Brian H.; Wehmeyer, Loren L.
A study of the effects of implementing agricultural best management practices and in-stream restoration on suspended sediment, stream habitat, and benthic macroinvertebrates at three stream sites in Surry County, North Carolina, 2004-2007-Lessons learned
The effects of agricultural best management practices and in-stream restoration on suspended-sediment concentrations, stream habitat, and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages were examined in a comparative study of three small, rural stream basins in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge Physiographic Provinces of North Carolina and Virginia between 2004...
Smith, Douglas G.; Ferrell, G.M.; Harned, Douglas A.; Cuffney, Thomas F.
Measuring a high water mark as flooding recedes
USGS hydrographer Kyle Marchman measures a high water mark on the rear wall of a Kangaroo gas station on Highway 24 north of Fayetteville, NC on Sept. 18, 2018, after flooding caused by Hurricane Florence.
Measuring the Lumber River floodwaters
James Stonecypher measures flood waters from the Lumber River that breached a dam in Lumberton, North Carolina after the passage of Hurricane Florence, Sept. 17, 2018.
As Florence rains, rivers keep rising, submerging some USGS instrument
A WaterWatch web map shows streamgages in North and South Carolina that approached or exceeded major flood stage EST on September 19, 2018, as the former Hurricane Florence, now downgraded to a tropical depression, deluged the states with rain.
Working to keep vital flood information flowing in the Carolinas
David Stillwell, USGS hydrologic technician, performs a discharge measurement to help document and forecast flooding caused by Hurricane Florence at Long Creek in Rhyne, North Carolina on Sept. 16.
USGS Storm-Tide Sensor for Hurricane Florence
A USGS storm-tide sensor, deployed in advance of Hurricane Florence's landfall. The sensors are housed in vented steel pipes a few inches wide and about a foot long. They are being installed on bridges, piers, and other structures that have a good chance of surviving the storm.
The information the sensors collect will help define the depth and duration of a storm
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USGS Hurricane Preparedness
Before a hurricane, USGS Scientists undertake a data collection effort of a grand scale. They install a temporary mobile network of sensors along the coasts to collect additional data on the intensity of storm surge, one of the most dangerous elements of a hurricane. This effort provides critical information that allows various USGS partners and emergency responders to
Chattooga River, Middle Gorge, Wild and Scenic River, Jackson County,
Chattooga River, Middle Gorge, Wild and Scenic River, Jackson County, North Carolina
Spodumene
Mineral origin: Hallman Beam Mine, Cherryville, NC
Primary mineral commodity: Lithium
Uses: batteries for cell phones, laptops, and electric and hybrid vehicles
Great Dismal Swamp Burn Area, March 2017
USGS scientists recently collected peat and lake core samples from the swamp to help reconstruct natural, environmental conditions over the past 12,000 years.
The USGS is working with the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge on this effort. Learn more: https://www2.usgs.gov/climate_landuse/
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Great Dismal Swamp, March 2017
Centuries of ditching, draining and harvesting resources have greatly altered the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia. USGS scientists recently collected peat and lake core samples from the swamp to help reconstruct natural, environmental conditions over the past 12,000 years. This project will help managers understand how this system has changed in order to better manage and
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Establishing a Permanent Measuring Point and Reference Marks at a Well
This video demonstrates how to establish permanent reference points and markers at a well site.
To learn more about USGS’s role in providing science to decision makers before, during, and after Hurricane Isaias, visit the USGS Hurricane Isaias page at https://www.usgs.gov/isaias.
A team of federal, academic, and NGO researchers conducted a national-scale assessment of mercury bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems using dragonfly larvae as biosentinels.
Budget Focuses on Bringing Science, Facilities, and Infrastructure into the 21st Century
Editor’s Note: This story was revised Sept. 10, 2019 to include the later phases of USGS’ response to Hurricane Dorian.
To learn more about USGS’ role providing science to decision makers before, during and after Hurricane Dorian, visit the USGS Hurricane Dorian page at www.usgs.gov/dorian.
To learn more about USGS’ role providing science to decision makers before, during and after Hurricane Dorian, visit the USGS Hurricane Dorian page at www.usgs.gov/dorian.
SAWSC research physical scientist Dr. Krissy Hopkins gave a Lunchtime Discovery Lecture at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on August 14, 2019.
S Gold, a student researching projects for a master’s degree at Western Carolina University, saw the news coverage last fall about the DEEP SEARCH research expedition to a large deep-sea coral area off the South Carolina coast and reached out to SPCMSC Research Microbiologist Christina Kellogg about doing a master’s project involving microbiology and these deep-sea corals.
To learn more about USGS’ role providing science to decision makers before, during and after Hurricane Florence, visit the USGS Hurricane Florence page at https://www.usgs.gov/florence.
USGS’ preliminary storm trackers show potential for subtle damage in natural areas
In August 2018, the USGS Coastal/Marine Hazards and Resources Program (CMHRP) completed the Mid-Atlantic Resource Imaging Experiment (MATRIX), a three-week cruise that acquired more than 2,000 kilometers of multichannel seismic data between Hudson Canyon and Cape Hatteras on the U.S. Atlantic margin.
Three statewide datasets were compiled to provide information on geomorphological features in North Carolina. Datasets include state-wide coverages of geomorphon common forms, landscape openness, and slope area index. Datasets were generated from light detection and ranging (lidar) derived digital elevation models at 10 ft. or 30 ft. resolution.
Preliminary Peak Stage and Streamflow Data at Selected U.S. Geological Survey Streamgaging Stations in North and South Carolina for Flooding Following Hurricane Florence, September 2018
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Locations
South Atlantic Water Science Center - Raleigh, NC Office
Phone: (919) 571-4000
Fax: (919) 571-4041
Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center
South Atlantic Water Science Center - Charlotte, NC Field Office
Phone: (704) 344-6272
South Atlantic Water Science Center - Asheville, NC Field Office
Phone: (828) 684-5905