Unified Interior Regions
Virginia
Virginia has a total area of 42,774.2 square miles, including 3,180.13 square miles of water, making it the 35th-largest state by area. The Chesapeake Bay separates the contiguous portion of the Commonwealth from the two-county peninsula of its Eastern Shore. The geography and climate of the Commonwealth are shaped by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay.
Virginia - West Virginia Water Science Center
1730 East Parham Road
Richmond, VA 23228
Phone: (804) 261-2600
Fax: (804) 261-2657
States L2 Landing Page Tabs
Virginia has a total area of 42,774.2 square miles, including 3,180.13 square miles of water, making it the 35th-largest state by area. The Chesapeake Bay separates the contiguous portion of the Commonwealth from the two-county peninsula of its Eastern Shore. The geography and climate of the Commonwealth are shaped by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay.
News
USGS Field Crews Document Isaias' Effects Along Atlantic Coast
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.
USGS Field Crews Document Isaias’ Effects Along Atlantic Coast
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.
Assessment of Mercury Bioaccumulation in US National Parks Using Citizen Science
A team of federal, academic, and NGO researchers conducted a national-scale assessment of mercury bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems using dragonfly larvae as biosentinels.
Mineral Resources Program Scientist Receives Meritorious Service Award
Dr. Suzanne Nicholson received the U.S. Department of Interior's second highest honorary award—the Meritorious Service Award— In recognition of her scientific leadership and noteworthy contributions to the Mineral Resources Program of the U.S. Geological Survey.
The Response of Coastal Wetlands to Sea-level Rise: Understanding how Macroscale Drivers Influence Local Processes and Feedbacks
The purpose of this work is to advance our understanding of how coastal wetland responses to sea-level rise (SLR) within the conterminous United States are likely to vary as a function of local, regional, and macroscale drivers, including climate. Based on our interactions with managers and decision makers, as well as our knowledge of the current state of the science, we propose to: (a)...
Impacts of coastal and watershed changes on upper estuaries: causes and implications of wetland ecosystem transitions along the US Atlantic and Gulf Coasts
Estuaries and their surrounding wetlands are coastal transition zones where freshwater rivers meet tidal seawater. As sea levels rise, tidal forces move saltier water farther upstream, extending into freshwater wetland areas. Human changes to the surrounding landscape may amplify the effects of this tidal extension, impacting the resiliency and function of the upper estuarine wetlands. One...
Using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Capabilities to Help Identify Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) and the effects of Salvinia weevil (Cyrtogagous salviniae)
USGS is collecting remotely sensed data to classify Salvinia molesta, a non-native aquatic species that reduces light and oxygen levels in water, making it unsuitable for fish and other aquatic plant life.
Refined Model Provides a Screening Tool to Understand Exposure to Contaminants from Incidental Wastewater Reuse
Refinement of the existing national-scale “de facto reuse incidence in our nation’s consumable supply” (DRINCS) model, complemented by field measurements, provides a screening tool to understand human and wildlife exposure to toxicants and pathogens associated with the incidental reuse of treated wastewater in the Shenandoah River watershed. The model results can be accessed in a companion...
Research Mineralogy - X-ray Diffraction Lab
The primary goal of this project is to ensure the availability of state-of-the-art mineralogical analyses and, when needed, development of new analytical methods that can be applied to topical studies in Energy and Minerals Mission Area, as well as the other mission areas.
The project includes mineralogy by X-ray diffraction (XRD), qualitative and semi-quantitative x-ray fluorescence...
Real-Time Storm Response
Coastal change forecasts and pre- and post-storm photos documenting coastal change for landfalling storms. Currently responding to Hurricane Dorian.
M5.8 August 23, 2011 Mineral, Virginia
On August 23, 2011 tens of millions of people along the East Coast suddenly felt the earth shaking from the largest earthquake in the eastern U.S. since the M5.8 earthquake in 1944 near Cornwall and Massena, New York.
Information by Region - Virginia
Appalachian Basin Geologic Mapping Project
The Appalachian Basin Geologic Mapping Project performs geologic mapping at local and regional scales, and geologic research in The Valley and Ridge and Appalachian Plateaus physiographic provinces. These provinces include parts of 11 states and mainly borders the Blue Ridge / Piedmont and North Interior Lowlands Provinces. Two states have Valley and Ridge geology only (GA, NJ), two have...
River Continuum Concept Ecological Limit Functions for Fish and Benthic Data in Virginia
The ecological limit functions (ELF) developed in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are a graphical representation of the current and historical state of aquatic biota in Virginia streams. The goal of this study was to quantify the potential species richness and habitat response to flow alteration using available long-term ecological data. Fish and...
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 (click here for information about World Oil and Gas Assessments). This website provides access to new, prioritized, assessment results and supporting data for the United States, as part...
U-Pb data for the Coles Hill uranium deposit, Virginia
Apatite [Ca5(PO4)3F], titanite [CaTiSiO5], and rutile [TiO2] samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) from the Coles Hill uranium deposit, Virginia. The samples (in the form of polished thin sections) were prepared and analyzed for direct age dating on a laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA–ICPMS) system at t
Loads and trends in the Chesapeake Bay nontidal monitoring network: results through Water Year 2018
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed the nontidal network mapper to share the short-term (2009-2018) water-year nutrient and suspended-sediment load and trend results for the Chesapeake Bay Program’s (CBP) non-tidal network (NTN). The mapper provides the primary findings for nitrogen, phosphorus and suspended-sediment trends, and gives the user tools to further examine the results...
Global Geochemical Database for Critical Minerals in Archived Mine Samples
The Critical Minerals in Archived Mine Samples Database (CMDB) contains chemistry and geologic information for historic ore and ore-related rock samples from mineral deposits in the United States. In addition, the database contains samples from archetypal deposits from 27 other countries in North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Samples were obtained from archived ore
Domestic Wells in the United States
Domestic wells provide drinking water supply for approximately 40 million people in the United States. Knowing the location of these wells, and the populations they serve, is important for identifying heavily used aquifers, locations susceptible to contamination, and populations potentially impacted by poor-quality groundwater.
Location, description, and whole rock geochemistry of rocks from the Coles Hill uranium deposit and vicinity, south-central Virginia
Major-element and trace-element concentrations in 76 core samples and seven surface samples of rocks from the Coles Hill uranium deposit and vicinity, Pittsylvania County, south-central Virginia are presented as tabular digital data. The Coles Hill deposit is the largest unmined uranium deposit in the United States. The data were collected to 1) characterize the chemistry of variably uraniu...
Coastal and Marine Geoscience Data System
Information about scientific data collected through field activities conducted by scientists in the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources program
World Coal Quality Inventory (WOCQI) Spatial Viewer
World Coal Quality Inventory (WOCQI) Spatial Viewer
National Coal Resources Data System (NCRDS)
The National Coal Resources Data System (NCRDS) began as a cooperative venture between the USGS and State geological agencies in 1975 and focused on the stratigraphy and chemistry of coal. The current component databases of NCRDS include: USTRAT, USCHEM, and USCOAL.
NCRDS USTRAT Spatial Viewer
This viewer allows users to see the location and underlying data associated with NCRDS USTRAT data points. The NCRDS Spatial Viewer was expanded to display data from the USCHEM and USCOAL databases in FY2011.
Coal Point-source and Chemical Data (COALQUAL)
Data containing geodetic location, field observations, sample analyses, bed thickness; lithology; depth of burial, moisture, ash, and sulfur content, heat value, and major-, minor-trace-element contents.
National Water Information System (NWIS) Mapper
The NWIS mapper provides access to over 1.5 million sites contained in the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS), including sites where current and historical surface-water, groundwater, springs, and atmospheric data has been collected. Users can search by site type, data type, site number, or place.
Biomarker analysis of cold seeps along the United States Atlantic Margin
Results of lipid biomarker concentration and compound specific isotopes analyzed from authigenic carbonates and surrounding sediment collected from Baltimore and Norfolk seep fields along the United States Atlantic Margin are presented in csv format. Samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and Duke University between 2012 and 2015 using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Geochemi...
Domestic wells provide drinking water supply for approximately 40 million people in the United States. Knowing the location of these wells, and the populations they serve, is important for identifying heavily used aquifers, locations susceptible to contamination, and populations potentially impacted by poor-quality groundwater.
This map shows the provinces assessed by the USGS for undiscovered oil and gas resources.
The Geologic CO2 Sequestration interactive web map includes investigated basins, assessed areas, stratigraphic columns, and well density information.
This website is a data visualization companion to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) report titled Federal Lands Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sequestration in the United States: Estimates 2005-14. The maps and charts on this site include the estimated emissions and sequestration from both fossil fuel activities and ecosystem processes on Federal lands only.
The Water-Monitoring-Sites Mapper is an interactive map of Virginia water monitoring-site locations from the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS). It provides access to surface water, groundwater, and water quality monitoring data for active sites. The functionality includes query, select, tabular display by county, hydrologic unit code (HUC), and exporting spatial and tabular data.
This interactive map shows current and cumulative rainfall total for precipitation sites in West Virginia. Map provides real-time precipitation radar image to overlay from National Weather Service.
This interactive map shows current and cumulative rainfall total for precipitation sites in Virginia. Map provides real-time precipitation radar image to overlay from National Weather Service.
The Clinch-Powell River Basins Spanning Virginia and Tennessee
Virginia Beach Groundwater Study Maps
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.
The Floodplain and Evaluation Tool (FACET) is an open-source python tool that maps the floodplain extent and derives reach-scale summaries of stream and floodplain geomorphic measurements from high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs).
Special Geologic Studies at USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center -AD
This video introduces audiences to research that the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is leading on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals and gemstones in conflict zones and during complex emergencies. The research is done in
Special Geologic Studies at the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
This video introduces audiences to research that the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is leading on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of minerals and gemstones in conflict zones and during complex emergencies. The research is done in
USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center - Who we are
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public. This video highlights the scientists, staff, labs, and fieldwork conducted by the FBGC with the goal of providing unbiased scientific information to the public.
Paleoecology and Ecosystem Restoration Science at the FBGC
This video highlights paleoecology and ecosystems restoration science being conducted by the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC). The video provides a brief introduction to how scientists research questions of freshwater availability and
USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center - Who we are (AD)
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public. This video highlights the scientists, staff, labs, and fieldwork conducted by the FBGC with the goal of providing unbiased scientific information to the public.
Paleoecology and Ecosystem Restoration Science at the FBGC (AD)
This video highlights paleoecology and ecosystems restoration science being conducted by the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC). The video provides a brief introduction to how scientists research questions of freshwater availability and
Pollen Laboratory Research at the FBGC
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public. This video highlights the pollen laboratory
Pollen Laboratory Research at the FBGC (AD)
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public. This video highlights the pollen laboratory
Geologic Mapping at the USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (AD)
The USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (FBGC) is at the leading edge of scientific research addressing critical societal issues and providing unbiased data and information to decision makers and the public. This video highlights geologic framework
FBGC Quaternary Wetlands and Permafrost Research (AD)
This video explains how scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center research paleo-environmental wetland conditions and explain how studying these environments is valuable to better understand past changes and responses to disturbance, such as fire, sea-level rise, and permafrost
FBGC Quaternary Wetlands and Permafrost Research
This video explains how scientists from the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center research paleo-environmental wetland conditions and explain how studying these environments is valuable to better understand past changes and responses to disturbance, such as fire, sea-level rise, and permafrost
Karst Hazards Research at USGS Florence Bascom Geoscience Center (AD)
The Florence Bascom Geoscience Center conducts geologic research using digital elevation models to map karst systems and sinkhole hazards in the United States. Understanding these complex geologic systems helps to inform land use planning and development decisions. The
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.
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.
Dr. Suzanne Nicholson received the U.S. Department of Interior's second highest honorary award—the Meritorious Service Award— In recognition of her scientific leadership and noteworthy contributions to the Mineral Resources Program of the U.S. Geological Survey.
Budget Focuses on Bringing Science, Facilities, and Infrastructure into the 21st Century
The Marcellus Shale and Point Pleasant-Utica Shale formations of the Appalachian Basin contain an estimated mean of 214 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered, technically recoverable continuous resources of natural gas, according to new USGS assessments.
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.
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.
Storms and undeveloped coastlines can create and maintain habitat for this species, which is threatened along the Atlantic coast.
This year, the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center is proud to announce it's first annual Big Science Blowout. Team members will have the opportunity to share abstacts they have presented at various conferences over the past year.
When: 23 May 2019, 9:00AM - 3:00PM EST
Where: Doug Rankin Memorial Map Compilation Room and Presentation Center (Room 3C129)
Since the ban of DDT, bald eagle populations have rebounded to near-historic levels and aircraft strikes have increased since 1998. Wildlife-aircraft strikes are expensive and the large body size of the bald eagle increases the likelihood of aircraft damage and human injury when a collision occurs.
New study analyzed Landsat satellite imagery to document historical and recent (post-Hurricane Sandy) wetland changes that occurred along the Maryland and Virginia coastlines since 1984.
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Locations
Office of Communications and Publishing
Chesapeake Bay Program
Phone: (800) YOUR-BAY (968-7229)
Fax: (410) 267-5777
Environmental Health Mission Area Headquarters
Energy and Minerals Mission Area Headquarters
Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian
Science and Decisions Center
Mineral Resources Program Office
Phone: 703-648-6100
Fax: 703-648-6057
Climate Research and Development Program Office
Land Change Science Program Office
Office of Budget, Planning, and Integration (BPI)
Phone: (703) 648-4431
Fax: (703) 648-4441
National Minerals Information Center
nmicrecordsmgt@usgs.gov
Fax: 703-648-4995
Eastern Energy Resources Science Center
Eastern Mineral & Environmental Resources Science Center
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
Phone: (804) 261-2600
Fax: (804) 261-2657
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
Phone: 703-648-5953
Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory (RSIL)
Phone: 703-648-5859
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center - Virginia Polytechnic Institute
USGS Reston Library - Clarence King Memorial Library (Main Library)
library@usgs.gov
Phone: 703-648-4301
Fax: 703-648-6373
Contacts
Virginia - West Virginia Water Science Center
1730 East Parham Road
Richmond, VA 23228
Phone: (804) 261-2600
Fax: (804) 261-2657