Unified Interior Regions
Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian
Our Science Centers
The NAA Region has 15 Science Centers spanning 14 NE States and Washington, DC. The Centers conduct interdisciplinary biologic, geologic, hydrologic, and energy monitoring and research addressing natural resource issues facing our nation.
Learn MoreMarch Photo Contest
Check out the winning photographs in the March 2021 Photo Contest! Categories include People, USGS at Work, Where We Work, and Honorable Mention
See PhotosRegions L2 Landing Page Tabs
New England Drought, 2020
Below average and infrequent rainfall from May through September 2020 led to an extreme hydrologic drought across much of New England, with some areas experiencing a flash (quick-onset) drought.
Functional and Molecular Bioassay Laboratory
The Functional and Molecular Bioassay Laboratory applies and modifies microbial and eukaryotic reporter bioassays to detect the presence of bioactive chemicals from environmental water samples. These analyses compliment analytical chemistry and biological datasets.
Monitoring Merrimack River Mainstem and Tidal Reaches in Massachusetts to Evaluate Water Quality Conditions, May to September 2020
The Merrimack River watershed, the 4th largest watershed in New England (Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, 2001), has seen substantial growth and development in recent years.
Groundwater Quality of Domestic Supply Wells in Pennsylvania
Most rural residents in Pennsylvania use groundwater from domestic supply wells for drinking, cleaning and other purposes. Some groundwater samples have been analyzed for private purposes, but those results generally are not readily available to the public. Many of the publicly available water-quality samples from rural areas were collected more than 30 years ago. Quality-assured groundwater...
Shale Gas and Water Resources in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Water Science Center and other USGS scientists are studying water availability, use, quality, and ecology associated with development of shale-gas energy resources in Pennsylvania.
Latest Report: Potter County 'Baseline' Groundwater Quality (see Publications)
Samples Repository
Since 2002, the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center’s Samples Repository (WHCMSC) has been supporting research by providing secure storage for geological, biological, and geochemical samples; maintaining organization and an active inventory of these sample collections; as well as by providing access to these collections for study and reuse.
Streamflow Estimation from Advanced Imaging (LSPIV) in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Water Science Center and the Next Generation Water Observing Systems (NGWOS) Program are implementing new technologies for streamflow estimation at sites in Pennsylvania where conventional measurement techniques are inadequate.
New England Drought Information
Droughts are among the most costly hydrologic hazards in the United States. They are generally slow in developing, frequently occur over a long period of time, and can affect large areas and populations. The severity of a hydrologic drought is not always obvious until these water supplies are seriously depleted.
MD-DE-DC WSC Water Use & Water Supply Capabilities
The MD-DE-DC WSC works with state and local agencies to collect, estimate, review, and compile water use information. Data are used in USGS groundwater and watershed models, and other USGS studies. The data are also compiled and incorporated into the USGS national estimates of water-use. WSC staff currently participate in various national water use projects focused on improving water use...
MD-DE-DC WSC Modeling Capabilities
USGS models are widely used to predict responses of hydrologic systems to changing stresses, such as increases in precipitation or ground-water pumping rates, as well as to predict the fate and movement of solutes and contaminants in water.
The USGS is at the forefront of devising new techniques and computer software to solve practical problems in the study of water resources....
MD-DE-DC Coding and Statistical Data Capabilities
This site is dedicated to Coding and Statistical Data that is produced and analyzed by scientists at the MD-DE-DC WSC. We use many tools at the USGS including software exclusively developed for, sometimes written by the USGS.
Contaminant Fate and Transport Studies in Fractured Sedimentary Rock Aquifers at the former Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC), West Trenton, N.J.
Contaminants associated with industrial, airport, and other activities are present in groundwater in fractured-rock aquifers, posing long-term hazards to drinking-water supplies and ecosystems. The heterogeneous character of fractured rock challenges our understanding, monitoring, and remediation of such sites.
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...
Chemical and physical data for sediment source fingerprinting of suspended and bottom sediment in Black Creek, Indiana, tributary to the Maumee River and western Lake Erie - Source samples
This data release includes physical and chemical data for samples from upland-source and streambank sampling sites in the Black Creek basin, Indiana. Data include total nitrogen and carbon concentrations, carbon species, total concentrations for 42 metals, and particle-size analysis. Source samples were identified as one of five land-use types: active cropland (corn, soybean, h
Data for multiple linear regression models for predicting microcystin concentration action-level exceedances in selected lakes in Ohio
Site-specific multiple linear regression models were developed for eight sites in Ohio—six in the Western Lake Erie Basin and two in northeast Ohio on inland reservoirs--to quickly predict action-level exceedances for a cyanotoxin, microcystin, in recreational and drinking waters used by the public. Real-time models include easily- or continuously-measured factors that do not require
Pesticide Toxicity Index (PTI) and maximum Toxic Unit (TUmax) scores and information for fish, cladocerans, and benthic invertebrates from water samples collected at National Water Quality Network sites during Water Years 2013-2017
During 2013-2017, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project, collected water samples year-round from the National Water Quality Network – Rivers and Streams (NWQN) and reported on 221 pesticides at 72 sites across the US in agricultural, developed, and mixed land use watersheds. Pesticide Toxicity Index (PTI) scores, a screening-
Chemical and physical data for sediment source fingerprinting of suspended and bottom sediment in Black Creek, Indiana, tributary to the Maumee River and western Lake Erie - Fluvial-target samples
This data release includes physical and chemical data for samples from fluvial targets (streambed and suspended sediment) from three sampling sites in the Black Creek basin, Indiana. Data include total nitrogen and carbon concentrations, carbon species, total concentrations for 42 metals, and particle-size analysis. Fluvial-target samples include both soft, streambed sediment and
Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring Network 1985-2019: Short- and long-term trends
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring Network (RIM) stations for the period 1985 through 2019. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression appro
Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring Network 1985-2019: WRTDS output data
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring Network (RIM) stations for the period 1985 through 2019. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression appro
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring stations: Water years 1985-2019
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring (RIM) stations for the period 1985 through 2019. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression approach call
Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring Network 1985-2019: Monthly loads
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring Network (RIM) stations for the period 1985 through 2019. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression appro
Physiological changes in response to salinity and cortisol treatment in Atlantic sturgeon
The dataset are the results of studies examining the osmoregulatory physiology of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus). Two experiments were conducted on physiological responses to salinity change, and another experiment on the effects of cortisol treatment on osmoregulation.
Chemical alteration index values and rare earth element data and expected ranges for regolith overlying the Stewartsville pluton, Virginia
This dataset contains whole major element geochemical data used to calculate values of the chemical alteration index (CIA), data for Nd, Sm, Y, and total REE and expected ranges for total REEY for samples of regolith overlying the Stewartsville pluton, Virginia. The southeastern United States was first identified as prospective for regolith-hosted REE deposits based on the recognit
Streamflow Magnitude, Water Temperature, and Water Chemistry in Robinson Forest, Breathitt County, Kentucky (1971-2018)
Robinson Forest, in eastern Kentucky, is a research forest owned and operated by the University of Kentucky (UK) since the 1920s. The UK Department of Forestry and Natural Resources began collecting streamflow and water-chemistry data in the forest starting with weirs at Falling Rock and Little Millseat in 1971, and supplemented by weirs at Coles Fork and Clemons Fork in 1973. This digi
This map shows the provinces assessed by the USGS for undiscovered oil and gas resources.
The Coastal Change Hazards Portal provides interactive access to coastal change science and data for our Nation’s coasts. Information and products are organized into three coastal change hazard themes: 1) extreme storms, 2) shoreline change, and 3) sea-level rise.
The alluvial aquifer at Louisville, Kentucky, lies in a valley eroded by glacial melt-water that was later partly filled with outwash sand and gravel deposits. To monitor the groundwater levels, twenty-eight existing wells were incorporated into an observation well network, which is measured quarterly. Hydrographs from the continuous recorder wells depict the trends in the groundwater levels.
Links to publications that contain maps of the sea floor or lake beds and the digital data used to create them.
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.
Production and characterization of a mouse monoclonal antibody against smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) IgM
A murine monoclonal antibody (mAb, IgG2a) was produced for the detection of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) immunoglobulin (IgM). The antibody is specific for IgM heavy chain and was shown to also recognize the Ig heavy chain of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and bluegill (Lepomis...
Ottinger, Christopher A.; Smith, Cheyenne R.; Blazer, Vicki S.; Iwanowicz, Luke R.; Vogelbein, Mary Ann; Kaattari, Stephen Estimation of annual indexes of abundance and trend from the American Woodcock singing-ground survey: Comparison of 4 models
Status and trends of American Woodcock Scolopax minor populations in the eastern and central US and Canada are monitored via a Singing-ground Survey , conducted just after sunset along roadsides in spring. Annual analyses of the survey produce estimates of trend and annual indexes of abundance for 25 states and provinces, eastern and central...
Sauer, John R.; Link, William; Seamans, Mark E; Rau, Rebecca D. Inclusion of pesticide transformation products is key to estimating pesticide exposures and effects in small U.S. streams
Improved analytical methods can quantify hundreds of pesticide transformation products (TPs), but understanding of TP occurrence and potential toxicity in aquatic ecosystems remains limited. We quantified 108 parent pesticides and 116 TPs in more than 3 700 samples from 442 small streams in mostly urban basins across five major regions of the...
Mahler, Barbara; Nowell, Lisa H.; Sandstrom, Mark W.; Bradley, Paul; Romanok, Kristin; Konrad, Christopher; Van Metre, Peter
U.S. Geological Survey migratory bird science, 2020–21
Bird conservation as an endeavor engages a broad range of partners and a coordinated effort across State and Federal agencies, nongovernment organizations, universities and, at times, international partnerships. To understand information needs and respond to the many challenges in bird conservation, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists...
Pearse, Aaron T.; Sherfy, Mark H.; Wimer, Mark; Khalil, Mona; Wiltermuth, Mark
Practical field survey operations for flood insurance rate maps
The U.S. Geological Survey assists the Federal Emergency Management Agency in its mission to identify flood hazards and zones for risk premiums for communities nationwide, by creating flood insurance rate maps through updating hydraulic models that use river geometry data. The data collected consist of elevations of river channels, banks, and...
Taylor, Nicholas J.; Simeone, Caelan E. Causes of delayed outbreak responses and their impacts on epidemic spread
Livestock diseases have devastating consequences economically, socially and politically across the globe. In certain systems, pathogens remain viable after host death, which enables residual transmissions from infected carcasses. Rapid culling and carcass disposal are well-established strategies for stamping out an outbreak and limiting its impact...
Tao, Y; Probert, William J M; Shea, Katriona; Runge, Michael C.; Lafferty, Kevin D.; Tildesley, Michael J.; Ferrari, Matthew J Molecular and isotopic gas composition of the Devonian Berea Sandstone and implications for gas evolution, eastern Kentucky
Since 2011, the Devonian Berea Sandstone in northeastern Kentucky has produced oil where thermal maturity studies indicate that likely source rocks, namely, the Devonian Ohio Shale and Mississippian Sunbury Shale, are thermally immature. Downdip, where source rocks are mature for oil, the Berea Sandstone and Ohio Shale primarily produce gas. To...
Parris, T. M.; Hackley, Paul C.; Greb, S. F.; Eble, C. F.
Mineral commodity summaries 2021
IntroductionEach mineral commodity chapter of the 2021 edition of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Commodity Summaries (MCS) includes information on events, trends, and issues for each mineral commodity as well as discussions and tabular presentations on domestic industry structure, Government programs, tariffs, 5-year salient statistics...
Geochemical advances in Arctic Alaska oil typing - North Slope oil correlation and charge history
The Arctic Alaska petroleum province is geologically and geochemically complex. Mixed hydrocarbon charge from multiple source rocks and/or levels of thermal maturity is common within an individual oil pool. Biomarker and chemometric statistical analyses were used to correlate twenty-nine oils to five oil families derived from: (1) Triassic...
Botterell, Palma J.; Houseknecht, David W.; Lillis, Paul G.; Barbanti, Silvana M.; Dahl, Jeremy E.; Moldowan, J. Michael
Geochemical data for Illinois Basin coal samples, 2015–2018
Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and their collaborators conducted a study of the geochemical properties of coals currently produced for electric power generation in the Illinois Basin in Illinois and Indiana. The study follows from recommendations by an expert panel for the USGS to investigate the distribution and controls of...
Kolker, Allan; Scott, Clint; Lefticariu, Liliana; Mastalerz, Maria; Drobniak, Agnieszka; Scott, Annie Using decision science for monitoring threatened western snowy plovers to inform recovery
Western Snowy Plovers (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) are federally listed under the US Endangered Species Act as Threatened. They occur along the US Pacific coastline and are threatened by habitat loss and destruction and excessive levels of predation and human disturbance. Populations have been monitored since the 1970s for distribution,...
Marcot, Bruce G.; Lyons, James; Elbert, Daniel C; Todd, Laura Re‐purposing groundwater flow models for age assessments ‐‐ important characteristics
Groundwater flow model construction is often time‐consuming and costly, with development ideally focused on a specific purpose, such as quantifying well capture from water bodies or providing flow fields for simulating advective transport. As environmental challenges evolve, the incentive to re‐purpose existing groundwater flow models may increase...
Juckem, Paul F.; Starn, J. Jeffrey
iPlover was developed by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center and the USGS Center for Integrated Data Analytics. It is used by trained and vetted personnel to record information about habitats on coastal beaches and he environment surrounding them.
Wellfootprint computes a raster map of groundwater withdrawals relative to a user-defined "Depth-Rate Index" (DRI), such as a recharge rate. Dividing each well's withdrawal rate by the length per time DRI yields an area for display for each well's 'footprint' as a circle around each well. Symbols for closely spaced wells are merged to visualize the combined withdrawals equitably.
Capture-recapture software to correct raw counts of wildlife fatalities using trial experiments for carcass detecition probability and persistence time.
The programs perform input file formation, distribution visualization, individual-based dynamic population simulation, pedigree accuracy assessment, effective population si
The New York Streamflow Estimation Tool produces a complete estimated daily mean time series from which daily flow statistics can be estimated and a means for quantitative flow assessments at ungaged locations to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters.
The Massachusetts Reservoir Simulation Tool is a screening-level model developed to examine the effects of reservoirs on the natural streamflow of streams in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Reservoir Simulation Tool simulates the daily water balance equation of a water supply reservoir and estimates the magnitude, frequency and duration of spillage below the dam over the period of record.
The Delaware River Basin Streamflow Estimator Tool (DRB-SET) estimates baseline and altered streamflow at a daily time step for ungaged stream locations in the Delaware River Basin for water years 1960-2010.
Estimates the total number of species from species presence-absence data on multiple sample sites or occasions using model M(h) from program CAPTURE.
Estimates patch occupancy rates and related parameters.
Computes estimates of survival and capture probability using capture-recapture data with "robust-design" models and recoveries.
Tests the null hypothesis that two samples of recoveries belong to the same bivariate distribution.
Hydrologic technician drills holes for a measurement
Hydrologic technician drills holes for a measurement at the U.S. Geological Survey station on the Sandy River near Madrid, Maine (station 01047200), in late February 2021.
Chesapeake Bay Watershed boundary, USA
The Chesapeake Bay watershed, or draingage basin, encompasses six states - New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Deleware, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. A drainage basin is a giant system of creeks, streams, and rivers that all flow into a common outlet, which in this case is the Chesapeake Bay.
Segreganset River at North Dighton, Massachusetts
Segreganset River at North Dighton, Massachusetts, February 12, 2021.
Winter Groundwater Site Inspection
Photo Contest Winner | March 2021 | Honorable Mention
423441072170701 MA-ORW63 Winter Groundwater Site Inspection
Groundwater sampling, Wickford, Rhode Island
Groundwater sampling along the shoreline of Academy Cove, Wickford, Rhode Island, February 9, 2021
Taking the water quality sample
The water quality sample is being taken at Saugatuck River near Westport, CT 01209500.
Ice conditions, station 01194000, Eight Mile River at North Plain, CT
U.S. Geological Survey station 01194000, Eight Mile River at North Plain, Connecticut, February 4, 2021. The photograph represents average ice conditions during February 2021; some stations had almost no ice, some had 50 percent ice, and some had almost 100 percent ice.
Otter Brook State Park, Keene, New Hampshire
Field team took advantage of a warmer winter day and stopped on their way between sites to eat a socially distanced lunch at Otter Brook State Park, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
A new USGS study has identified factors that contribute to high nitrate in base flow in streams flowing into Chesapeake Bay. Land use, organic carbon in soils, and geology were among the most important factors affecting nitrate in stream base flow, based on data collected at 156 stream sites.
List of data releases and publications from the New England Water Science Center released in 2020.
The Hydrologic Monitoring Program (HMP) conducts hydrologic surveillance and investigation in all six New England States.
A total of $125,000 will fund new research and preserve important data across the Mountain State
A total of $118,479 will fund new research and preserve important data across the Pine Tree State
A total of $100,000 will fund new research and preserve important data across the Keystone State
The New England Water Science Center has collected, reviewed, and aggregated water-withdrawal data in each of the six New England States every 5 years since 1950. The most recent water-use compilation was completed in 2015, and its summary is presented in this geonarrative.
The scarcity or overabundance of water presents some of the most dangerous, damaging and costly threats to human life, ecosystems and property in the form of drought, floods and debris flows.
Current information to help with understanding the extent and severity of the recent drought in New England.
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.
Contacts
Locations
Office of Communications and Publishing
Energy and Minerals Mission Area Headquarters
Environmental Health Mission Area Headquarters
Chesapeake Bay Program
Phone: (800) YOUR-BAY (968-7229)
Fax: (410) 267-5777
Region 1: North Atlantic-Appalachian
Land Change Science Program Office
Mineral Resources Program Office
Phone: 703-648-6100
Fax: 703-648-6057
Office of Budget, Planning, and Integration (BPI)
Phone: (703) 648-4431
Fax: (703) 648-4441
Science and Decisions Center
New York Water Science Center - Ithaca Program Office
gkbutch@usgs.gov
Phone: (607) 266-0217
Fax: (607) 266-0521
New York Water Science Center - Coram Program Office
saterrac@usgs.gov
Phone: (631) 736-0783
Fax: (631) 736-4283
Climate Research and Development Program Office
MD-DE-DC Water Science Center
information@usgs.gov
Phone: 443-498-5500
Fax: 442-498-5510
National Minerals Information Center
nmicrecordsmgt@usgs.gov
Fax: 703-648-4995
Leetown Science Center
Phone: 304 724-4400
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
webmaster@patuxent.usgs.gov
Phone: 301 497-5500
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
Phone: 703-648-5953
New England Water Science Center - Connecticut Office
Phone: 860-291-6740
Fax: 860-291-6799
Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center
Kentucky - Louisville Office
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: (502) 493-1900
Fax: (502) 493-1909
Pennsylvania Water Science Center
Phone: 717-730-6900
Fax: 717-730-6997
Kentucky - Williamsburg Field Office
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: (606) 549-2406
Fax: (606) 549-5400
New Jersey Water Science Center
Phone: (609) 771-3900
Fax: (609) 771-3915
Kentucky - Murray Field Office
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: (270) 759-2460
Fax: (270) 649-2461
New England Water Science Center - New Hampshire Office
Phone: (603) 226-7800
Fax: (603) 226-7894
Chesapeake Bay Activities
Phone: 443-498-5552
Fax: 443-498-5510
Kentucky Water Science Center
Phone: (502) 493-1900
Fax: (502) 493-1909
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
Phone: (804) 261-2600
Fax: (804) 261-2657
New England Water Science Center - Massachusetts/Rhode Island Office
Phone: (508) 490-5000
Fax: (508) 490-5068
USGS S.O. Conte Anadromous Research Center
New York Water Science Center - Troy Program Office
dc_ny@usgs.gov
Phone: (518) 285-5695
Fax: (518) 285-5601
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Phone: 508-548-8700
Fax: 508-457-2310
New England Water Science Center - Vermont Office
Phone: 802-828-4479
Fax: 802-828-4465
Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory (RSIL)
Phone: 703-648-5859
Pittsburgh
Phone: 412-569-1005
Williamsport
Phone: 570-323-7127
Fax: 570-323-2137
Lake Ontario Biological Station
blantry@usgs.gov
Phone: 315-343-3951
Fax: 315-342-8065
Tunison Laboratory of Aquatic Science
jemckenna@usgs.gov
Phone: 607-753-9391
Fax: 607-753-0259
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center - Beltsville Lab
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center - Virginia Polytechnic Institute
New York Water Science Center - Potsdam Field Office
gkbutch@usgs.gov
Phone: (315) 265-4410 / (518) 285-5602
Fax: (315) 265-2166
Office of External Research
Phone: (443) 498-5505
Fax: (703) 648-5002
USGS Reston Library - Clarence King Memorial Library (Main Library)
library@usgs.gov
Phone: 703-648-4301
Fax: 703-648-6373