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 2020 Photo Contest! Categories include People, USGS at Work, Where We Work, and Honorable Mention
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Development of Regional Regression Equations to Estimate the Magnitude of Peak Flows for Selected Annual-Exceedance Probabilities in Maine
Knowledge of the magnitude and frequency of floods is needed for the effective and safe design of bridges, culverts, and other structures. This information is also important for flood-plain planning and management. The flood-frequency characteristics for streamgages and regression equations for estimating flood magnitudes at ungaged sites were last developed in 1999 (Hodgkins, 1999).
Trend Reproduction
As part of the National Water Budget Project, our objective is to quantify how well observed trends are simulated.
HBMI PRMS Project
This project will provide a deterministic watershed model of the Meduxnekeag River watershed with a capacity to model water-temperatures capable of simulating future hydrologic and temperature changes based on projected climate estimates.
EPA National Low Flows
Low streamflow has great ecological importance as it defines the minimum extent (and carrying capacity) of in-stream habitat and affects biota composition and distribution, and species trophic structure.
Development of Regional Regression Equations in Connecticut
Knowledge of the magnitude and frequency of floods is needed for the effective and safe design of bridges, culverts, and other structures. This information is also important for flood-plain planning and management. Periodic examination of flood-frequency characteristics is essential to ensure the best estimates of flood magnitudes for a given annual exceedance probabilities (AEP).
New Applications of Hyperspectral Imaging to Delineate Critical Minerals Concentrated in Regolith and Mine Waste Materials
Our project will develop new and innovative spectral methods and remote sensing tools for understanding how critical minerals are concentrated by weathering, regolith/soil formation, mining, runoff and ore processing. These tools will help us to use mineralogy derived from spectral measurements (lab, field, and remote sensing) to help delineate vectors towards recoverable resources and to...
Hydrologic Monitoring in the Central Pine Barrens
The Long Island Central Pine Barrens (CPB) is a large, preserved region of pristine ecological habitat located in eastern parts of Suffolk County, Long Island, NY. The 106,500-acre CPB encompasses portions of the Towns of Brookhaven, Riverhead, and Southampton, and is a core part of the larger Long Island Pine Barrens Maritime Reserve (fig. 1). The CPB overlies portions of Long Island’s...
Development of Methods Associated with Animal Population Dynamics
The Challenge: Conservation and management of natural animal populations requires knowledge of their dynamics and associated environmental and management influences. Specifically, informed management requires periodic estimates of system state (e.g., population size) and models for projecting consequences of management actions for subsequent state dynamics. However, it is very difficult to...
Development of Patch Occupancy Models for Assessing the Spatial Distribution of Organisms
The Challenge: A variety of important questions about the conservation and management of natural resources requires information about the spatial distribution of organisms. For species of conservation concern, the size of a species’ range is a criterion used to assign species status as threatened or endangered. For invasive species and disease organisms, the dynamics of the species range ...
Statistical Research for the USGS - Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative
The Challenge: Since its inception in 2002 the USGS Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) has taken the lead in monitoring amphibian populations on Department of Interior lands. ARMI scientists work on a broad spectrum of species and management issues to address the core causes of amphibian declines. In many cases, research requires complex study designs and innovative methods. A...
Monitoring Land-Surface Deformation in the Virginia Coastal Plain
Land-surface deformation in eastern Virginia is being monitored to evaluate effects of groundwater pumping and wastewater injection on land-surface movement and relative sea-level rise.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Prevalence of Intersex in Fish Populations in New Jersey
NJ WSC and Leetown Science Center scientists in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection were tasked with characterizing endocrine disruption in smallmouth bass from New Jersey.
Matrix inhibition PCR and Microtox® 81.9% screening assay analytical results for samples collected for the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise (SLR) and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in coming years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed the Sedime
Multibeam bathymetry and sediment depth data at select locations on the Des Plaines River near Joliet, Illinois, February 13–14, 2017
These data are measurements of sediment depth in the downstream approach channel of Brandon Rd Lock and Dam at Joliet, Illinois, on February 13-14, 2017. Data collection software recorded and stored the horizontal position of the vessel and the measured sediment depth. Data processing required computer software to extract position data from the target data files and to summarize and map the...
Multibeam bathymetry and sediment depth data at select locations on the Des Plaines River near Joliet, Illinois, February 13–14, 2017
These data are high-resolution bathymetry (river bottom elevation) in XYZ format, generated from the February 13, 2017, topographic and hydrographic survey of the Des Plaines River in an area centered approximately 2.2 miles downstream of Brandon Road Lock and Dam at Joliet, Illinois. Hydrographic data were collected using a multibeam echo-sounder (MBES) with integrated inertial n
Multibeam bathymetry and sediment depth data at select locations on the Des Plaines River near Joliet, Illinois, February 13–14, 2017
These data are high-resolution bathymetry (river bottom elevation) in XYZ format, generated from the February 14, 2017, topographic and hydrographic survey of the Des Plaines River in an area centered approximately 250 feet upstream of Brandon Road Lock and Dam at Joliet, Illinois. Hydrographic data were collected using a multibeam echo-sounder (MBES) with integrated inertial navi
Attributes for NHDPlus Version 2.1 Reach Catchments and Modified Routed Upstream Watersheds for the Conterminous United States: STATSGO Soil Characteristics, Soil pH
This tabular data set represents the soil pH as processed from STATSGO2 database compiled for two spatial components of the NHDPlus version 2 data suite (NHDPlusv2) for the conterminous United States; 1) individual reach catchments and 2) reach catchments accumulated upstream through the river network. The source data was produced by the United States Geological Survey (Wieczorek, 2
High-resolution geophysical and sample data collected in Moultonborough Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire in 2005, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2005-004-FA
This study utilized geophysical systems and conventional water-quality measurements to identify lake-floor environments that may provide suitable habitat for the establishment and growth of variable leaf water-milfoil. The results of the study are intended to assist resource managers in federal and state agencies.
Effect of corolla slitting and nectar robbery by the Eastern Carpenter Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on fruit quality of Vaccinium corymbosum, L.; (Ericales: Ericaceae).
Eastern carpenter bees, Xylocopa virginica (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), are among the most abundant native bee visitors to highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corymbosum L., flowers in the northeastern United States, and they sometimes display corolla-slitting behavior to rob nectar. We studied foraging behavior of X. virginica...
Tucker, Sara K; Ginsberg, Howard S.; Alm, Steven R.Relationships between regional coastal land cover distributions and elevation reveal data uncertainty in a sea-level rise impacts model
Understanding land loss or resilience in response to sea-level rise (SLR) requires spatially extensive and continuous datasets to capture landscape variability. We investigate sensitivity and skill of a model that predicts dynamic response likelihood to SLR across the northeastern U.S. by exploring several data inputs and outcomes. Using...
Lentz, Erika E.; Plant, Nathaniel G.; Thieler, E. RobertIdentifying common decision problem elements for the management of emerging fungal diseases of wildlife
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) of wildlife have characteristics that make them difficult to manage, leading to reactive and often ineffective management strategies. Currently, two fungal pathogens, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), are causing declines in novel host species. To improve the...
Bernard, R. F.; Campbell Grant, Evan H.Assessment of undiscovered copper resources of the world, 2015
The U.S. Geological Survey completed the first-ever global assessment of undiscovered copper resources for the two most significant sources of global copper supply: porphyry copper deposits and sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits. The geology-based study identified 236 areas for undiscovered copper in 11 regions of the world. Estimated...
Hammarstrom, Jane M.; Zientek, Michael L.; Parks, Heather L.; Dicken, Connie L.oSCR: A spatial capture–recapture R package for inference about spatial ecological processes
Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) methods have become widely applied in ecology. The immediate adoption of SCR is due to the fact that it resolves some major criticisms of traditional capture–recapture methods related to heterogeneity in detectabililty, and the emergence of new technologies (e.g. camera traps, non‐invasive genetics) that have vastly...
Chris Sutherland; Royle, J. Andrew; Dan LindenSpatial integration of biological and social objectives to identify priority landscapes for waterfowl habitat conservation
Waterfowl population management and habitat conservation compose one of the oldest and most successful adaptive management frameworks in the world. Since its inception, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) has emphasized strategically targeted conservation investments in regions that most affect waterfowl population dynamics. By...
Krainyk, Anastasia; Lyons, James E.; Brasher, Michael G.; Humburg, Dale D.; Souilliere, Greg J.; Coluccy, John M.; Petrie, Mark J.; Howerter, David W.; Slattery, Stuart M.; Rice, Mindy B.; Fuller, Joe C.Geology of the Cornwall Quadrangle, Virginia
No abstract available.
Heller, Matthew J.; Carter, Mark W.; Wilkes, G.P.; Coiner, R.L.Integrated modeling reveals shifts in waterfowl population dynamics under climate change
1. Climate change has been identified as one of the most important drivers of wildlife populations. The development of appropriate conservation strategies relies on reliable predictions of population responses to climate change, which require in-depth understanding of the complex relationships between climate and population dynamics through...
Qing Zhao; Scott Boomer; Royle, AndyRemote sensing of river flow in Alaska—New technology to improve safety and expand coverage of USGS streamgaging
The U.S. Geological Survey monitors water level (water surface elevation relative to an arbitrary datum) and measures streamflow in Alaska rivers to compute and compile river flow records for use by water resource planners, engineers, and land managers to design infrastructure, manage floodplains, and protect life, property, and aquatic resources...
Conaway, Jeff; Eggleston, John R.; Legleiter, Carl J.; Jones, John W.; Kinzel, Paul J.; Fulton, John W.Xenon hydrate as an analogue of methane hydrate in geologic systems out of thermodynamic equilibrium
Methane hydrate occurs naturally under pressure and temperature conditions that are not straightforward to replicate experimentally. Xenon has emerged as an attractive laboratory alternative to methane for studying hydrate formation and dissociation in multiphase systems, given that it forms hydrates under milder conditions. However, building...
Fu, Xiaojing; Waite, William F.; Cueto-Felgueroso, Luis; Juanes, RubenPreliminary stage and streamflow data at selected U.S. Geological Survey streamgages in New England for the floods of April 2019
The combination of rainfall and snowmelt in northern New England and rainfall in southern New England resulted in minor to major flooding from April 15 to 24, 2019, according to stage and streamflow data collected at 63 selected U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgages. A typical USGS streamgage measures and records stream stage and estimates...
Kiah, Richard G.; Smith, Brianna A.; Stasulis, Nicholas W.In ovo exposure to brominated flame retardants Part II: Assessment of effects of TBBPA-BDBPE and BTBPE on hatching success, morphometric and physiological endpoints in American kestrels
Tetrabromobisphenol A bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) (TBBPA-BDBPE) and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTPBE) are both brominated flame retardants (BFRs) that have been detected in birds; however, their potential biological effects are largely unknown. We assessed the effects of embryonic exposure to TBBPA-BDBPE and BTBPE in a model avian...
Eng, Margaret; Karouna-Renier, Natalie K.; Henry, Paula F. P.; Letcher, Robert J.; Schultz, Sandra L.; Bean, Thomas G.; Peters, Lisa E.; Palace, Vince P.; Williams, Tony D.; Elliott, John E.; Fernie, Kim J.Niagara River Carp
USGS technicians prepare to weigh a common carp during fish processing
DEC collaborators collect fish from a Niagara River tributary
DEC collaborators collect fish from a Niagara River tributary using an electrofishing boat
Beach Haven, NJ Flyover!
USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center personnel aboard Stockton University's R/V Petrel under survey offshore of Beach Haven, NJ in June 2018. The USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program is working to characterize the sea floor and shallow substrate in nearshore waters, using high-resolution geophysical techniques, sediment sampling, and sea-floor photography
SEM Laboratory
Scientists look at a pollen palynomorph using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Eighteen Mile Creek at Burt Dam at Burt, NY
Andrew Kowalczk collecting a water quality sample below dam in Eighteenmile Creek at Burt, NY ( 04219768) as part of the Great Lake Restoration Initiative (GLRI).
Field Photo Friday January 2019
A team of biologists, Barry Baldigo, Luis Rodriguez, Mike DeMoulpied, and Abbey Holsopple (from left to right), prepare to conduct a survey for invasive round goby on the New York State Canal system near Rome, NY in 2018. Photo by Scott George
Jersey Shore Field Work
Deployment of an Edgetech 512i subbottom profiler from the deck of Stockton University's R/V Petrel near Little Egg Inlet, NJ. The USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program is working to characterize the sea floor and shallow substrate in nearshore waters, using high-resolution geophysical techniques, sediment sampling, and sea-floor photography and videography.
Zebra Mussels St. Lawrence River
During a National Water Quality Network (NWQN) sampling trip in May to the St Lawrence River, Hydrologic Technician Dave Knauer finds a batch of Zebra mussels attached to the boat anchor.
Sakonnet River, the eastern arm of the Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
Sakonnet River, the eastern arm of the Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
White River at Hazelton, IN - - downstream view of channel from bridge
White River at Hazelton, IN - downstream view of channel from bridge
White River at Hazelton IN - downstream view of channel
White River at Hazelton IN - downstream view of channel
Dune Surveys, Cape Cod, MA
Surveying with UAS in cooperation with US Army Corps of Engineers (Cape Cod, MA).