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 MoreJuly Photo Contest
Check out the winning photographs in the July 2021 Photo Contest! Categories include People, USGS at Work, Where We Work, and Honorable Mention
See PhotosRegions L2 Landing Page Tabs
Monitoring Birds in National Parks of the Gulf Coast Network
The Challenge: Avian monitoring within the Gulf Coast Network of the National Park Service is challenged to provide valid quantitative data on bird populations within park boundaries with limited financial input. Thus, citizen science (volunteer) bird monitoring has been proposed to achieve reliable estimates of bird populations and to assess the effects of habitat change and temporal dynamics...
Forest Structure Resulting from ‘Wildlife Forestry Silviculture’
Wildlife forestry is management of forest resources, within sites and across landscapes, to provide sustainable, desirable habitat conditions for all forest-dependent (silvicolous) fauna while concurrently yielding economically viable, quality timber products. In practice, however, management decisions associated with wildlife forestry often reflect a desire to provide suitable habitat for...
Microbial Source Tracking in the Lower Passaic River Basin Study Area, New Jersey
The USGS NJWSC is collaborating with the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) on an Urban Waters Federal Partnership project in the Lower Passaic River basin to investigate the occurrence and potential sources of E. coli fecal indicator bacteria.
Sediment and Stream Health - Pennsylvania
Sediment in streams, from land surface erosion in watersheds, is an important factor in determining the quality of Pennsylvania's surface waters and of downstream water bodies such as the Delaware Estuary and Chesapeake Bay. The USGS has a long-standing tradition of measuring suspended-sediment concentrations and estimating loads. Recent technological advances allow real-time estimates of...
Integrating colony counts with NABat acoustic data to reveal the true impacts of White-Nose Syndrome on northern long-eared bats
Research collaboration: Brian Reichert (FORT), Wayne Thogmartin (UMESC), Winifred Frick (Bat Conservation International), Tina Cheng (Bat Conservation International)
The northern long-eared bat...
Modeling the response of cave hibernating Myotis species to white-nose syndrome mitigation tactics
Research collaboration: Robin Russell (NWHC), Tonie Rocke (NWHC), Wayne Thogmartin (UMESC), Evan Grant (PWRC)
White-nose syndrome is a fungal disease devastating cave-hibernating bat species (Myotis spp.) in the eastern...
MD-DE-DC Groundwater Capabilities
Our region's water supply comes from streams and rivers, groundwater, and reservoirs. Areas not served by public-water supply rely on groundwater withdrawn from fractured rock aquifers in western Maryland, or surficial (water table) and confined aquifers in southern Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and the Eastern Shore.
Groundwater research...
Surface Water-Quality Monitoring Network (WQN)
Pennsylvania’s Statewide Surface Water-Quality Monitoring Network (WQN) currently consists of 124 sites that are sampled between 6 and 20 times a year. Chemical analysis includes nutrient, major ions, and selected metals. Pesticide sampling is conducted twice a year at 5 locations. Biological sampling for benthic macroinvertebrates is conducted annually at 80 sites.
The WQN was...
Regional Synthesis of Groundwater Quality in Domestic Supply Wells in Northeast and North Central Pennsylvania
USGS is synthesizing groundwater quality measurements in wells to characterize regional chemical characteristics of aquifers used for domestic supply in northeast and north central Pennsylvania.
Recoding of AMDTreat Phase 2: Integration of PHREEQ-N-AMDTreat water-quality prediction tools with recoded AMDTreat cost-analysis software
Newly developed PHREEQ-N-AMDTreat water-quality prediction tools indicate potential changes in pH, dissolved metals, and associated solute concentrations resulting from passive and active treatment of coal-mine drainage.
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 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) conduct a national...
Analysis of Factors Affecting Plume Remediation in a Sole-Source Aquifer System, Nassau County, New York (Northrup Grumman Plume)
Problem: Dissolved volatile-organic compounds (VOCs), including trichloroethylene (TCE), have been identified in a sole-source aquifer near the former Northrop Grumman Bethpage facility and Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant (NWIRP) in Nassau County, N.Y. The Northrop Grumman Bethpage facility and NWIRP are listed as Class II inactive hazardous waste disposal sites (Site Nos. HW130003A...
Field blank and field replicate datasets for inorganic and organic compounds collected for the National Water Quality Network, water years 2013-17
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Quality Network - Rivers and Streams (NWQN) comprises 117 surface-water monitoring sites designed to track ambient water-quality conditions across the nation. This dataset includes field quality-control results (field blank and field replicate concentrations), along with the water-quality result of each associated surface-water sample
Passive seismic data collected along headwater stream corridors in Shenandoah National Park in 2016 - 2020
In July 2016, July 2019, and March 2020, 318 seismic recordings were acquired at locations within Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, using MOHO Tromino Model TEP-3C three-component seismometers to assess depth to bedrock using the HVSR method. This method requires a measurement of estimate of shear wave velocity, which depends on the regolith sediment composition and density, for
Tidal Daily Discharge and Quality Assurance Data Supporting an Assessment of Water Quality and Discharge in the Herring River, Wellfleet, Massachusetts, November 2015–September 2017
This data release provides data in support of an assessment of water quality and discharge in the Herring River at the Chequessett Neck Road dike in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, from November 2015 to September 2017. The assessment was a cooperative project among the U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, Cape Cod National Seashore, and the Friends of Herring River to characterize e
Continuous Monitoring Data From Herring River Wetlands, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 2015 to January 2020
The Herring River estuary (Wellfleet, Cape Cod, Massachusetts) has been tidally restricted for over a century by a dike constructed near the mouth of the river. The U.S. Geological Survey collected continuous monitoring data (including water level, soil temperature, air temperature, and meteorological parameters). These datasets can help evaluate key ecosystem drivers.
Pine Creek Freshwater Mussel Qualitative Surveys: 1995 - 2009
Data are included for field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels within the Pine Creek watershed in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in ~200 meter sections of river between 1995 and 2009; The number of mussels of each species and associated search time were recorded for each survey section to determine a catch per unit ef
Neversink River freshwater mussel surveys: 2006-2009
Data are included for two types of field surveys conducted for freshwater mussels within the Neversink River in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Timed search (qualitative) surveys were conducted in consecutive ~200 meter sections of river in 2006 and 2007; a subset of these sections were re-surveyed qualitatively in 2009. The number of mussels of each species and associated
North American Breeding Bird Survey Dataset 1966 - 2019
The 1966-2019 North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) dataset contains avian point count data for more than 700 North American bird taxa (species, races, and unidentified species groupings). These data are collected annually during the breeding season, primarily in June, along thousands of randomly established roadside survey routes in the United States and Canada. Routes are r
Mean annual no flow, climate and watershed properties for 540 non-perennial USGS gages in the contiguous U.S.
This dataset contains mean-annual metrics quantifying intermittent streamflow, climate, topography, land cover and geology for 540 USGS GAGES-2 watersheds experiencing non-perennial flow.
Annual low flow, climate and watershed properties for 325 USGS gages in and near the Delaware River Basin
This dataset contains annual metrics quantifying low streamflows, climate, topography, land cover and geology for 325 USGS GAGES-2 watersheds within the Delaware River Basin boundary or with watershed centroids within a 25-mile buffer of the Delaware River Basin boundary.
Modeled and observed trends at reference basins in the conterminous U.S. from October 1, 1983 through September 30, 2016
This data release contains trend results computed on the basis of modeled and observed daily streamflows at 502 reference gages across the conterminous U.S. from October 1, 1983 through September 30, 2016. Modeled daily streamflows were computed using the deterministic Precipitation Runoff Modeling System (PRMS), and five statistical techniques: Nearest-Neighbor Drainage Area Ratio %2
Sea-floor sediment samples, seabed imagery, and CTD instrument data collected on Stellwagen Bank in December, 2014, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2014-070-FA
This field activity is part of the effort to map geologic substrates of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region off Boston, Massachusetts. The overall goal is to develop high-resolution (1:25,000) interpretive maps, based on multibeam sonar data and seabed sampling, showing surficial geology and seabed sediment dynamics.
Preliminary global database of known and inferred gas hydrate locations
This data release provides a text description of the region, geographic coordinates, and the citation for the published reference for known and inferred gas hydrate locations. Where the existence of gas hydrate was inferred, the description of the criteria used to make the inference was also included.
Daily patterns of river herring (Alosa spp.) spawning migrations: Environmental drivers and variation among coastal streams in Massachusetts
The timing of life history events in many plants and animals depends on the seasonal fluctuations of specific environmental conditions. Climate change is altering environmental regimes and disrupting natural cycles and patterns across communities. Anadromous fishes that migrate between marine and freshwater habitats to spawn are particularly...
Legett, Henry; Jordaan, Adrian; Roy, Allison; Sheppard, John; Somos-Valenzuela, Marcelo; Staudinger, Michelle Associations between private well water and community water supply arsenic concentrations in the conterminous United States
Geogenic arsenic contamination typically occurs in groundwater as opposed to surface water supplies. Groundwater is a major source for many community water systems (CWSs) in the United States (US). Although the US Environmental Protection Agency sets the maximum contaminant level (MCL enforceable since 2006: 10 μg/L) for arsenic in CWSs, private...
Spaur, Maya; Lombard, Melissa; Ayotte, Joseph D.; Harvey, David; Bostick, Benjamin; Chillrud, Steven; Navas-Acien, Ana; Nigra, Anne E Activity patterns of anadromous fish below a tide gate: Observations from high‐resolution imaging sonar
The construction of dams and tide gates on waterways has altered the physical structure of many coastal, estuarine, and freshwater systems. These changes have come at a cost to fish populations, most notably diadromous species, which rely on connectivity between marine and freshwater systems. These anthropogenic structures can have direct effects...
Rillahan, Christopher B.; Derrick Alcott; Castro-Santos, Theodore R.; He, Pingguo Weighing the unknowns: Value of information for biological and operational uncertainty in invasion management
The management of biological invasions is a worldwide conservation priority. Unfortunately, decision-making on optimal invasion management can be impeded by lack of information about the biological processes that determine invader success (i.e. biological uncertainty) or by uncertainty about the effectiveness of candidate interventions (i.e....
Li, Shou-Li; Keller, Joseph; Runge, Michael C.; Shea, Katriona Relating Tmax and hydrogen index to vitrinite and solid bitumen reflectance in hydrous pyrolysis residues: Comparisons to natural thermal indices
Vitrinite reflectance (VRo; %) generally is considered the most reliable technique to determine the thermal maturity of sedimentary rocks. However, it is a time-consuming process to collect reflectance (Ro; %) measurements and is subjective to the interpretation of each trained technician, who must be able to discern between ...
Lohr, Celeste D.; Hackley, Paul C. USGS 2020 critical minerals review
Concerns about the lack of domestic production and availability of essential mineral raw materials were a recurring theme throughout the 20th century, particularly in the periods around armed conflicts (Congressional Research Service, 2019). These concerns resulted in the designation of particular minerals as “strategic” or “critical,” terms that...
Fortier, Steven M.; Nassar, Nedal T.; Kelley, Karen D.; Lederer, Graham W.; Mauk, Jeffrey L.; Hammarstrom, Jane M.; Day, Warren C.; Seal, Robert R. Optimal strategies for managing wildlife harvest under climate change
Wildlife populations are experiencing shifting dynamics due to climate and landscape change. Management policies that fail to account for non‐stationary dynamics may fail to achieve management objectives. We establish a framework for understanding optimal strategies for managing a theoretical harvested population under non‐stationarity. Building...
Tucker, Anna Maureen; Runge, Michael C. Insights on the characteristics and sources of gas from an underground coal mine using compositional data analysis
Coal mine gas originates from the gas emission zone (GEZ) of the mine, as well as the longwall face and pillars. Gas emissions are controlled directly at the sources using horizontal or vertical boreholes drilled from surface or from the entries in advance of mining, or it is captured from the fractured and caved zones (gob) using...
Karacan, C. Özgen; Martín-Fernández, Josep Antoni; Ruppert, Leslie F.; Olea, Ricardo Capturing the transient hydrological response in sandy soils during a rare cloudburst associated with shallow slope failures; A case study in the Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, USA
A cloudburst on 7 August 2018 in the coastal bluffs of the Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, induced flooding, erosion and multiple shallow slope failures that adversely affected the surrounding hillside residential area. Historically, short-duration deluges are rare in the New York Bay region, with only eight cloudbursts of greater magnitude...
Ashland, Francis; Reilly, Pamela A.; Fiore, Alex R.
Assessment of wave attenuation, current patterns, and sediment deposition and erosion during winter storms by living shoreline structures in Gandys Beach, New Jersey
This study was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and Northeastern University in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Nature Conservancy. This report summarizes field investigation and analysis of waves, current patterns, and sediment deposition and erosion along the Gandys Beach, New Jersey, salt marsh vegetated...
Wang, Hongqing; Capurso, William D.; Chen, Qin; Zhu, Ling; Niemoczynski, Lukasz; Snedden, Gregg A framework for allocating conservation resources among multiple threats and actions
Land managers decide how to allocate resources among multiple threats that can be addressed through multiple possible actions. Additionally, these actions vary in feasibility, effectiveness, and cost. We sought to provide a way to optimize resource allocation to address multiple threats when multiple management options are available, including...
Moore, Joslin L; Camaclang, Abbey E; Moore, Alana L.; Hauser, Cindy E; Runge, Michael C.; Picheny, Victor; Rumpff, Libby
USGS National Water Quality Monitoring Network
What is the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Monitoring Network?Understanding the water quality of U.S. streams and rivers requires consistent data collection and analysis over decades. The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) National Water Quality Network (NWQN) was established to facilitate national-scale understanding of surface-water...
Riskin, Melissa L.; Lee, Casey J.Analyzes dose responses for two populations, using the PROBIT model and the abbreviated protocol as described by Link et al(1996).
Computes estimates of survival-movement and capture probability for open capture-recapture models.
Compares estimates of survival (or any normally distributed parameter estimates).
Tests the hypothesis of prey-selectivity based on random samples of predator scats.
Estimates fatalities using raw counts of wildlife fatalities, trial experiments for carcass detection probability and persistence time.
Computes the number of animals that must be banded in order to achieve a specified level of precision for survival rates estimated using band recovery models.
Computes the power of between-model likelihood ratio tests.
Computes estimates of survival and temporary emigration under the "Open Robust Design".
Computes estimates of survival and capture probability for capture-recapture experiments on open animal populations.
Computes estimates of capture probability and population size for "closed" population capture-recapture data.
Computes estimates of survival (or any model parameter) with multinomially distributed data.
Computes estimates of daily survival rate for nest visitation data.
North Fork Patapsco River
Photo Contest Winner | February 2021 | Where We Work
North Fork Patapsco River
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, Delaware, 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.
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.
There's a lot of talent at the Maryland, Delaware, Washington, DC Water Science Center!
We’ve created a series of websites, thematically named to characterize our work as our “Capabilities”, working interdependently with a diverse array of cooperative partners, the scientists, technicians, and support staff work tirelessly to produce the high-quality output for which the USGS is world renown.
Approximately 80 edits have come in since this challenge was launched! This includes ~70 new points! Nice work!
Dirt, sand, and other particulate material on parking lots and streets is washing off into urban streams, reports a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey Regional Stream Quality Assessment. The study used novel particle tracers to determine that particles washed from pavement made up almost half of the streambed sediment in parts of Dead Run, an urban stream in the Baltimore area.
TNMCorps Mapping Challenges head to New England with a new challenge for city/town halls in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont!
Melinda Chapman, recently appointed Director of the Pennsylvania Water Science Center (previously Assistant Chief of the USGS Office of Groundwater), introduces the first issue of the Pennsylvania Waters newsletter, available via http://www.usgs.gov/pennsylvania-waters-newsletters.
A USGS study characterized groundwater flow paths from possible PFAS sources at three former and active military facilities in southeastern Pennsylvania. The new research will help federal, state and local officials, water resource managers and the public as they work to address PFAS contamination in groundwater and surface water used for private and public water supply.
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.
Most residents of southern Puerto Rico were startled by the sequence of earthquakes that began Dec. 28, 2019 and included a magnitude 6.4 quake on Jan. 7, 2020. Aftershocks are expected to continue for years, including some relatively strong ones, like a May 2 magnitude 5.4 temblor.
U.S. Geological Survey field crews are measuring flooding across the country as spring weather is in full swing. Warming temperatures, increased precipitation and snowmelt have caused moderate to major flooding in the upper Midwest, East Coast, Central Plains and the Southeast portions of the country.
Annual Cooperators Meeting – Hold the Date!!
The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center 2020 Cooperator Meetings – Tentative Dates are:
The Louisville Office will hold its annual cooperator meeting on September 16, 2020.
The Indianapolis Office will hold its annual cooperator meeting on October 7, 2020.
The Columbus Office will host its first cooperator meeting on October 14, 2020.
This geonarrative explores the availability of water-quality data collected by the Cape Cod National Seashore and U.S. Geological Survey in support of the Herring River restoration project. It highlights the development of the monitoring program since the 1980s and the recent publication of Cape Cod National Seashore data in a U.S. Geological Survey data release.
Despite the prevalence of mercury contamination in the Chesapeake Bay, large-scale patterns of mercury concentrations, and potential risks to fish, wildlife, and humans across the watershed, are poorly understood.
Contacts
Locations
Office of Communications and Publishing
Energy and Minerals Mission Area Headquarters
Chesapeake Bay Program
Phone: (800) YOUR-BAY (968-7229)
Fax: (410) 267-5777
Environmental Health Mission Area Headquarters
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
Eastern Ecological Science Center at the Leetown Research Laboratory
Eastern Ecological Science Center at the Patuxent Research Refuge
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
Pennsylvania Water Science Center
Phone: 717-730-6900
Fax: 717-730-6997
Kentucky - Louisville Office
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: (502) 493-1900
Fax: (502) 493-1909
New Jersey Water Science Center
Phone: (609) 771-3900
Fax: (609) 771-3915
Kentucky - Williamsburg Field Office
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: (606) 549-2406
Fax: (606) 549-5400
New England Water Science Center - New Hampshire Office
Phone: (603) 226-7800
Fax: (603) 226-7894
Kentucky - Murray Field Office
mgriffin@usgs.gov
Phone: (270) 759-2460
Fax: (270) 649-2461
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
New York Water Science Center - Troy Program Office
dc_ny@usgs.gov
Phone: (518) 285-5695
Fax: (518) 285-5601
Eastern Ecological Science Center at the S.O. Conte Research Laboratory
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