Unified Interior Regions
Region 2: South Atlantic-Gulf (Includes Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
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Establishing Explicit Biological Objectives to Guide Strategic Habitat Conservation for the Gulf Coast
To inform conservation efforts for the Gulf Coast, USGS is developing a suite of decision support tools to provide explicit population and habitat objectives.
Population Monitoring of the Federally Threatened Okaloosa Darter at Eglin Air Force Base
USGS' and Loyola University New Orleans' innovative research techniques played a role in the decision to downlist the Okaloosa Darter, a freshwater fish endemic to northwest Florida, from Endangered to Threatened.
Alabama Strategic Habitat Unit (SHU)
Alabama is host to a variety of freshwater species, many of which are critically imperiled. USGS and partners focus conservation activities in high priority watersheds throughout the state.
Using Environmental DNA for Burmese Python Detection Probabilities and Range-Delimitation in Southern Florida
Current tools for detection of Burmese pythons in South Florida have resulted in low detection rates. Environmental DNA - eDNA - has shown to be effective at detecting these invasive snakes, and can help to determine range limits for the species, information that is critical for management and control efforts.
Wetland Evaluation and Sediment Elevation Monitoring and Analysis in the Indian River Lagoon
To better understand coastal response to sea-level rise, USGS is monitoring coastal wetland sediment elevations along Florida's east coast.
Life on the Edge: Can Corals Thriving in Mangroves Provide Insights into Climate Change?
On an island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, USGS scientists discover corals are seeking refuge from climate change in mangroves.
Ecology of and Control Strategies for Invasive Burmese Pythons (Python molurus bivitattus) in the Greater Everglades
Telemetry tracking of captured pythons reveals movement patterns of the invasive Burmese python in the Greater Everglades, information that managers can use to prioritize python control efforts.
Sea Turtle Habitat Use at Buck Island Reef National Monument, U.S. Virgin Islands
USGS researchers tag and track endangered and threatened sea turtles to inform adaptive management strategies in marine protected areas.
Predicting Vulnerability of Southeastern Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches to Climate Change
Climate change may reduce the suitability of nesting and foraging habitat used by federally threatened and endangered species, like the Loggerhead sea turtle.
Spatial Ecology of the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) and American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) in the Greater Everglades
Satellite/GPS tags help USGS researchers understand the movements of American Alligators and American Crocodiles in the Greater Everglades.
Mosquito Control Pesticide Impacts to Butterflies: Implications for Imperiled Butterfly Conservation on a National Wildlife Refuge
USGS researchers evaluate the impact of a pesticide on two imperiled butterfly species in the Florida Keys.
Methylmercury Impacts to Reproduction in the Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)
USGS researchers investigate the effects of methylmercury contamination on reproduction of the Eastern mosquitofish, a common fish in South Florida.
FLUXNET-CH4 synthesis activity: Objectives, observations, and future directions
This paper describes the formation of, and initial results for, a new FLUXNET coordination network for ecosystem-scale methane (CH4) measurements at 60 sites globally, organized by the Global Carbon Project in partnership with other initiatives and regional flux tower networks. The objectives of the effort are presented along with an overview of...
Knox, Sara H.; Jackson, Robert B.; Poulter, Benjamin; McNicol, Gavin; Fluet-Chouinard, Etienne; Zhang, Zheng; Hugelius, Gustaf; Bousquet, Philippe; Canadell, Josep G; Saunois, Marielle; Papale, Dario; Chu, Housen; Keenan, Trevor F.; Baldocchi, Dennis; Torn, Margaret S; Mammarella, Ivan; Trotta, Carlo; Aurela, Mika; Bohrer, Gil; Campbell, David I; Cescatti, Alessandro; Chamberlain, Samuel D.; Chen, Jiquan; Chen, Weinan; Dengel, Sigrid; Desai, Ankur R.; Euskirchen, Eugenie S; Friborg, Thomas; Gasbarra, Daniele; Goded, Ignacio; Goeckede, Mathias; Heimann, Martin; Helbig, Manuel; Hirano, Takashi; Hollinger, David Y.; Iwata, Hiroki; Kang, Minseok; Klatt, Janina; Krauss, Ken; Kutzbach, Lars; Lohila, Annalea; Mitra, Bhaskar; Morin, Timothy H; Nilsson, Mats B; Niu, Shuli; Noormets, Asko; Oechel, Walter C.; Peichl, Matthias; Peltola, Olli; Reba, Michele L.; Richardson, Andrew D.; Runkle, Benjamin R K; Ryu, Youngryel; Sachs, Torsten; Schäfer, Karina V R; Schmid, Hans Peter; Shurpali, Narasinha; Sonnentag, Oliver; Tang, Angela C I; Ueyama, Masahito; Vargas, Rodrigo; Vesala, Timo; Ward, Eric; Windham-Myers, Lisamarie; Wohlfahrtd, Georg; Zona, DonatellaTriangle area water supply monitoring project, North Carolina-Summary of monitoring activities, quality assurance, and data, October 2015–September 2017
Surface-water supplies are important sources of drinking water for residents in the Triangle area of North Carolina, which is located within the upper Cape Fear and Neuse River Basins. Since 1988, the U.S. Geological Survey and a consortium of local governments have tracked water-quality conditions and trends in several of the area’s water-supply...
Pfeifle, C.A.; Cain, J.L.; Rasmussen, R.B.Environmental DNA assays for invasive populations of the Black Carp, Mylopharyngodon piceus, in North America
The Black Carp, Mylopharyngodon piceus, is an increasingly widespread invasive species in North America that threatens freshwater mussel populations. We developed four qPCR assays for detecting environmental DNA (eDNA) from these Black Carp populations. Assays were designed to target four mitochondrial DNA loci and were based on 34 complete...
Guan, Xin; Monroe, E.M.; Bockrath, K.D.; Mize, Erica L.; Rees, C.B.; Lindsay, Denise L.; Baerwaldt, Kelly L.; Nico, Leo; Lance, Richard F.Predictive analysis using chemical-gene interaction networks consistent with observed endocrine activity and mutagenicity of U.S. streams
In a recent U.S. Geological Survey/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study assessing >700 organic compounds in 38 streams, in vitro assays indicated generally low estrogen, androgen, and glucocorticoid receptor activities, but identified 13 surface waters with 17β estradiol equivalent (E2Eq) activities greater than the 1 ng/L level of...
Berninger, Jason P.; DeMarini, David M.; Warren, Sarah H.; Simmons, Jane Ellen; Wilson, Vickie S.; Conley, Justin M.; Armstrong, Mikayla D.; Kolpin, Dana W.; Kuivila, Kathryn; Reilly, Timothy J.; Romanok, Kristin M.; Villeneuve, Daniel L.; Bradley, Paul M.; Iwanowicz, Luke R.Integrative taxonomy reveals a new species of freshwater mussel, Potamilus streckersoni sp. nov. (Bivalvia: Unionidae): Implications for conservation and management
Inaccurate systematics confound our ability to determine evolutionary processes that have led to the diversification of many taxa. The North American freshwater mussel tribe Lampsilini is one of the better-studied groups in Unionidae, however, many supraspecific relationships between lampsiline genera remain unresolved. Two genera previously...
Smith, Chase H.; Johnson, Nathan; Inoue, Kentaro; Doyle, Robert; Randklev, Charles R.Cell-Based metabolomics for untargeted screening and prioritization of vertebrate-active stressors in streams across the United States
The U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have assessed contaminants in 38 streams across the U.S., using an extensive suite of target-chemical analysis methods along with a variety of biological effects tools. Here we report zebrafish liver (ZFL) cell-culture based NMR metabolomic analysis of these split stream...
Collette, Timothy W.; Ekman, Drew R.; Zhen, Huajun; Nguyen, Ha; Bradley, Paul; Teng, QuincyPerspective: Developing flow policies to balance the water needs of humans and wetlands requires a landscape scale approach inclusive of future scenarios and multiple timescales
Maintenance of the natural flow regime is essential for continued wetland integrity; however, the flow regime is greatly influenced by both natural and anthropogenic forces. Wetlands may be particularly susceptible to altered flow regimes as they are directly impacted by water flows at a variety of time scales. In Puerto Rico, contemporary water...
Murry, Brent; Bowden, Jared; Branoff, Benjamin; Garcia-Bermudez, Miguel; Middleton, Beth; Ortiz-Zayas, Jorge; Restrepo, Carla; Terando, AdamThe relationship of channel planform and point bar architecture on a reach of the Wabash River near Grayville, Illinois
The erosional and depositional characteristics of meandering rivers lead to the formation and maintenance of point bars along the inner banks of meander bends. Point bars are composed of sediment layers in patterns resulting from the rate and style of channel migration, hydrodynamics, and sediment transport and deposition within the river system (...
Rowley, Taylor; Konsoer, Kory; Ursic, Mick; Langendoen, Eddy J.Channel modification and evolution alter hydraulic connectivity in the Atchafalaya River basin increasing vulnerability to sea-level rise
Channel dredging and erosion in the Atchafalaya River basin have resulted in changes to the hydraulic connectivity of this floodplain swamp that have not been previously quantified. In this study, analyses were conducted to determine hydraulic and geomorphic factors that have changed since channel closure in 1962. Results indicated changes...
Kroes, Daniel; Day, Richard H.; Demas, Charles R.; Allen, Yvonne C.; Roberts, SteveCombining numerical and statistical models to predict storm-induced dune erosion
Dune erosion is an important aspect to consider when assessing coastal flood risk, as dune elevation loss makes the protected areas more susceptible to flooding. However, most advanced dune erosion numerical models are computationally expensive, which hinders their application in early-warning systems. Based on a combination of probabilistic and...
Malagon-Santos, Victor; Wahl, Thomas; Long, Joseph W; Passeri, Davina L.; Plant, Nathaniel G.Council Monitoring and Assessment Program (CMAP): Inventory of existing water quality and habitat monitoring, and mapping metadata for Gulf of Mexico Programs
Under the Council-Selected Restoration Component of the RESTORE Act, the Council develops Funded Priority Lists (FPLs) that describe the projects and programs it will fund. Projects and programs funded through this component must be in furtherance of the goals and objectives of the Council’s Comprehensive Plan and address at least one of the...
Meyers, Michelle; Bosch, Julie; Burkart, Heidi; Clement, Chris; Enwright, Nicholas; Giordano, Steve; Jeffery, Chris; Hart, Rheannon; Hile, Sarah; Howell, Jacob; Lee, Michael; Laurenzano, Claudia ; McCloskey, Terrance; Mize, Scott; Monaco, Mark E.; Owen, Kevin; Rebich, Richard; Sample, Thomas; Steyer, Gregory D.; Suir, Kevin J.; Smith, Christopher G.; Watson, Katie; Bosch, Julie; Burkart, Heidi; Chivoiu, Bogdan; Clark, Randy; Clement, Chris; Enwright, Nicholas; Giordano, Steve; Jeffrey, Chris; Johnson, Edward; Hart, Rheannon M.; Hile, Sarah; Howell, Jacob; Laurenzano, Claudia ; Lee, Michael T.; McCloskey, Terrence A.; McTigue, Terry; Meyers, Michelle B.; Mize, Scott; Monaco, Mark E.; Owen, Kevin; Rebich, Richard A.; Rendon, Samuel H.; Robertson, Ali; Sample, Thomas; Steyer, Gregory D.; Suir, Kevin J.; Swarzenski, Christopher M.; Watson, KatieHarvest assessment for Taiga bean geese in the Central Management Unit: 2019
In 2016 the European Goose Management International Working Group (EGM IWG) began development of an Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) program for Taiga Bean Geese. In 2017, the IWG adopted an Interim Harvest Strategy consisting of a constant harvest rate (on adults) of 3% for the Central Management Unit (MU) of Taiga Bean Geese. The interim...
Johnson, Fred; Heldbjerg, Henning; Alhainen, Mikko; Madsen, JesperSinkholes in West-central Florida, Freeze Event of 2010
A sinkhole formed in a roadway caused traffic to detour around it while it is filled in, stabilized and repaved.
More than 110 sinkholes formed in the Dover area of Florida during a freeze event in January 2010. Ground water levels dropped to record-setting lows as farmers pumped water to irrigate their plants for protection from the cold temperatures. The sinkholes
...Sinkholes in West-central Florida, Freeze Event of 2010
Cracks shown here in the exterior and supporting structures of this home are indicative of subsidence damage associated with sinkhole activity. More than 110 sinkholes formed in the Dover area of Florida during a freeze event in January 2010. Ground water levels dropped to record-setting lows as farmers pumped water to irrigate their plants for protection from the cold
...Sinkholes in West-central Florida, Freeze Event of 2010
The entire root perimeter of this tree collapsed in response to subsidence activity. More than 110 sinkholes formed in the Dover area of Florida during a freeze event in January 2010. Ground water levels dropped to record-setting lows as farmers pumped water to irrigate their plants for protection from the cold temperatures. The sinkholes destroyed homes, roads and
...Sinkholes in West-central Florida, Freeze Event of 2010
Sinkholes affect roadway safety and require constant maintenance and monitoring. More than 110 sinkholes formed in the Dover area of Florida during a freeze event in January 2010. Ground water levels dropped to record-setting lows as farmers pumped water to irrigate their plants for protection from the cold temperatures. The sinkholes destroyed homes, roads and sections of
...Sinkholes in West-central Florida, Freeze Event of 2010
More than 110 sinkholes formed in the Dover area of Florida during a freeze event in January 2010. Ground water levels dropped to record-setting lows as farmers pumped water to irrigate their plants for protection from the cold temperatures. The sinkholes destroyed homes, roads and sections of cultivated areas.
Sinkholes in West-central Florida, Freeze Event of 2010
More than 110 sinkholes formed in the Dover area of Florida during a freeze event in January 2010. Ground water levels dropped to record-setting lows as farmers pumped water to irrigate their plants for protection from the cold temperatures. The sinkholes destroyed homes, roads and sections of cultivated areas.
Sinkholes in West-central Florida, Freeze Event of 2010
More than 110 sinkholes formed in the Dover area of Florida during a freeze event in January 2010. Ground water levels dropped to record-setting lows as farmers pumped water to irrigate their plants for protection from the cold temperatures. The sinkholes destroyed homes, roads and sections of cultivated areas.
Sinkholes in West-central Florida, Freeze Event of 2010
More than 110 sinkholes formed in the Dover area of Florida during a freeze event in January 2010. Ground water levels dropped to record-setting lows as farmers pumped water to irrigate their plants for protection from the cold temperatures. The sinkholes destroyed homes, roads and sections of cultivated areas.
Sinkholes in West-central Florida, Freeze Event of 2010
More than 110 sinkholes formed in the Dover area of Florida during a freeze event in January 2010. Ground water levels dropped to record-setting lows as farmers pumped water to irrigate their plants for protection from the cold temperatures. The sinkholes destroyed homes, roads and sections of cultivated areas.
Sinkholes in West-central Florida, Freeze Event of 2010
More than 110 sinkholes formed in the Dover area of Florida during a freeze event in January 2010. Ground water levels dropped to record-setting lows as farmers pumped water to irrigate their plants for protection from the cold temperatures. The sinkholes destroyed homes, roads and sections of cultivated areas.
Sinkholes in West-central Florida, Freeze Event of 2010
Sinkholes damage roadways and require constant maintenance for road safety. More than 110 sinkholes formed in the Dover area of Florida during a freeze event in January 2010. Ground water levels dropped to record-setting lows as farmers pumped water to irrigate their plants for protection from the cold temperatures. The sinkholes destroyed homes, roads and sections of
...Sinkholes in West-central Florida, Freeze Event of 2010
Sinkholes damage roadways and require constant maintenance for road safety. More than 110 sinkholes formed in the Dover area of Florida during a freeze event in January 2010. Ground water levels dropped to record-setting lows as farmers pumped water to irrigate their plants for protection from the cold temperatures. The sinkholes destroyed homes, roads and sections of
...Hurricanes brush or hit Charleston, S.C., about once every five and a half years, often generating large storm surges on top of already impressive tides. A hurricane that hit Charleston in 1752 caused a storm surge that nearly covered the entire present downtown area, according to one source. When the wind shifted, the water level fell 5 feet in 10 minutes.
Hurricanes brush or hit Charleston, S.C., about once every five and a half years, often generating large storm surges on top of already impressive tides. A hurricane that hit Charleston in 1752 caused a storm surge that nearly covered the entire present downtown area, according to one source. When the wind shifted, the water level fell 5 feet in 10 minutes.
October marks a new milestone in the installation of modern seismic stations in seismically active urban areas across the country. These cities include Memphis, San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Anchorage, and Reno.
October marks a new milestone in the installation of modern seismic stations in seismically active urban areas across the country. These cities include Memphis, San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Anchorage, and Reno.
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) at The University of Memphis will create two artificial earthquakes in the New Madrid Seismic Zone to learn how the thick layers of sand and clay sediments react to seismic waves.
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) at The University of Memphis will create two artificial earthquakes in the New Madrid Seismic Zone to learn how the thick layers of sand and clay sediments react to seismic waves.
Unexploded shells. Contaminated soils. Polluted groundwater. Military bases across the country are working to restore and protect the environment.
Coal provides more than half of our Nation’s electrical energy needs. For more than three centuries, coal has been mined in the Appalachian Basin, one of the most important coal producing regions in the world. This area includes parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, and Tennessee. Almost all of the coal now mined in the Appalachian Basin is used in eastern state
Coal provides more than half of our Nation’s electrical energy needs. For more than three centuries, coal has been mined in the Appalachian Basin, one of the most important coal producing regions in the world.
Using a time-tested technique in a new way, scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have been able to determine how quickly marine groundwater has encroached into South Florida?s inland fresh water aquifers.
Evidence recently obtained by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicates that an ancient sand delta in South Florida, discovered in 1999 by scientists from the USGS and the University of South Florida, rivals the size of deltaic lobes of the modern-day Mississippi River.
Recent evidence recovered from the muddy bottom of Florida Bay by a team of USGS scientists indicates that some of the changes in Florida Bay’s ecosystem are natural and some are not. Lynn Brewster-Wingard will present data from cores that show a significant increase in the last 20-40 years in Brachidontes exustus, a mussel that is tolerant of poor water quality and a wide range of salinities.
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