Unified Interior Regions
Region 4: Mississippi Basin
Regions L2 Landing Page Tabs
Sparta Aquifer Recovery Project
The Sparta aquifer is Union County's only source of municipal and industrial ground water. Since development began in the early 1920's ground-water levels have declined more than 390 feet in some areas. As a result, Union was among five southern Arkansas counties designated as the state's first "Critical Ground Water Area" in 1996.
Partners include:...
Decision Support System for Sustainable and Adaptive Management of Beaver Lake - Arkansas
Short Title: Beaver Lake 3-D Modelin
Project Chief: Reed Green
Cooperator: Beaver Water District
Project Time Frame: October 2007 - present
Beaver Lake is a large, deep-storage reservoir located in the White River Basin in northwestern Arkansas and is...
Beaver Lake Water Quantity and Quality - Arkansas
Short Title: Beaver Lake Water Quality
Project Chief: Reed Green
Cooperator: Beaver Water District
Project Time Frame: 2000 - present
Beaver Lake, completed in 1963, is located in northwestern Arkansas and receives a majority of its water from three...
Ground-Water Data Network - Arkansas
Short Title: Ground-Water Data Network
Project Chief: Anna Nottmeier
Cooperators: Arkansas Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Division, Arkansas Geological...
Hydrologic Monitoring for the City of Hot Springs Early Flood Warning Information System - Arkansas
Short Title: Hot Springs Flood Warning System
Project Chief: Joseph Fleming
Cooperator: City of Hot Springs
Project Time Frame: 2008- present
In May 1990, a series of severe thunderstorms developed in the vicinity of Hot Springs with a total...
Lakes Maumelle and Winona - Arkansas
Short Title: Lakes Maumelle and Winona
Project Chief: William Green
Cooperator: Central Arkansas Water
Project Time Frame: 1989 - present
Lakes Maumelle and Winona are water-supply reservoirs for the Little Rock and North Little Rock metropolitan areas...
Middle Fork of the Saline River - Arkansas
Short Title: Middle Fork Study
Project Chief: William Baldwin
Cooperators: Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission,Arkansas Naural Resources Commission, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service...
Ground-Water Modeling Support - Arkansas
Short Title: North Ground-Water Model
Project Chief: Phillip Hays
Cooperators: Arkansas Natural Resources Commission
Project Time Frame: 2005 - present
Several counties in eastern and southern Arkansas have been designated Critical Ground-Water Areas (areas where alluvial aquifer...
Ozark Plateaus National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program
Short Title: Ozark Plateaus NAWQA
Project Chief: Billy Justus
Cooperator: U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment Program
Project Time Frame: 1991 - present
The Ozark Plateaus study unit is one of more than 50 study units that are part...
Sediment Data Program
Short Title: Sediment Data Program
Project Chief: Dwight Lasker
Cooperator: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Memphis District
Project Time Frame: 1997 - present
Sediment concentrations and discharges in rivers and streams must be defined and monitored for effective water resource planning and water-...
Sparta Aquifer Recovery Project
Short Title: Sparta Recovery Project
Project Chief: Anna Nottmeier
Cooperators: Union County Water Conservation Board
Project Time Frame: 2002 - present
The Sparta aquifer is a confined aquifer of great regional importance and is a major water resource for municipal, industrial,...
Surface-Water Data Program - Arkansas
Short Title: Surface-Water Data Program
Project Chief: William Baldwin
Cooperators: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Little Rock District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Memphis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Vicksburg District, Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, Arkansas Geological...
Groundwater discharges as a source of phytoestrogens and other agriculturally derived contaminants to streams
Groundwater discharge zones in streams are important habitats for aquatic organisms. The use of discharge zones for thermal refuge and spawning by fish and other biota renders them susceptible to potential focused discharge of groundwater contamination. Currently, there is a paucity of information about discharge zones as a potential exposure...
Tyler J. Thompson; Briggs, Martin; Phillips, Patrick J.; Blazer, Vicki S.; Smalling, Kelly; Kolpin, Dana W.; Wagner, Tyler How plants influence resilience of salt marsh and mangrove wetlands to sea-level rise
This review evaluates the importance of plants and associated biological processes in determining the vulnerability of coastal wetlands to sea-level rise. Coastal wetlands occur across a broad sedimentary continuum from minerogenic to biogenic, providing an opportunity to examine the relative importance of biological processes in wetland...
Cahoon, Donald R.; McKee, Karen L.; James Morris Assessing the ecological risks of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Current state‐of‐the science and a proposed path forward
Per‐ and poly‐fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) encompass a large, heterogenous group of chemicals of potential concern to human health and the environment. Based on information for a few relatively well‐understood PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate, there is ample basis to suspect that at least a subset can be considered...
Ankley, Gerald T.; Cureton, Philippa; Hoke, Robert A.; Houde, Magali; Kumar, Anupama; Kurias, Jessy; Lanno, Roman P.; McCarthy, Chris; Newsted, John L.; Salice, Christopher J.; Sample, Bradley E.; Sepúlveda, Maria S.; Steevens, Jeffery; Valsecchi, Sara Resolving species boundaries in the critically imperiled freshwater mussel species, Fusconaia mitchelli (Bivalvia: Unionidae)
Species are a fundamental unit of biology, and defining accurate species boundaries is integral to effective conservation and management of imperiled taxa. Freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) are among the most imperiled groups of organisms in North America, yet species boundaries remain uncertain for many taxa. The False Spike, ...
Smith, Chase H.; Johnson, Nathan; Havlik, Kaitlyn; Doyle, Robert D.; Randklev, Charles R. Status of the major aquaculture carps of China in the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin
There is concern of economic and environmental damage occuring if any of the four major aquacultured carp species of China, black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus, bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, silver carp H. molitrix, or grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, were to establish in the Laurentian Great Lakes. All four are...
Chapman, Duane C.; Benscoter, Allison; Embke, Holly S.; King, Nicole R.; Kocovsky, Patrick; Lewis, Teresa D.; Mandrak, Nicholas E. Elemental and radionuclide exposures and uptakes by small rodents, invertebrates, and vegetation at active and post-production uranium mines in the Grand Canyon watershed
The effects of breccia pipe uranium mining in the Grand Canyon watershed (Arizona) on ecological and cultural resources are largely unknown. We characterized the exposure of biota to uranium and co-occurring ore body elements during active ore production and at a site where ore production had recently concluded. Our results indicate that biota...
Cleveland, Danielle; Hinck, Jo Ellen; Lankton, Julia S. Movement of synthetic organic compounds in the food web after the introduction of invasive quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) in Lake Mead, Nevada and Arizona, USA
Introductions of dreissenid mussels in North America have been a significant concern over the last few decades. This study assessed the distribution of synthetic organic compounds (SOCs) in the food web of Lake Mead, Nevada/Arizona, USA and how this distribution was influenced by the introduction of invasive quagga mussels. A clear spatial...
Goodbred, Steven L.; Rosen, Michael R.; Patino, Reynaldo; Alvarez, David; Echols, Kathy R.; King, Kerensa; Umek, John Identifying sources and year classes contributing to invasive grass carp in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Relative contributions of aquaculture-origin and naturally-reproduced grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in the Laurentian Great Lakes have been unknown. We assessed occurrence and distribution of aquaculture-origin and wild grass carp in the Great Lakes using ploidy and otolith stable oxygen isotope (δ18O) data. We inferred natal river and...
Whitledge, Gregory W.; Chapman, Duane C.; Farver, John; Herbst, Seth; Mandrak, Nicholas E.; Miner, Jeffrey G.; Pangle, Kevin L.; Kocovsky, Patrick Source switching maintains dissolved organic matter chemostasis across discharge levels in a large temperate river network
Dissolved organic matter (DOM) helps regulate aquatic ecosystem structure and function. In small streams, DOM concentrations are controlled by transport of terrestrial materials to waterways, and are thus highly variable. As rivers become larger, the River Continuum Concept hypothesizes that internal primary production is an increasingly important...
Hosen, J.D.; Aho, K.S.; Fair, Jennifer Burlingame Hoyle; Kyzivat, E.D.; Matt, S.; Morrison, Jonathan; Stubbins, A.; Weber, L.C.; Yoon, B.; Raymond, P.A. Using decision analysis to collaboratively respond to invasive species threats: A case study of Lake Erie grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Decisions about invasive species control and eradication can be difficult because of uncertainty in population demographics, movement ecology, and effectiveness of potential response actions. These decisions often include multiple stakeholders and management entities with potentially different objectives, management priorities, and jurisdictional...
Robinson, Kelly F.; DuFour, Mark R.; Jones, Michael; Herbst, Seth; Newcomb, Tammy; Boase, James C.; Brenden, Travis O.; Chapman, Duane C.; Dettmers, John M.; Francis, James; Hartman, Travis; Kocovsky, Patrick; Locke, Brian; Mayer, Christine; Tyson, Jeff Scientific contributions of the Mangrove Macrobenthos and Management (MMM) conference series, 2000-2019
The conservation of mangrove forests has become an important international policy priority in recent decades, and is mirrored by a large increase in research interest. Multiple disciplines now use mangroves as a study system, from molecular biology to social science. The variety of research conducted in mangroves is exemplified by the Mangrove...
Friess, Daniel A.; Dahdouh-Guebas, Farid; Satyanarayana, Behara; Cannicci, Stefano; Vannini, Marco; Chua, Siew Chin; Duke, Norman; Feller, Ilka C.; Jaafer, Zeehan; Jayatissa, L.P.; Koedam, Nico; Krauss, Ken; Lee, Shing Yip; Mancera Pineda, Jose Ernesto; Ruwa, Renison; Yando, Erik S.
2020 drought in New England
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 drought, reflecting its quick onset. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded record-low streamflow and groundwater levels throughout the region. In September, the U.S....
Lombard, Pamela J.; Barclay, Janet R.; McCarthy, Dee-Ann E.
WRP Morehouse Parish, Louisiana
Wetlands Reserve Program site in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. Green tree frogs rest on a Wetlands Reserve Program easement boundary sign in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana.
WRP St. Landry Parish, Louisiana
Wetlands Reserve Program site in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Changes in a local river resulted in the landowner’s fields flooding on a regular basis. The landowner worked through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to restore his fields to their natural wetland state.
DEM in the Atchafalaya Basin, LA
Digital Elevation Model in the Atchafalaya Basin, LA
Southeast Missouri Helicopter Survey
Residents and visitors should not be alarmed to witness a low-flying helicopter over southeastern Missouri starting in mid to late February, 2014.
U.S. Geological Survey scientists will conduct a comprehensive, high-resolution airborne survey to study the rock layers under parts of Washington, Franklin and Crawford counties. Instruments on the helicopter will
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WRP Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
Wetlands Reserve Program site in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. Ten years ago, this landowner worked with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service through the Wetlands Reserve Program to design and construct this slough as part of a plan to restore this field’s natural wetland hydrology.
Night Flooding in Natchez
Image shows a night-time view of the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge at Natchez, Mississippi.
In late 2015/early 2016 unusually large rainfall in the Upper Mississippi River Valley led to significant flooding in Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. USGS crews responded to the flooding by collecting streamflow and water quality information and
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USGS Streamgage at Baton Rouge
The USGS Streamgage at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, during the 2015/2016 Mississippi River Valley Flooding.
In late 2015/early 2016, unusually large rainfall in the Upper Mississippi River Valley led to flooding throughout Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. USGS water science centers responded to the flooding by measuring the streamflow
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Strong River at D'Lo Mississippi
This image was taken at the Strong River at D'Lo, Mississippi by Shane Stocks who is a Hydrologic Technician out of the Jackson, MS office. Shane used an infared camera to take this long exposure shot of the river.
Flooding on Mississippi River in December 2015
USGS crews had two research vessels out measuring streamflow on the Mississippi River at St. Louis on New Years Eve, 2015.
Flooding on Mississippi River in December 2015
USGS scientist Chris Rowden drives a research vessel measuring streamflow alongside another field crew on the Mississippi River at St. Louis.
Flooding on Mississippi River in December 2015
USGS crews had two research vessels out measuring streamflow on the Mississippi River at St. Louis on New Years Eve, 2015. USGS scientists Eric Looper and Jason Carron are one of many USGS field crews out in the floodwaters over the holiday.
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced today that Interior’s Northeast Climate Science Center (NE CSC) is awarding nearly $700,000 to universities and other partners for research to guide managers of parks, refuges and other cultural and natural resources in planning how to help species and ecosystems adapt to climate change.
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced today that Interior’s Southeast Climate Science Center is awarding nearly $150,000 to its host university and other partners for research to guide managers of parks, refuges and other cultural and natural resources in planning how to help species and ecosystems adapt to climate change.
Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced today that Interior’s North Central Climate Science Center in Fort Collins, Colorado, is awarding nearly $400,000 to universities and other partners.
As part of the continued US Topo maps revision and improvement cycle, the USGS will be including mountain bike trails to upcoming quadrangles on a state-aligned basis.
The bear species nicknamed “teddy” more than a century ago that inspired the iconic stuffed toy still popular today will likely survive at least another century, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey study.
Nesting loggerhead sea turtles in the northern Gulf of Mexico feed among areas that were oiled by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill and where human activities occur, several of which are known to pose threats to sea turtles, a new U.S Geological study showed.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are now available for structure updates with The National Map Corps crowd-sourcing volunteers
Streamflow in the eastern portions of the Missouri River watershed has increased over the past 52 years, whereas other parts have seen downward trends.
On the one-year anniversary of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell today released a new report showing that forests, wetlands and farms in the eastern United States naturally store 300 million tons of carbon a year (1,100 million tons of CO2 equivalent).
U.S. Geological Survey field crews are measuring flooding on the Big Sioux River and its tributaries in South Dakota.
Scientists have extracted DNA from fish eggs found in northern sections of the Upper Mississippi River and have determined that the eggs and larvae are not from Asian carp.
Want to know how elevation will benefit your state? The USGS National Geospatial Program is advancing the 3D Elevation Program, known as 3DEP, in response to the growing need for high-quality three-dimensional representations of the Nation’s natural and constructed features.
Contacts
Locations
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center - Jackson, MS Office
Phone: (601) 933-2900
Fax: (601) 933-2901
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center - Lafayette, LA
Phone: 337-266-8500
Fax: 337-266-8513
Columbia Environmental Research Center
Phone: 573-875-5399
Central Midwest Water Science Center - Rolla, MO Office
Phone: 573-308-3667
Fax: (573) 308-3645
Central Midwest Water Science Center - Iowa City, IA Office
Phone: 319-337-4191
Fax: (319) 358-3606
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center - Baton Rouge, LA Office
Phone: (225) 298-5481
Fax: (225) 298-5490
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center - Little Rock, AR Office
Phone: (501) 228-3600
National Geospatial Technical Operations Center - Rolla, MO
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center - Fayetteville, AR Office
Phone: (479) 442-4888
Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center - Ruston, LA Office
Phone: (318) 251-9630
Central Midwest Water Science Center - Lee's Summit, MO Office
Phone: 816-554-3489
Fax: 816-554-9273
Central Midwest Water Science Center - Olivette, MO Office
Phone: 314-567-7077 or 314-567-5440
Fax: 314-567-7641
Central Midwest Water Science Center - Council Bluffs, IA Office
Phone: 712-323-0824
Fax: 712-322-7775
Central Midwest Water Science Center - Fort Dodge, IA Office
Phone: 515-576-4571
Fax: 515-576-1692
