River Science at the U.S. Geological Survey

River Science at the U.S. Geological Survey

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2007-04-24

Total Pages: 206

ISBN-13: 0309179076

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Rivers provide about 60 percent of the nation's drinking water and irrigation water and 10 percent of the nation's electric power needs. The multiple and sometimes incompatible services demanded of rivers often lead to policy and management conflicts that require the integration of science-based information. This report advises the U.S. Geological Survey on how it can best address river science challenges by effectively using its resources and coordinating its activities with other agencies. The report identifies the highest priority river science issues for the USGS, including environmental flows and river restoration, sediment transport and geomorphology, and groundwater surface-water interactions. It also recommends two cross-cutting science activities including surveying and mapping the nation's river systems according to key physical and landscape features, and expanding work on predictive models, especially those that simulate interactions between physical-biological processes. The report identifies key variables to be monitored and data-managed. It proposes enhancements in streamflow, biological, and sediment monitoring; these include establishing multidisciplinary, integrated reach-scale monitoring sites and developing a comprehensive national sediment monitoring program. Finally, it encourages the USGS to be at the forefront of new technology application, including airborne lidar and embedded, networked, wireless sensors.


Book Synopsis River Science at the U.S. Geological Survey by : National Research Council

Download or read book River Science at the U.S. Geological Survey written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2007-04-24 with total page 206 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rivers provide about 60 percent of the nation's drinking water and irrigation water and 10 percent of the nation's electric power needs. The multiple and sometimes incompatible services demanded of rivers often lead to policy and management conflicts that require the integration of science-based information. This report advises the U.S. Geological Survey on how it can best address river science challenges by effectively using its resources and coordinating its activities with other agencies. The report identifies the highest priority river science issues for the USGS, including environmental flows and river restoration, sediment transport and geomorphology, and groundwater surface-water interactions. It also recommends two cross-cutting science activities including surveying and mapping the nation's river systems according to key physical and landscape features, and expanding work on predictive models, especially those that simulate interactions between physical-biological processes. The report identifies key variables to be monitored and data-managed. It proposes enhancements in streamflow, biological, and sediment monitoring; these include establishing multidisciplinary, integrated reach-scale monitoring sites and developing a comprehensive national sediment monitoring program. Finally, it encourages the USGS to be at the forefront of new technology application, including airborne lidar and embedded, networked, wireless sensors.

Hydrologic Science Priorities for the U.S. Global Change Research Program

Hydrologic Science Priorities for the U.S. Global Change Research Program

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1999-12-04

Total Pages: 47

ISBN-13: 0309066484

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The availability of fresh water is potentially one of the most pervasive crises of the coming century. Water-related decisions will determine the future of major ecosystems, the health of regional economies, and the political stability of nations. A vigorous program of research in hydrologic sciences can provide the basis for sound water management at local, regional, national, and international levels. The Committee on Hydrologic Science was established by the National Research Council in 1999 to identify priorities for hydrologic science that will ensure its vitality as a scientific discipline in service of societal needs. This charge will be performed principally through a series of studies that provide scientific advice on the hydrologic aspects of national program and U.S. hydrologic contributions to international programs. This first report contains a preliminary assessment of the hydrologic science content of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). Because this is a short and focused report, little effort is spent to reaffirm the established and successful elements of the USGCRP. In fact, the Committee generally endorses the findings of the National Research Council (NRC) report Global Environmental Change: Research Pathways for the Next Decade (NRC, 1998a; the so-called Pathways report) in this respect. Instead the attention here is directed toward the most critical missing hydrologic science elements in the FY2000 USGCRP. This brings the focus to the terrestrial component of the water cycle. The integrative nature of terrestrial hydrology could significantly strengthen the USGCRP.


Book Synopsis Hydrologic Science Priorities for the U.S. Global Change Research Program by : National Research Council

Download or read book Hydrologic Science Priorities for the U.S. Global Change Research Program written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1999-12-04 with total page 47 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The availability of fresh water is potentially one of the most pervasive crises of the coming century. Water-related decisions will determine the future of major ecosystems, the health of regional economies, and the political stability of nations. A vigorous program of research in hydrologic sciences can provide the basis for sound water management at local, regional, national, and international levels. The Committee on Hydrologic Science was established by the National Research Council in 1999 to identify priorities for hydrologic science that will ensure its vitality as a scientific discipline in service of societal needs. This charge will be performed principally through a series of studies that provide scientific advice on the hydrologic aspects of national program and U.S. hydrologic contributions to international programs. This first report contains a preliminary assessment of the hydrologic science content of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). Because this is a short and focused report, little effort is spent to reaffirm the established and successful elements of the USGCRP. In fact, the Committee generally endorses the findings of the National Research Council (NRC) report Global Environmental Change: Research Pathways for the Next Decade (NRC, 1998a; the so-called Pathways report) in this respect. Instead the attention here is directed toward the most critical missing hydrologic science elements in the FY2000 USGCRP. This brings the focus to the terrestrial component of the water cycle. The integrative nature of terrestrial hydrology could significantly strengthen the USGCRP.

Toward a Sustainable and Secure Water Future

Toward a Sustainable and Secure Water Future

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2009-09-03

Total Pages: 130

ISBN-13: 030914454X

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Water is our most fundamental natural resource, a resource that is limited. Challenges to our nation's water resources continue to grow, driven by population growth, ecological needs, climate change, and other pressures. The nation needs more and improved water science and information to meet these challenges. Toward a Sustainable and Secure Water Future reviews the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) Water Resource Discipline (WRD), one of the nation's foremost water science organizations. This book provides constructive advice to help the WRD meet the nation's water needs over the coming decades. Of interest primarily to the leadership of the USGS WRD, many findings and recommendations also target the USGS leadership and the Department of Interior (DOI), because their support is necessary for the WRD to respond to the water needs of the nation.


Book Synopsis Toward a Sustainable and Secure Water Future by : National Research Council

Download or read book Toward a Sustainable and Secure Water Future written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2009-09-03 with total page 130 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Water is our most fundamental natural resource, a resource that is limited. Challenges to our nation's water resources continue to grow, driven by population growth, ecological needs, climate change, and other pressures. The nation needs more and improved water science and information to meet these challenges. Toward a Sustainable and Secure Water Future reviews the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) Water Resource Discipline (WRD), one of the nation's foremost water science organizations. This book provides constructive advice to help the WRD meet the nation's water needs over the coming decades. Of interest primarily to the leadership of the USGS WRD, many findings and recommendations also target the USGS leadership and the Department of Interior (DOI), because their support is necessary for the WRD to respond to the water needs of the nation.

National Research Program in the Hydrological Sciences

National Research Program in the Hydrological Sciences

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 38

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis National Research Program in the Hydrological Sciences by :

Download or read book National Research Program in the Hydrological Sciences written by and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 38 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Watershed Research in the U.S. Geological Survey

Watershed Research in the U.S. Geological Survey

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1997-05-09

Total Pages: 97

ISBN-13: 0309057396

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Watershed research is conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to expand our understanding of basic hydrologic mechanisms and their responses at the watershed scale and to provide information that serves as the basis for water and environmental management activities carried out largely by other governmental and private entities. The work of the USGS in this area is carried out by its Water Resources Division and occurs in three general program areas: basic research, regional and site assessments, and data collection. These activities are becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of water and environmental management, where contemporary problems are being approached more than ever on an integrated ecosystems or watershed basis and where the underlying physical, chemical, and biological science is complex. Although the value of this type of hydrologic research is well recognized within the USGS, available financial resources to support it remain modest. Thus, this study seeks to help maximize the effectiveness of the agency's work. The study took two years, during which time the committee visited field sites, received briefings, reviewed descriptive materials, deliberated toward conclusions, and wrote this report. Recommendations are intended to assist the USGS in improving its overall strategy for work in this area; descriptions of a number of scientific opportunities are included, and appropriate circumstances for collaboration with and support for others are identified.


Book Synopsis Watershed Research in the U.S. Geological Survey by : National Research Council

Download or read book Watershed Research in the U.S. Geological Survey written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1997-05-09 with total page 97 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Watershed research is conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to expand our understanding of basic hydrologic mechanisms and their responses at the watershed scale and to provide information that serves as the basis for water and environmental management activities carried out largely by other governmental and private entities. The work of the USGS in this area is carried out by its Water Resources Division and occurs in three general program areas: basic research, regional and site assessments, and data collection. These activities are becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of water and environmental management, where contemporary problems are being approached more than ever on an integrated ecosystems or watershed basis and where the underlying physical, chemical, and biological science is complex. Although the value of this type of hydrologic research is well recognized within the USGS, available financial resources to support it remain modest. Thus, this study seeks to help maximize the effectiveness of the agency's work. The study took two years, during which time the committee visited field sites, received briefings, reviewed descriptive materials, deliberated toward conclusions, and wrote this report. Recommendations are intended to assist the USGS in improving its overall strategy for work in this area; descriptions of a number of scientific opportunities are included, and appropriate circumstances for collaboration with and support for others are identified.

Watershed Research in the U.S. Geological Survey

Watershed Research in the U.S. Geological Survey

Author: Committee on U.S. Geological Survey

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1997-04-23

Total Pages: 97

ISBN-13: 0309590345

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Watershed research is conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to expand our understanding of basic hydrologic mechanisms and their responses at the watershed scale and to provide information that serves as the basis for water and environmental management activities carried out largely by other governmental and private entities. The work of the USGS in this area is carried out by its Water Resources Division and occurs in three general program areas: basic research, regional and site assessments, and data collection. These activities are becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of water and environmental management, where contemporary problems are being approached more than ever on an integrated ecosystems or watershed basis and where the underlying physical, chemical, and biological science is complex. Although the value of this type of hydrologic research is well recognized within the USGS, available financial resources to support it remain modest. Thus, this study seeks to help maximize the effectiveness of the agency's work. The study took two years, during which time the committee visited field sites, received briefings, reviewed descriptive materials, deliberated toward conclusions, and wrote this report. Recommendations are intended to assist the USGS in improving its overall strategy for work in this area; descriptions of a number of scientific opportunities are included, and appropriate circumstances for collaboration with and support for others are identified.


Book Synopsis Watershed Research in the U.S. Geological Survey by : Committee on U.S. Geological Survey

Download or read book Watershed Research in the U.S. Geological Survey written by Committee on U.S. Geological Survey and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1997-04-23 with total page 97 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Watershed research is conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to expand our understanding of basic hydrologic mechanisms and their responses at the watershed scale and to provide information that serves as the basis for water and environmental management activities carried out largely by other governmental and private entities. The work of the USGS in this area is carried out by its Water Resources Division and occurs in three general program areas: basic research, regional and site assessments, and data collection. These activities are becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of water and environmental management, where contemporary problems are being approached more than ever on an integrated ecosystems or watershed basis and where the underlying physical, chemical, and biological science is complex. Although the value of this type of hydrologic research is well recognized within the USGS, available financial resources to support it remain modest. Thus, this study seeks to help maximize the effectiveness of the agency's work. The study took two years, during which time the committee visited field sites, received briefings, reviewed descriptive materials, deliberated toward conclusions, and wrote this report. Recommendations are intended to assist the USGS in improving its overall strategy for work in this area; descriptions of a number of scientific opportunities are included, and appropriate circumstances for collaboration with and support for others are identified.

Preparing for the Twenty-First Century: A Report to the Usgs Water Resources Division

Preparing for the Twenty-First Century: A Report to the Usgs Water Resources Division

Author: Committee on Usgs Water Resources Research

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1991-01-01

Total Pages: 46

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Preparing for the Twenty-First Century: A Report to the Usgs Water Resources Division by : Committee on Usgs Water Resources Research

Download or read book Preparing for the Twenty-First Century: A Report to the Usgs Water Resources Division written by Committee on Usgs Water Resources Research and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1991-01-01 with total page 46 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

National Research Program of the Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, Fiscal Year 1988

National Research Program of the Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, Fiscal Year 1988

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 1989

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis National Research Program of the Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, Fiscal Year 1988 by :

Download or read book National Research Program of the Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, Fiscal Year 1988 written by and published by . This book was released on 1989 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Opportunities to Improve the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Assessment Program

Opportunities to Improve the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Assessment Program

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2002-03-05

Total Pages: 252

ISBN-13: 0309170109

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The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established the National Water Quality Assesment (NAWQA) program in 1985 to assess water quality conditions and trends in representative river basins and aquifers across the United States. With this report, the NRC's Water Science and Technology Board has provided advice to USGS regarding NAWQA five separate times as the program evolved from an unfunded concept to a mature and nationally-recognized program in 2002. This report assesses the program's development and representative accomplishments to date and makes recommendations on opportunities to improve NAWQA as it begins its second decade of nationwide monitoring.


Book Synopsis Opportunities to Improve the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Assessment Program by : National Research Council

Download or read book Opportunities to Improve the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Assessment Program written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2002-03-05 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established the National Water Quality Assesment (NAWQA) program in 1985 to assess water quality conditions and trends in representative river basins and aquifers across the United States. With this report, the NRC's Water Science and Technology Board has provided advice to USGS regarding NAWQA five separate times as the program evolved from an unfunded concept to a mature and nationally-recognized program in 2002. This report assesses the program's development and representative accomplishments to date and makes recommendations on opportunities to improve NAWQA as it begins its second decade of nationwide monitoring.

River Science at the U.S. Geological Survey

River Science at the U.S. Geological Survey

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2007-05-24

Total Pages: 206

ISBN-13: 0309103576

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Rivers provide about 60 percent of the nation's drinking water and irrigation water and 10 percent of the nation's electric power needs. The multiple and sometimes incompatible services demanded of rivers often lead to policy and management conflicts that require the integration of science-based information. This report advises the U.S. Geological Survey on how it can best address river science challenges by effectively using its resources and coordinating its activities with other agencies. The report identifies the highest priority river science issues for the USGS, including environmental flows and river restoration, sediment transport and geomorphology, and groundwater surface-water interactions. It also recommends two cross-cutting science activities including surveying and mapping the nation's river systems according to key physical and landscape features, and expanding work on predictive models, especially those that simulate interactions between physical-biological processes. The report identifies key variables to be monitored and data-managed. It proposes enhancements in streamflow, biological, and sediment monitoring; these include establishing multidisciplinary, integrated reach-scale monitoring sites and developing a comprehensive national sediment monitoring program. Finally, it encourages the USGS to be at the forefront of new technology application, including airborne lidar and embedded, networked, wireless sensors.


Book Synopsis River Science at the U.S. Geological Survey by : National Research Council

Download or read book River Science at the U.S. Geological Survey written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2007-05-24 with total page 206 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rivers provide about 60 percent of the nation's drinking water and irrigation water and 10 percent of the nation's electric power needs. The multiple and sometimes incompatible services demanded of rivers often lead to policy and management conflicts that require the integration of science-based information. This report advises the U.S. Geological Survey on how it can best address river science challenges by effectively using its resources and coordinating its activities with other agencies. The report identifies the highest priority river science issues for the USGS, including environmental flows and river restoration, sediment transport and geomorphology, and groundwater surface-water interactions. It also recommends two cross-cutting science activities including surveying and mapping the nation's river systems according to key physical and landscape features, and expanding work on predictive models, especially those that simulate interactions between physical-biological processes. The report identifies key variables to be monitored and data-managed. It proposes enhancements in streamflow, biological, and sediment monitoring; these include establishing multidisciplinary, integrated reach-scale monitoring sites and developing a comprehensive national sediment monitoring program. Finally, it encourages the USGS to be at the forefront of new technology application, including airborne lidar and embedded, networked, wireless sensors.