Watershed research in the U.S. Geological Survey / Committee on U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Research, Water Science and Technology Board, Commission on Geosciences, Environment, and Resources.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Research.

Series:

Compass series (Washington, D.C.)

The compass series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Geological Survey (U.S.). Water Resources Division.

Geological Survey (U.S.).

Watersheds--Research--United States.

Watersheds.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (x, 86 pages) : illustrations.

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : National Academy Press, 1997.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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.

Contents:

Watershed Research in the U.S. Geological Survey

Copyright

Preface

Contents

Executive Summary

1 Introduction

2 Watershed Research for Water Management

WATERSHEDS IN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Origins

Erosion and Sedimentation

Water Pollution Control

Urban Stormwater

Public Water Supplies

Watersheds as a Planning Framework

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

3 Scientific Rationale for Watershed Research

WATERSHEDS AS ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORIES

HYDROLOGIC MODELS

A BRIEF HISTORY OF WATERSHED RESEARCH

DIRECTIONS FOR USGS ACTIVITY IN WATERSHED SCIENCE

4 Scientific Opportunities for USGS

FOCUS AREAS AND ISSUES IN WATERSHED RESEARCH

Water Quality

Water Availability and Conservation

Land Use and Land Use Change

Natural Hazards

Climatic Variability and Change

Aquatic Habitat Alteration and Restoration

POTENTIAL FOR WATERSHED RESEARCH TO ADDRESS NEEDS

A Knowledge Base for Large Watersheds

A Knowledge Base for the Restoration of Watersheds

A Knowledge Base for Urban-Suburban Hydrology

A Knowledge Base for Erosion, Sediment Transport, and Sediment Deposition

5 Conclusions and Recommendations

WATERSHED RESEARCH PROGRAM INGREDIENTS

ADDRESSING THE ISSUES OF LARGER WATERSHEDS

INCREASED ATTENTION TO THE URBAN SETTING

RESTORATION OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

NEW ATTENTION TO SEDIMENT TRANSPORT

INVOLVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN WATERSHED RESEARCH

References

Biographical Sketches of Committee Members.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references (p. 75-82).

ISBN:

9786610191505

9780309174824

0309174821

9781280191503

1280191503

9780309590341

0309590345

9780585149585

0585149585

OCLC:

43477167