The scientific and economic results of work by the United States Geological Survey during the fiscal year 1961, the 12 months ending June 30, 1961, will be summarized in four volumes of which this is the first. This volume includes 146 short papers on a variety of subjects in the fields of geology, hydrology, and related sciences, prepared by members of the Geologic, Water Resources, and Conservation Divisions of the Survey. These papers are of two kinds. Some are announcements of new discoveries or observations on problems of limited scope, which may or may not be described in greater detail subsequently. Others summarize conclusions drawn from more extensive or continuing investigations, which in large part will be described in greater detail in reports to be published at a· later date.
Professional Papers 424-C and -D include additional short papers of the same character as those in the present volume. Professional Paper 424-A provides a synopsis of the more important new findings resulting from work during the fiscal year.