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Modeling Science in Oklahoma and Texas

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By Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center April 26, 2018

Models provide the capability to simulate scenarios of possible future conditions and management options to help water-resource professionals with planning decisions. Groundwater models are commonly used to evaluate changes to the water budget of an aquifer resulting from land-use changes, water withdrawals, and climate, and how these changes affect streamflow, lake levels, water quality, and other important variables.

Watershed models are useful for addressing a wide range of water-resource challenges, such as quantifying changes in water availability over time, understanding the effects of development and land-use changes on water resources, quantifying changes in constituent loads and yields over time, and quantifying aquifer recharge temporally and spatially throughout a watershed.

The USGS Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center (OTWSC) uses a variety of modeling techniques to simulate and describe water conditions in Oklahoma and Texas. Visit the links below for more information on our data and science.

 

 

MODELING SCIENCE CAPABILITIES

OTWSC has expertise in a wide variety of modeling science applications, including, but not limited to: 

  • Hydraulic Analysis
  • Flood Inundation
  • Continuous Regression
  • Numerical 
    • Groundwater Flow
    • Saline and Brackish Water
    • Flow and Transport
    • Integrated Surface-water/Groundwater
    • Land Subsidence
    • Parameter Estimation/Uncertainty Quantification
  • Web-based model viewer

 

Find out more about OTWSC geophysics science expertise in this printable information sheet.

Line
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

Groundwater Models

Computer models of groundwater systems simulate the flow of groundwater, including water levels, and the transport of chemical constituents and thermal energy. Groundwater models provide hydrologists with a framework on which to organize their knowledge and understanding of groundwater systems, and they provide insights that water-resources managers need to plan effectively for future water demands. 

MODFLOW is the USGS's modular hydrologic model. MODFLOW is considered an international standard for simulating and predicting groundwater conditions and groundwater/surface-water interactions.

 

CURRENT GROUNDWATER MODELING SCIENCE 

Coastal Lowlands Regional Groundwater Availability Study

Coastal Inflow Sediment and Nutrient Monitoring

Edwards Aquifer Groundwater Model Uncertainty Analysis

Estimating Potential Effects on Streamflow from Nearby Wells in the Lower San Antonio River Basin

Hydrogeologic Framework of Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties

National Water-Quality Assessment Project in Texas - Surface Water Activities

National Water-Quality Assessment Project in Texas - Groundwater Activities

Red River Focus Area Study

Upper Rio Grande Basin Focus Area Study

Line
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

Hydraulic Models

Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System (HEC–RAS) is a step-backwater model for simulation of water-surface profiles with steady state (gradually varied) or unsteady-state flow computation options. Hydrologic, hydraulic, and other data (such as high resolution Digital Elevation Models and Land Use/Land Cover) can be incorporated into the HEC-RAS model in order to better represent field conditions in the study area. Once calibrated, HEC-RAS models can be used to simulate potential floods of varying flow magnitudes.

 

CURRENT HYDRAULIC MODELING SCIENCE 

Bandera Flood Early Warning Tool

InFRM Flood Inundation Mapping

Hydrologic Trends Analysis for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

 

Projects related to modeling are listed below.

link
San Antonio River

Estimating Potential Effects on Streamflow from Nearby Wells in the Lower San Antonio River Basin

The USGS Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) developed a groundwater-flow model to estimate the potential for streamflow depletion in the Lower San Antonio River based on changes in groundwater pumping in the watershed. Results from the project can be used by the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) to better understand aquifer interactions with the river and potential groundwater pumping effects on...
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Estimating Potential Effects on Streamflow from Nearby Wells in the Lower San Antonio River Basin

The USGS Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) developed a groundwater-flow model to estimate the potential for streamflow depletion in the Lower San Antonio River based on changes in groundwater pumping in the watershed. Results from the project can be used by the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) to better understand aquifer interactions with the river and potential groundwater pumping effects on...
Learn More
link
Rio Grande, Upper Canyons

Upper Rio Grande Basin Focus Area Study

USGS is undertaking a 3-year study of water use, availability, and change in the Upper Rio Grande Basin in one of several national “Focus Area Studies” in the Department of Interior’s WaterSMART initiative . The Upper Rio Grande study area runs 670 miles from its headwaters in Colorado through New Mexico and northern Mexico to Ft. Quitman, Texas. Along its river corridor, it is a primary source of...
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Upper Rio Grande Basin Focus Area Study

USGS is undertaking a 3-year study of water use, availability, and change in the Upper Rio Grande Basin in one of several national “Focus Area Studies” in the Department of Interior’s WaterSMART initiative . The Upper Rio Grande study area runs 670 miles from its headwaters in Colorado through New Mexico and northern Mexico to Ft. Quitman, Texas. Along its river corridor, it is a primary source of...
Learn More
link
North Fork Red River

Red River Focus Area Study

The USGS is undertaking a 3-year study of water use, availability, and change in the Red River basin in one of several national “Focus Area Studies” in the Department of Interior’s WaterSMART initiative . The Red River basin covers more than 93,000 square miles in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana with a population of about 4.3 million people. Water resources in the basin are...
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Red River Focus Area Study

The USGS is undertaking a 3-year study of water use, availability, and change in the Red River basin in one of several national “Focus Area Studies” in the Department of Interior’s WaterSMART initiative . The Red River basin covers more than 93,000 square miles in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana with a population of about 4.3 million people. Water resources in the basin are...
Learn More
link
West Fork San Jacinto River

Nutrient and Sediment Variability in the Lower San Jacinto River

The San Jacinto River is the second largest inflow into Galveston Bay. The USGS Texas Water Science Center collects water-quality samples in the lower reaches of the San Jacinto River over a range of hydrologic conditions to improve our understanding of the variability of nutrient and sediment concentrations in freshwater inflows from the San Jacinto River into Galveston Bay.
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Gulf of Mexico
link

Nutrient and Sediment Variability in the Lower San Jacinto River

The San Jacinto River is the second largest inflow into Galveston Bay. The USGS Texas Water Science Center collects water-quality samples in the lower reaches of the San Jacinto River over a range of hydrologic conditions to improve our understanding of the variability of nutrient and sediment concentrations in freshwater inflows from the San Jacinto River into Galveston Bay.
Learn More
link
South Central NAWQA

National Water-Quality Assessment Project in Texas - Surface Water Activities

The USGS National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project was established by Congress in 1992 to answer the following question: What is the status of the Nation’s water quality and is it getting better or worse? Since 1992, NAWQA has been a primary source of nationally consistent data and information on the quality of the Nation’s streams and groundwater. Data and information obtained from...
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

National Water-Quality Assessment Project in Texas - Surface Water Activities

The USGS National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project was established by Congress in 1992 to answer the following question: What is the status of the Nation’s water quality and is it getting better or worse? Since 1992, NAWQA has been a primary source of nationally consistent data and information on the quality of the Nation’s streams and groundwater. Data and information obtained from...
Learn More
link
Flooding at Brushy Creek near Round Rock, TX

InFRM Flood Inundation Mapping

The purpose of this flood inundation mapping effort will be to meet the needs of real-time emergency managers by bridging the gap between the NWS's river forecasts and FEMA's available hydraulic modeling and mapping.
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

InFRM Flood Inundation Mapping

The purpose of this flood inundation mapping effort will be to meet the needs of real-time emergency managers by bridging the gap between the NWS's river forecasts and FEMA's available hydraulic modeling and mapping.
Learn More
link
Secretary Zinke visit

Hydrologic Trends Analysis on selected Texas streams

The USGS provides technical advice or assistance to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Hydrologic Trends Analysis on selected Texas streams

The USGS provides technical advice or assistance to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Learn More
link
North Texas snowfall

Hydrogeologic Framework and Geochemistry of Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties

In 2014, USGS, in cooperation with Llano Estacado Underground Water Conservation District , Sandy Land Underground Water District , and South Plains Underground Water Conservation District , began a multiphase project to develop a regional conceptual model of the hydrogeologic framework and geochemistry of the Ogallala, Edwards-Trinity, and Dockum aquifers. The Ogallala aquifer is the shallowest...
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Hydrogeologic Framework and Geochemistry of Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties

In 2014, USGS, in cooperation with Llano Estacado Underground Water Conservation District , Sandy Land Underground Water District , and South Plains Underground Water Conservation District , began a multiphase project to develop a regional conceptual model of the hydrogeologic framework and geochemistry of the Ogallala, Edwards-Trinity, and Dockum aquifers. The Ogallala aquifer is the shallowest...
Learn More
link
Trinity River

Nutrient and Sediment Monitoring in Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries

The USGS Texas Water Science Center is evaluating the variability of nutrient and sediment concentrations and loads entering Texas bays and estuaries across a range of hydrologic conditions in Galveston Bay (inflow from the Trinity and San Jacinto Rivers), Matagordo Bay (inflow from the Colorado River), San Antonio Bay (inflow from the Guadalupe River), and Nueces Bay (inflow from Nueces River).
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Gulf of Mexico
link

Nutrient and Sediment Monitoring in Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries

The USGS Texas Water Science Center is evaluating the variability of nutrient and sediment concentrations and loads entering Texas bays and estuaries across a range of hydrologic conditions in Galveston Bay (inflow from the Trinity and San Jacinto Rivers), Matagordo Bay (inflow from the Colorado River), San Antonio Bay (inflow from the Guadalupe River), and Nueces Bay (inflow from Nueces River).
Learn More
link
GWWebFlow model output for SIR 2015-5081

Edwards Aquifer Groundwater Model Uncertainty Analysis

USGS Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) is undertaking a 1.5-year study to assess parameter and predictive uncertainty in the Edwards Aquifer Authority MODFLOW Model using both linear and non-linear techniques. The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) uses two models simulating the periods from 2001 to 2015 (verification model) and the drought of record of 1947-1958 (drought of record model).
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Edwards Aquifer Groundwater Model Uncertainty Analysis

USGS Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) is undertaking a 1.5-year study to assess parameter and predictive uncertainty in the Edwards Aquifer Authority MODFLOW Model using both linear and non-linear techniques. The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) uses two models simulating the periods from 2001 to 2015 (verification model) and the drought of record of 1947-1958 (drought of record model).
Learn More
link
Abstract view of Houston, TX

Coastal Lowlands Regional Groundwater Availability Study

USGS is undertaking a 5-year study to assess groundwater availability for the aquifers proximal to the Gulf of Mexico from the Texas-Mexico border through the panhandle of Florida, known as the Coastal Lowlands Aquifer System (CLAS). This study is one of several within the Regional Groundwater Availability Studies of the USGS Water Availability and Use Science Program .
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Gulf of Mexico
link

Coastal Lowlands Regional Groundwater Availability Study

USGS is undertaking a 5-year study to assess groundwater availability for the aquifers proximal to the Gulf of Mexico from the Texas-Mexico border through the panhandle of Florida, known as the Coastal Lowlands Aquifer System (CLAS). This study is one of several within the Regional Groundwater Availability Studies of the USGS Water Availability and Use Science Program .
Learn More
link
Medina River

Bandera Flood Early Warning Tool

Risk of future flooding events in the Bandera County area highlights a critical need for a flood warning system. As part of the flood warning system, a tool set is needed to enhance the communication of flood risk and provide emergency managers additional information necessary to better mitigate the impacts of flooding. The USGS Texas Water Science Center is helping build this tool set through...
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Bandera Flood Early Warning Tool

Risk of future flooding events in the Bandera County area highlights a critical need for a flood warning system. As part of the flood warning system, a tool set is needed to enhance the communication of flood risk and provide emergency managers additional information necessary to better mitigate the impacts of flooding. The USGS Texas Water Science Center is helping build this tool set through...
Learn More

Recent publications related to modeling are listed below. A full listing of modeling publications is available from the USGS Publication Warehouse: Modeling Publications

The importance of parameterization when simulating the hydrologic response of vegetative land-cover change

Computer models of hydrologic systems are frequently used to investigate the hydrologic response of land-cover change. If the modeling results are used to inform resource-management decisions, then providing robust estimates of uncertainty in the simulated response is an important consideration. Here we examine the importance of parameterization, a necessarily subjective process, on uncertainty es
Authors
Jeremy T. White, Victoria G. Stengel, Samuel H. Rendon, John Banta
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Forecast first: An argument for groundwater modeling in reverse

Numerical groundwater models are important compo-nents of groundwater analyses that are used for makingcritical decisions related to the management of ground-water resources. In this support role, models are oftenconstructed to serve a specific purpose that is to provideinsights, through simulation, related to a specific func-tion of a complex aquifer system that cannot be observeddirectly (Anderson
Authors
Jeremy T. White
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Geophysics- and geochemistry-based assessment of the geochemical characteristics and groundwater-flow system of the U.S. part of the Mesilla Basin/Conejos-Médanos aquifer system in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, and El Paso County, Texas, 2010–12

One of the largest rechargeable groundwater systems by total available volume in the Rio Grande/Río Bravo Basin (hereinafter referred to as the “Rio Grande”) region of the United States and Mexico, the Mesilla Basin/Conejos-Médanos aquifer system, supplies water for irrigation as well as for cities of El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The U.S. Geological
Authors
Andrew P. Teeple
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Characterization of streamflow, suspended sediment, and nutrients entering Galveston Bay from the Trinity River, Texas, May 2014–December 2015

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Texas Water Development Board and the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, collected streamflow and water-quality data at USGS streamflow-gaging stations in the lower Trinity River watershed from May 2014 to December 2015 to characterize and improve the current understanding of the quantity and quality of freshwater inflow entering Galveston Bay
Authors
Zulimar Lucena, Michael T. Lee
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Improving our understanding of hydraulic-electrical relations: A case study of the surficial aquifer in Emirate Abu Dhabi

Transmissivity is a bulk hydraulic property that can be correlated with bulk electrical properties of an aquifer. In aquifers that are electrically-resistive relative to adjacent layers in a horizontally stratified sequence, transmissivity has been shown to correlate with bulk transverse resistance. Conversely, in aquifers that are electrically-conductive relative to adjacent layers, transmissivit
Authors
Scott Ikard, Wade H. Kress
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, International Programs

A python framework for environmental model uncertainty analysis

We have developed pyEMU, a python framework for Environmental Modeling Uncertainty analyses, open-source tool that is non-intrusive, easy-to-use, computationally efficient, and scalable to highly-parameterized inverse problems. The framework implements several types of linear (first-order, second-moment (FOSM)) and non-linear uncertainty analyses. The FOSM-based analyses can also be completed prio
Authors
Jeremy T. White, Michael N. Fienen, John E. Doherty
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Simulation of streamflow and the effects of brush management on water yields in the Double Mountain Fork Brazos River watershed, western Texas 1994–2013

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of Lubbock and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, developed and calibrated a Soil and Water Assessment Tool watershed model of the Double Mountain Fork Brazos River watershed in western Texas to simulate monthly mean streamflow and to evaluate the effects of brush management on water yields in the watershed, particularly to L
Authors
Glenn R. Harwell, Victoria G. Stengel, Johnathan R. Bumgarner
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

New insights into the Edwards Aquifer—Brackish-water simulation, drought, and the role of uncertainty analysis

The Edwards aquifer is an important water resource in south-central Texas, providing water for residents, businesses, and ecosystems. The aquifer is a highly complex karst system characterized by areas of rapid groundwater flow, faulted and fractured Cretaceous-age rocks, and multiple water-quality zones. Karst aquifer systems include soluble rocks such as limestone and dolomite that can convey tr
Authors
Linzy K. Foster, Jeremy T. White
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Updated numerical model with uncertainty assessment of 1950-56 drought conditions on brackish-water movement within the Edwards aquifer, San Antonio, Texas

In 2010, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the San Antonio Water System, began a study to assess the brackish-water movement within the Edwards aquifer (more specifically the potential for brackish-water encroachment into wells near the interface between the freshwater and brackish-water transition zones, referred to in this report as the transition-zone interface) and effects on spr
Authors
Linzy K. Brakefield, Jeremy T. White, Natalie A. Houston, Jonathan V. Thomas
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Linkage of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool and the Texas Water Availability Model to simulate the effects of brush management on monthly storage of Canyon Lake, south-central Texas, 1995-2010

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, developed and applied an approach to create a linkage between the published upper Guadalupe River Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) brush-management (ashe juniper [Juniperus ashei]) model and the full authorization version Guadalupe River Water Availability Model (WAM). The SWAT model was publ
Authors
William H. Asquith, Johnathan R. Bumgarner
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Data and Tools related to modeling are listed below.

GWWebFlow

GWWebFlow is a browser-based groundwater model viewer designed to allow users to easily explore model inputs and outputs for published and approved USGS models.

By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Models provide the capability to simulate scenarios of possible future conditions and management options to help water-resource professionals with planning decisions. Groundwater models are commonly used to evaluate changes to the water budget of an aquifer resulting from land-use changes, water withdrawals, and climate, and how these changes affect streamflow, lake levels, water quality, and other important variables.

Watershed models are useful for addressing a wide range of water-resource challenges, such as quantifying changes in water availability over time, understanding the effects of development and land-use changes on water resources, quantifying changes in constituent loads and yields over time, and quantifying aquifer recharge temporally and spatially throughout a watershed.

The USGS Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center (OTWSC) uses a variety of modeling techniques to simulate and describe water conditions in Oklahoma and Texas. Visit the links below for more information on our data and science.

 

 

MODELING SCIENCE CAPABILITIES

OTWSC has expertise in a wide variety of modeling science applications, including, but not limited to: 

  • Hydraulic Analysis
  • Flood Inundation
  • Continuous Regression
  • Numerical 
    • Groundwater Flow
    • Saline and Brackish Water
    • Flow and Transport
    • Integrated Surface-water/Groundwater
    • Land Subsidence
    • Parameter Estimation/Uncertainty Quantification
  • Web-based model viewer

 

Find out more about OTWSC geophysics science expertise in this printable information sheet.

Line
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

Groundwater Models

Computer models of groundwater systems simulate the flow of groundwater, including water levels, and the transport of chemical constituents and thermal energy. Groundwater models provide hydrologists with a framework on which to organize their knowledge and understanding of groundwater systems, and they provide insights that water-resources managers need to plan effectively for future water demands. 

MODFLOW is the USGS's modular hydrologic model. MODFLOW is considered an international standard for simulating and predicting groundwater conditions and groundwater/surface-water interactions.

 

CURRENT GROUNDWATER MODELING SCIENCE 

Coastal Lowlands Regional Groundwater Availability Study

Coastal Inflow Sediment and Nutrient Monitoring

Edwards Aquifer Groundwater Model Uncertainty Analysis

Estimating Potential Effects on Streamflow from Nearby Wells in the Lower San Antonio River Basin

Hydrogeologic Framework of Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties

National Water-Quality Assessment Project in Texas - Surface Water Activities

National Water-Quality Assessment Project in Texas - Groundwater Activities

Red River Focus Area Study

Upper Rio Grande Basin Focus Area Study

Line
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details

Hydraulic Models

Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System (HEC–RAS) is a step-backwater model for simulation of water-surface profiles with steady state (gradually varied) or unsteady-state flow computation options. Hydrologic, hydraulic, and other data (such as high resolution Digital Elevation Models and Land Use/Land Cover) can be incorporated into the HEC-RAS model in order to better represent field conditions in the study area. Once calibrated, HEC-RAS models can be used to simulate potential floods of varying flow magnitudes.

 

CURRENT HYDRAULIC MODELING SCIENCE 

Bandera Flood Early Warning Tool

InFRM Flood Inundation Mapping

Hydrologic Trends Analysis for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

 

Projects related to modeling are listed below.

link
San Antonio River

Estimating Potential Effects on Streamflow from Nearby Wells in the Lower San Antonio River Basin

The USGS Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) developed a groundwater-flow model to estimate the potential for streamflow depletion in the Lower San Antonio River based on changes in groundwater pumping in the watershed. Results from the project can be used by the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) to better understand aquifer interactions with the river and potential groundwater pumping effects on...
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Estimating Potential Effects on Streamflow from Nearby Wells in the Lower San Antonio River Basin

The USGS Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) developed a groundwater-flow model to estimate the potential for streamflow depletion in the Lower San Antonio River based on changes in groundwater pumping in the watershed. Results from the project can be used by the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) to better understand aquifer interactions with the river and potential groundwater pumping effects on...
Learn More
link
Rio Grande, Upper Canyons

Upper Rio Grande Basin Focus Area Study

USGS is undertaking a 3-year study of water use, availability, and change in the Upper Rio Grande Basin in one of several national “Focus Area Studies” in the Department of Interior’s WaterSMART initiative . The Upper Rio Grande study area runs 670 miles from its headwaters in Colorado through New Mexico and northern Mexico to Ft. Quitman, Texas. Along its river corridor, it is a primary source of...
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Upper Rio Grande Basin Focus Area Study

USGS is undertaking a 3-year study of water use, availability, and change in the Upper Rio Grande Basin in one of several national “Focus Area Studies” in the Department of Interior’s WaterSMART initiative . The Upper Rio Grande study area runs 670 miles from its headwaters in Colorado through New Mexico and northern Mexico to Ft. Quitman, Texas. Along its river corridor, it is a primary source of...
Learn More
link
North Fork Red River

Red River Focus Area Study

The USGS is undertaking a 3-year study of water use, availability, and change in the Red River basin in one of several national “Focus Area Studies” in the Department of Interior’s WaterSMART initiative . The Red River basin covers more than 93,000 square miles in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana with a population of about 4.3 million people. Water resources in the basin are...
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Red River Focus Area Study

The USGS is undertaking a 3-year study of water use, availability, and change in the Red River basin in one of several national “Focus Area Studies” in the Department of Interior’s WaterSMART initiative . The Red River basin covers more than 93,000 square miles in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana with a population of about 4.3 million people. Water resources in the basin are...
Learn More
link
West Fork San Jacinto River

Nutrient and Sediment Variability in the Lower San Jacinto River

The San Jacinto River is the second largest inflow into Galveston Bay. The USGS Texas Water Science Center collects water-quality samples in the lower reaches of the San Jacinto River over a range of hydrologic conditions to improve our understanding of the variability of nutrient and sediment concentrations in freshwater inflows from the San Jacinto River into Galveston Bay.
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Gulf of Mexico
link

Nutrient and Sediment Variability in the Lower San Jacinto River

The San Jacinto River is the second largest inflow into Galveston Bay. The USGS Texas Water Science Center collects water-quality samples in the lower reaches of the San Jacinto River over a range of hydrologic conditions to improve our understanding of the variability of nutrient and sediment concentrations in freshwater inflows from the San Jacinto River into Galveston Bay.
Learn More
link
South Central NAWQA

National Water-Quality Assessment Project in Texas - Surface Water Activities

The USGS National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project was established by Congress in 1992 to answer the following question: What is the status of the Nation’s water quality and is it getting better or worse? Since 1992, NAWQA has been a primary source of nationally consistent data and information on the quality of the Nation’s streams and groundwater. Data and information obtained from...
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

National Water-Quality Assessment Project in Texas - Surface Water Activities

The USGS National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Project was established by Congress in 1992 to answer the following question: What is the status of the Nation’s water quality and is it getting better or worse? Since 1992, NAWQA has been a primary source of nationally consistent data and information on the quality of the Nation’s streams and groundwater. Data and information obtained from...
Learn More
link
Flooding at Brushy Creek near Round Rock, TX

InFRM Flood Inundation Mapping

The purpose of this flood inundation mapping effort will be to meet the needs of real-time emergency managers by bridging the gap between the NWS's river forecasts and FEMA's available hydraulic modeling and mapping.
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

InFRM Flood Inundation Mapping

The purpose of this flood inundation mapping effort will be to meet the needs of real-time emergency managers by bridging the gap between the NWS's river forecasts and FEMA's available hydraulic modeling and mapping.
Learn More
link
Secretary Zinke visit

Hydrologic Trends Analysis on selected Texas streams

The USGS provides technical advice or assistance to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Hydrologic Trends Analysis on selected Texas streams

The USGS provides technical advice or assistance to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Learn More
link
North Texas snowfall

Hydrogeologic Framework and Geochemistry of Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties

In 2014, USGS, in cooperation with Llano Estacado Underground Water Conservation District , Sandy Land Underground Water District , and South Plains Underground Water Conservation District , began a multiphase project to develop a regional conceptual model of the hydrogeologic framework and geochemistry of the Ogallala, Edwards-Trinity, and Dockum aquifers. The Ogallala aquifer is the shallowest...
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Hydrogeologic Framework and Geochemistry of Gaines, Terry, and Yoakum Counties

In 2014, USGS, in cooperation with Llano Estacado Underground Water Conservation District , Sandy Land Underground Water District , and South Plains Underground Water Conservation District , began a multiphase project to develop a regional conceptual model of the hydrogeologic framework and geochemistry of the Ogallala, Edwards-Trinity, and Dockum aquifers. The Ogallala aquifer is the shallowest...
Learn More
link
Trinity River

Nutrient and Sediment Monitoring in Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries

The USGS Texas Water Science Center is evaluating the variability of nutrient and sediment concentrations and loads entering Texas bays and estuaries across a range of hydrologic conditions in Galveston Bay (inflow from the Trinity and San Jacinto Rivers), Matagordo Bay (inflow from the Colorado River), San Antonio Bay (inflow from the Guadalupe River), and Nueces Bay (inflow from Nueces River).
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Gulf of Mexico
link

Nutrient and Sediment Monitoring in Inflows to Texas Bays and Estuaries

The USGS Texas Water Science Center is evaluating the variability of nutrient and sediment concentrations and loads entering Texas bays and estuaries across a range of hydrologic conditions in Galveston Bay (inflow from the Trinity and San Jacinto Rivers), Matagordo Bay (inflow from the Colorado River), San Antonio Bay (inflow from the Guadalupe River), and Nueces Bay (inflow from Nueces River).
Learn More
link
GWWebFlow model output for SIR 2015-5081

Edwards Aquifer Groundwater Model Uncertainty Analysis

USGS Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) is undertaking a 1.5-year study to assess parameter and predictive uncertainty in the Edwards Aquifer Authority MODFLOW Model using both linear and non-linear techniques. The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) uses two models simulating the periods from 2001 to 2015 (verification model) and the drought of record of 1947-1958 (drought of record model).
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
link

Edwards Aquifer Groundwater Model Uncertainty Analysis

USGS Texas Water Science Center (TXWSC) is undertaking a 1.5-year study to assess parameter and predictive uncertainty in the Edwards Aquifer Authority MODFLOW Model using both linear and non-linear techniques. The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) uses two models simulating the periods from 2001 to 2015 (verification model) and the drought of record of 1947-1958 (drought of record model).
Learn More
link
Abstract view of Houston, TX

Coastal Lowlands Regional Groundwater Availability Study

USGS is undertaking a 5-year study to assess groundwater availability for the aquifers proximal to the Gulf of Mexico from the Texas-Mexico border through the panhandle of Florida, known as the Coastal Lowlands Aquifer System (CLAS). This study is one of several within the Regional Groundwater Availability Studies of the USGS Water Availability and Use Science Program .
By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Gulf of Mexico
link

Coastal Lowlands Regional Groundwater Availability Study

USGS is undertaking a 5-year study to assess groundwater availability for the aquifers proximal to the Gulf of Mexico from the Texas-Mexico border through the panhandle of Florida, known as the Coastal Lowlands Aquifer System (CLAS). This study is one of several within the Regional Groundwater Availability Studies of the USGS Water Availability and Use Science Program .
Learn More
link
Medina River

Bandera Flood Early Warning Tool

Risk of future flooding events in the Bandera County area highlights a critical need for a flood warning system. As part of the flood warning system, a tool set is needed to enhance the communication of flood risk and provide emergency managers additional information necessary to better mitigate the impacts of flooding. The USGS Texas Water Science Center is helping build this tool set through...
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Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
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Bandera Flood Early Warning Tool

Risk of future flooding events in the Bandera County area highlights a critical need for a flood warning system. As part of the flood warning system, a tool set is needed to enhance the communication of flood risk and provide emergency managers additional information necessary to better mitigate the impacts of flooding. The USGS Texas Water Science Center is helping build this tool set through...
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Recent publications related to modeling are listed below. A full listing of modeling publications is available from the USGS Publication Warehouse: Modeling Publications

The importance of parameterization when simulating the hydrologic response of vegetative land-cover change

Computer models of hydrologic systems are frequently used to investigate the hydrologic response of land-cover change. If the modeling results are used to inform resource-management decisions, then providing robust estimates of uncertainty in the simulated response is an important consideration. Here we examine the importance of parameterization, a necessarily subjective process, on uncertainty es
Authors
Jeremy T. White, Victoria G. Stengel, Samuel H. Rendon, John Banta
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Forecast first: An argument for groundwater modeling in reverse

Numerical groundwater models are important compo-nents of groundwater analyses that are used for makingcritical decisions related to the management of ground-water resources. In this support role, models are oftenconstructed to serve a specific purpose that is to provideinsights, through simulation, related to a specific func-tion of a complex aquifer system that cannot be observeddirectly (Anderson
Authors
Jeremy T. White
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Geophysics- and geochemistry-based assessment of the geochemical characteristics and groundwater-flow system of the U.S. part of the Mesilla Basin/Conejos-Médanos aquifer system in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, and El Paso County, Texas, 2010–12

One of the largest rechargeable groundwater systems by total available volume in the Rio Grande/Río Bravo Basin (hereinafter referred to as the “Rio Grande”) region of the United States and Mexico, the Mesilla Basin/Conejos-Médanos aquifer system, supplies water for irrigation as well as for cities of El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The U.S. Geological
Authors
Andrew P. Teeple
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Characterization of streamflow, suspended sediment, and nutrients entering Galveston Bay from the Trinity River, Texas, May 2014–December 2015

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Texas Water Development Board and the Galveston Bay Estuary Program, collected streamflow and water-quality data at USGS streamflow-gaging stations in the lower Trinity River watershed from May 2014 to December 2015 to characterize and improve the current understanding of the quantity and quality of freshwater inflow entering Galveston Bay
Authors
Zulimar Lucena, Michael T. Lee
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Improving our understanding of hydraulic-electrical relations: A case study of the surficial aquifer in Emirate Abu Dhabi

Transmissivity is a bulk hydraulic property that can be correlated with bulk electrical properties of an aquifer. In aquifers that are electrically-resistive relative to adjacent layers in a horizontally stratified sequence, transmissivity has been shown to correlate with bulk transverse resistance. Conversely, in aquifers that are electrically-conductive relative to adjacent layers, transmissivit
Authors
Scott Ikard, Wade H. Kress
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, International Programs

A python framework for environmental model uncertainty analysis

We have developed pyEMU, a python framework for Environmental Modeling Uncertainty analyses, open-source tool that is non-intrusive, easy-to-use, computationally efficient, and scalable to highly-parameterized inverse problems. The framework implements several types of linear (first-order, second-moment (FOSM)) and non-linear uncertainty analyses. The FOSM-based analyses can also be completed prio
Authors
Jeremy T. White, Michael N. Fienen, John E. Doherty
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Simulation of streamflow and the effects of brush management on water yields in the Double Mountain Fork Brazos River watershed, western Texas 1994–2013

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of Lubbock and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, developed and calibrated a Soil and Water Assessment Tool watershed model of the Double Mountain Fork Brazos River watershed in western Texas to simulate monthly mean streamflow and to evaluate the effects of brush management on water yields in the watershed, particularly to L
Authors
Glenn R. Harwell, Victoria G. Stengel, Johnathan R. Bumgarner
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

New insights into the Edwards Aquifer—Brackish-water simulation, drought, and the role of uncertainty analysis

The Edwards aquifer is an important water resource in south-central Texas, providing water for residents, businesses, and ecosystems. The aquifer is a highly complex karst system characterized by areas of rapid groundwater flow, faulted and fractured Cretaceous-age rocks, and multiple water-quality zones. Karst aquifer systems include soluble rocks such as limestone and dolomite that can convey tr
Authors
Linzy K. Foster, Jeremy T. White
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Updated numerical model with uncertainty assessment of 1950-56 drought conditions on brackish-water movement within the Edwards aquifer, San Antonio, Texas

In 2010, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the San Antonio Water System, began a study to assess the brackish-water movement within the Edwards aquifer (more specifically the potential for brackish-water encroachment into wells near the interface between the freshwater and brackish-water transition zones, referred to in this report as the transition-zone interface) and effects on spr
Authors
Linzy K. Brakefield, Jeremy T. White, Natalie A. Houston, Jonathan V. Thomas
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Linkage of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool and the Texas Water Availability Model to simulate the effects of brush management on monthly storage of Canyon Lake, south-central Texas, 1995-2010

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, developed and applied an approach to create a linkage between the published upper Guadalupe River Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) brush-management (ashe juniper [Juniperus ashei]) model and the full authorization version Guadalupe River Water Availability Model (WAM). The SWAT model was publ
Authors
William H. Asquith, Johnathan R. Bumgarner
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center

Data and Tools related to modeling are listed below.

GWWebFlow

GWWebFlow is a browser-based groundwater model viewer designed to allow users to easily explore model inputs and outputs for published and approved USGS models.

By
Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center
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