Videos

Why is it important to know how much water is in Jennings Randolph Lake? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers factors water-level data collected by the USGS into how much water they should release downstream into the North Branch Potomac River.

How do we know if D.C. aquifers are protected from human contamination? The USGS samples groundwater for the presence or absence of specific chemical markers known to be of human origin. If we don’t find these markers, it’s a good indication the water is protected.

How do we know if D.C. aquifers are protected from human contamination? The USGS samples groundwater for the presence or absence of specific chemical markers known to be of human origin. If we don’t find these markers, it’s a good indication the water is protected.

It’s an age-old question: If the river floods and no one sees it, did it flood? Yes! High water events leave behind clues such as debris that USGS scientists can observe to indirectly estimate the water level and streamflow during the event.

It’s an age-old question: If the river floods and no one sees it, did it flood? Yes! High water events leave behind clues such as debris that USGS scientists can observe to indirectly estimate the water level and streamflow during the event.

Learn how the USGS services the streamgage at Barnum, WV, which is situated along the North Branch Potomac River downstream of Jennings Randolph Lake.

Physical Scientists Leah Staub and Zachary Clifton assess a stream along the Chesterville Branch on the Eastern shore of Maryland.

Physical Scientists Leah Staub and Zachary Clifton assess a stream along the Chesterville Branch on the Eastern shore of Maryland.

Learn how the USGS services the streamgage at Barnum, WV, which is situated along the North Branch Potomac River downstream of Jennings Randolph Lake.

USGS hydro-techs Shane and Kelly collected water samples at Conowingo Dam. The USGS routinely samples for water-quality conditions at Conowingo Dam as part of the USGS National Water Quality Network (NWQN).

It’s not just the big rivers and streams. USGS MD-DE-DC Water Science Center scientists also collect samples from local parks. Zach and Leah collect sediment auger samples from Langdon Park in Washington DC as part of a study to find the sources of sediment runoff.

How do land use and best management practices affect the Chesapeake Bay watershed?

To find out, USGS scientists trudge through the muddy swamp of Nassawango Creek on Maryland’s Eastern Shore for a water science partnership with Virginia Tech.

The USGS wants to know where nutrient-rich sediment in the DC area is coming from.

Through its sediment fingerprinting project with the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment, the USGS is looking into the sources of the excess sediments that are found in Hickey Run and the National Arboretum.

What is HIVIS?

HIVIS stands for Hydrologic Imagery Visualization and Information System.

HIVIS is a network of cameras across the United States that serve as remote “eyes on the ground,” providing the USGS and its cooperators with the ability to monitor conditions in near real-time at sites where a camera is installed.

The USGS conducted an aerial electromagnetic survey of the Delaware Bay to collect data on groundwater salinity. Rising sea level, increasing frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and increasing demand for groundwater have amplified the risk of saltwater impacting water supplies in the region.

The USGS conducted an aerial electromagnetic survey of the Delaware Bay to collect data on groundwater salinity. Rising sea level, increasing frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and increasing demand for groundwater have amplified the risk of saltwater impacting water supplies in the region.

This video acts as a “visual abstract” for a recent publication analyzing the stormwater management practices in Clarksburg, MD. The video features interviews with the team of USGS scientists as well as a water specialist from Montgomery County.

This video acts as a “visual abstract” for a recent publication analyzing the stormwater management practices in Clarksburg, MD. The video features interviews with the team of USGS scientists as well as a water specialist from Montgomery County.

On May 27, 2018, the second devastating flash flood in two years swept through historic Ellicott City. Brief but intense rainfall caused the flood which tragically claimed the life of one person and damaged buildings, vehicles, and property.

On May 27, 2018, the second devastating flash flood in two years swept through historic Ellicott City. Brief but intense rainfall caused the flood which tragically claimed the life of one person and damaged buildings, vehicles, and property.

What is HIVIS?

HIVIS stands for Hydrologic Imagery Visualization and Information System.

HIVIS is a network of cameras across the United States that serve as remote “eyes on the ground,” providing the USGS and its cooperators with the ability to monitor conditions in near real-time at sites where a camera is installed.