Andrew Sekellick
Andrew has worked for the USGS since 2008, providing GIS, cartographic, and statistical support to a wide variety of projects. Experience and interests include GW modeling, watershed level sediment studies, and QW modeling.
Current work focuses the effects of BMPs in the Chesapeake Bay and predicting water quality in baseflow and total flow using time sensitive modeling techniques.
Professional Experience
Geographer - USGS MD-DE-DC Water Science Center, Catonsville, MD: 2008-present
Education and Certifications
M.P.S. Geographic Information Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
B.S. Geography and Environmental Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Science and Products
New study evaluates effects of agricultural conservation practices on nitrogen in streams of the Chesapeake Bay
Issue: Adaptive management in support of Chesapeake Bay restoration is complicated by uncertainty about the effects of agricultural management practices on water quality. Despite increasing investment, effects of agricultural conservation practices on regional water quality remain difficult to quantify due to factors such as groundwater travel times, varying modes-of-action, and the general lack...
GIS & Dataset Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC
Spatial analysts at the MD-DE-DC WSC use Geographic Information Systems to interpret data collected through field reconnaissance and downloaded from internal USGS, other federal, state, and local agencies, academic institutions, industry, and other professional contracting organizations. GIS is used to analyze the data using shapefiles and geodatabased information to help prove or disprove...
Modeling Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC
USGS models are widely used to predict responses of hydrologic systems to changing stresses, such as increases in precipitation or ground-water pumping rates, as well as to predict the fate and movement of solutes and contaminants in water. The USGS is at the forefront of devising new techniques and computer software to solve practical problems in the study of water resources. Predictive models...
Filter Total Items: 19
Illinois River basin seasonally dynamic total nitrogen and phosphorus SPARROW model inputs and outputs, 2000 through 2020
This data release contains seasonal source-specific estimates of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) loading to streams across the Illinois River basin (25,620 reaches) for 21 years from 2000 through 2020 using a dynamic SPARROW (Spatially Referenced Regressions on Watershed attributes) model. Input data including calibration loads, output predictions, model control files, and model sour
Cropland Data Layer summaries for NHDPlus Version 2.1 Reach Catchments in the Conterminous United States, 2000-2022
This dataset contains summary tables of land cover from the Cropland Data Layer (CDL) for individual stream catchments of the conterminous United States from the National Hydrography Dataset Plus Version 2.1 (United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2024; McKay and others, 2012). These data were summarized from primarily 30 meter grid cell raster data for t
2014 Social Vulnerable Index factors compiled for CONUS at the NHDPlusV2 scale
The released data contain both a csv and parquet file summarizing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), at the NHDPlus V2 stream catchment scale. Dasymetric mapping was utilized to bound 2014 populations to the 2013 National Land Cover Dataset and then trim them to NHDPlus V2 catchments. These produced data are summarized as numbers of people within each listed ca
Nitrogen and phosphorus inputs from fertilizer and manure in the Continental United States, 2002-2017
This dataset contains tables of estimated fertilizer and manure nutrient inputs in kilograms to individual stream catchments of the continental United States from the National Hydrography Dataset Plus Version 2.1 (McKay and others, 2012). These data were downscaled from county-level estimates of nitrogen and phosphorus inputs from Falcone (2021) by allocating mass of applied nutrients to appropria
Biosolids Data Input Disaggregation from County to National Hydrography Dataset Plus
This metadata record contains two tables with reported and calculated amounts of biosolids applied to agricultural land within the Chesapeake Bay watershed in 2023 at different scales. Included in the dataset are (1) mass of land-applied biosolids calculated for NHDPlus Version 2.1 (NHDPlusV2) reach catchments in 2023 and (2) actual amount of biosolids applied to land by county in 2023 reported by
Compilation of multi-agency specific conductance observations for streams within the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Freshwater salinization is an emerging issue for freshwater environments in the Chesapeake Bay, USA region. Salinization is often described by measurements of specific conductance (SC). This data release contains specific conductance observations collected by multiple regional agencies for streams within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This inventory compiles and harmonizes data from the Water Quali
SPARROW Model Inputs and Estimated Effects of Agricultural Conservation Practices on Total Nitrogen in Streams of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
This data release contains input and output data tables from a SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) model, which estimated total nitrogen loads in streams of the Chesapeake Bay watershed under varying better management practice implementation scenarios. Further documentation about the SPARROW modeling framework can be found here: https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/tm
SPARROW model input datasets and predictions for predicting near-term effects of climate change on nitrogen transport to Chesapeake Bay
This data release includes 5 files containing model inputs and resulting model predictions. A previously-calibrated spatially referenced regression (SPARROW) model was used to estimate effects of climate change on in-stream nitrogen (TN) loads in the Chesapeake Bay watershed between 1995 and 2025. Model scenarios were run using data for nitrogen sources and landscape characteristics from 2012, cha
Nitrogen sources to and export from the Chesapeake Bay watershed, 1950 to 2050
This U.S. Geological Survey data release contains datasets that combine past data with future projections of nitrogen sources and nitrogen export to the Chesapeake Bay watershed for the years 1950-2050. To help understand the effect of human and environmental changes over this time period, data for nitrogen sources from wastewater, agricultural fertilizer and manure, and atmospheric deposition are
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Non-Tidal Network Station Catchments
Drainage basins of the 123 Non-Tidal Monitoring Stations in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
SPARROW model input datasets and predictions of nitrogen loads in streams of the Chesapeake Bay watershed
This data release contains mean-annual total nitrogen (TN) loads predicted by a SPARROW model for individual stream and shoreline reaches in the Chesapeake watershed as defined by NHDPlus, a 1:100,000 scale representation of stream hydrography built upon the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) (Horizon Systems, 2010). Also included are the input variables required to execute the model, including la
Discrete and high-frequency chloride (Cl) and specific conductance (SC) data sets and Cl-SC regression equations used for analysis of 93 USGS water quality monitoring stations in the eastern United States
High frequency estimated chloride (Cl) and observed specific conductance (SC) data sets, along with response variables derived from those data sets, were used in an analysis to quantify the extent to which deicer applications in winter affect water quality in 93 U.S. Geological Survey water quality monitoring stations across the eastern United States. The analysis was documented in the following p
Filter Total Items: 15
Predictive modeling reveals elevated conductivity relative to background levels in freshwater tributaries within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA
Elevated conductivity (i.e., specific conductance or SC) causes osmotic stress in freshwater aquatic organisms and may increase the toxicity of some contaminants. Indices of benthic macroinvertebrate integrity have declined in urban areas across the Chesapeake Bay watershed (CBW), and more information is needed about whether these declines may be due to elevated conductivity. A predictive SC model
Authors
R. Fanelli, Joel Moore, Charles C. Stillwell, Andrew Sekellick, Richard Walker
Seasonally varying contributions of contemporaneous and lagged sources of instream total nitrogen and phosphorus load across the Illinois River basin
Quantifying nutrient sources in streams, their temporal and spatial variability, and drivers of that variability can support effective water resources management. Yet a lack of data and modeling capabilities has previously prevented comprehensive quantification across both space and time. Here a dynamic SPARROW (Spatially Referenced Regressions on Watershed attributes) model that accounts for a la
Authors
Noah Schmadel, Olivia L. Miller, Scott Ator, Matthew P. Miller, Gregory E. Schwarz, Dale M. Robertson, Andrew Sekellick, Kenneth Skinner, David A. Saad
Estimated reduction of nitrogen in streams of the Chesapeake Bay in areas with agricultural conservation practices
Spatial data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Resource Conservation Service representing implementation at the field-level for a selection of agricultural conservation practices were incorporated within a spatially referenced regression model to estimate their effects on nitrogen loads in streams in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Conservation practices classified as “high-imp
Authors
Andrew Sekellick, Scott Ator, Olivia Devereux, Jennifer L. Keisman
Predicting near-term effects of climate change on nitrogen transport to Chesapeake Bay
Understanding effects of climate change on nitrogen fate and transport in the environment is critical to nutrient management. We used climate projections within a previously calibrated spatially referenced regression (SPARROW) model to predict effects of expected climate change over 1995 through 2025 on total nitrogen fluxes to Chesapeake Bay and in watershed streams. Assuming nitrogen inputs and
Authors
Scott Ator, Gregory E. Schwarz, Andrew Sekellick, Gopal Bhatt
Nitrogen in the Chesapeake Bay watershed—A century of change, 1950–2050
ForewordSustaining the quality of the Nation’s water resources and the health of our diverse ecosystems depends on the availability of sound water-resources data and information to develop effective, science-based policies. Effective management of water resources also brings more certainty and efficiency to important economic sectors. Taken together, these actions lead to immediate and long-term e
Authors
John W. Clune, Paul D. Capel, Matthew P. Miller, Douglas A. Burns, Andrew J. Sekellick, Peter R. Claggett, Richard H. Coupe, Rosemary M. Fanelli, Ana Maria Garcia, Jeff P. Raffensperger, Silvia Terziotti, Gopal Bhatt, Joel D. Blomquist, Kristina G. Hopkins, Jennifer L. Keisman, Lewis C. Linker, Gary W. Shenk, Richard A. Smith, Alexander M. Soroka, James S. Webber, David M. Wolock, Qian Zhang
High-frequency data reveal deicing salts drive elevated specific conductance and chloride along with pervasive and frequent exceedances of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency aquatic life criteria for chloride in urban streams
Increasing specific conductance (SC) and chloride concentrations [Cl] negatively affect many stream ecosystems. We characterized spatial variability in SC, [Cl], and exceedances of Environmental Protection Agency [Cl] criteria using nearly 30 million high-frequency observations (2–15 min intervals) for SC and modeled [Cl] from 93 sites across three regions in the eastern United States: Southeast,
Authors
Joel Moore, Rosemary M. Fanelli, Andrew Sekellick
Sediment dynamics and implications for management: State of the science from long‐term research in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA
This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge of sediment dynamics using insights from long‐term research conducted in the watershed draining to the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the U.S., to inform management actions to restore the estuary and its watershed. The sediment dynamics of the Chesapeake are typical of many impaired watersheds and estuaries around the world, and this syn
Authors
Gregory Noe, Matthew Joseph Cashman, Katherine Skalak, Allen C. Gellis, Kristina G. Hopkins, Doug L. Moyer, James S. Webber, Adam Benthem, Kelly O. Maloney, John Brakebill, Andrew Sekellick, Michael J. Langland, Qian Zhang, Gary W. Shenk, Jennifer L. D. Keisman, Cliff R. Hupp
Toward explaining nitrogen and phosphorus trends in Chesapeake Bay tributaries, 1992-2012
Understanding trends in stream chemistry is critical to watershed management, and often complicated by multiple contaminant sources and landscape conditions changing over varying time scales. We adapted spatially-referenced regression (SPARROW) to infer causes of recent nutrient trends in Chesapeake Bay tributaries by relating observed fluxes during 1992, 2002, and 2012 to contemporary inputs and
Authors
Scott Ator, Ana M. Garcia, Gregory E. Schwarz, Joel Blomquist, Andrew Sekellick
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Best Management Practice Implementation in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, 1985–2014
Efforts to restore water quality in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries often include extensive Best Management Practice (BMP) implementation on agricultural and developed lands. These BMPs include a variety of methods to reduce nutrient and sediment loads, such as cover crops, conservation tillage, urban filtering systems, and other practices.Estimates of BMP implementation throughout the Chesapea
Authors
Andrew J. Sekellick, Olivia H. Devereux, Jennifer L. D. Keisman, Jeffrey S. Sweeney, Joel D. Blomquist
Manure and fertilizer inputs to land in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, 1950–2012
Understanding changing nutrient concentrations in surface waters requires quantitative information on changing nutrient sources in contributing watersheds. For example, the proportion of nutrient inputs reaching streams and rivers is directly affected by when and where those nutrients enter the landscape. The goal of this report is to contribute to the U.S. Geological Survey’s efforts to describe
Authors
Jennifer L. Keisman, Olivia Devereux, Andrew E. LaMotte, Andrew J. Sekellick, Joel D. Blomquist
Modeling drivers of phosphorus loads in Chesapeake Bay tributaries and inferences about long-term change
Causal attribution of changes in water quality often consists of correlation, qualitative reasoning, listing references to the work of others, or speculation. To better support statements of attribution for water-quality trends, structural equation modeling was used to model the causal factors of total phosphorus loads in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. By transforming, scaling, and standardizing va
Authors
Karen R. Ryberg, Joel D. Blomquist, Lori A. Sprague, Andrew J. Sekellick, Jennifer L. Keisman
Water volume and sediment volume and density in Lake Linganore between Boyers Mill Road Bridge and Bens Branch, Frederick County, Maryland, 2012
To assist in understanding sediment loadings and the management of water resources, a bathymetric survey was conducted in the part of Lake Linganore between Boyers Mill Road Bridge and Bens Branch in Frederick County, Maryland. The bathymetric survey was performed in January 2012 by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of Frederick and Frederick County. A separate, but related,
Authors
Andrew J. Sekellick, William S.L. Banks, Michael K. Myers
Science and Products
New study evaluates effects of agricultural conservation practices on nitrogen in streams of the Chesapeake Bay
Issue: Adaptive management in support of Chesapeake Bay restoration is complicated by uncertainty about the effects of agricultural management practices on water quality. Despite increasing investment, effects of agricultural conservation practices on regional water quality remain difficult to quantify due to factors such as groundwater travel times, varying modes-of-action, and the general lack...
GIS & Dataset Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC
Spatial analysts at the MD-DE-DC WSC use Geographic Information Systems to interpret data collected through field reconnaissance and downloaded from internal USGS, other federal, state, and local agencies, academic institutions, industry, and other professional contracting organizations. GIS is used to analyze the data using shapefiles and geodatabased information to help prove or disprove...
Modeling Capabilities @ MD-DE-DC
USGS models are widely used to predict responses of hydrologic systems to changing stresses, such as increases in precipitation or ground-water pumping rates, as well as to predict the fate and movement of solutes and contaminants in water. The USGS is at the forefront of devising new techniques and computer software to solve practical problems in the study of water resources. Predictive models...
Filter Total Items: 19
Illinois River basin seasonally dynamic total nitrogen and phosphorus SPARROW model inputs and outputs, 2000 through 2020
This data release contains seasonal source-specific estimates of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) loading to streams across the Illinois River basin (25,620 reaches) for 21 years from 2000 through 2020 using a dynamic SPARROW (Spatially Referenced Regressions on Watershed attributes) model. Input data including calibration loads, output predictions, model control files, and model sour
Cropland Data Layer summaries for NHDPlus Version 2.1 Reach Catchments in the Conterminous United States, 2000-2022
This dataset contains summary tables of land cover from the Cropland Data Layer (CDL) for individual stream catchments of the conterminous United States from the National Hydrography Dataset Plus Version 2.1 (United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2024; McKay and others, 2012). These data were summarized from primarily 30 meter grid cell raster data for t
2014 Social Vulnerable Index factors compiled for CONUS at the NHDPlusV2 scale
The released data contain both a csv and parquet file summarizing the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), at the NHDPlus V2 stream catchment scale. Dasymetric mapping was utilized to bound 2014 populations to the 2013 National Land Cover Dataset and then trim them to NHDPlus V2 catchments. These produced data are summarized as numbers of people within each listed ca
Nitrogen and phosphorus inputs from fertilizer and manure in the Continental United States, 2002-2017
This dataset contains tables of estimated fertilizer and manure nutrient inputs in kilograms to individual stream catchments of the continental United States from the National Hydrography Dataset Plus Version 2.1 (McKay and others, 2012). These data were downscaled from county-level estimates of nitrogen and phosphorus inputs from Falcone (2021) by allocating mass of applied nutrients to appropria
Biosolids Data Input Disaggregation from County to National Hydrography Dataset Plus
This metadata record contains two tables with reported and calculated amounts of biosolids applied to agricultural land within the Chesapeake Bay watershed in 2023 at different scales. Included in the dataset are (1) mass of land-applied biosolids calculated for NHDPlus Version 2.1 (NHDPlusV2) reach catchments in 2023 and (2) actual amount of biosolids applied to land by county in 2023 reported by
Compilation of multi-agency specific conductance observations for streams within the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Freshwater salinization is an emerging issue for freshwater environments in the Chesapeake Bay, USA region. Salinization is often described by measurements of specific conductance (SC). This data release contains specific conductance observations collected by multiple regional agencies for streams within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This inventory compiles and harmonizes data from the Water Quali
SPARROW Model Inputs and Estimated Effects of Agricultural Conservation Practices on Total Nitrogen in Streams of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
This data release contains input and output data tables from a SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) model, which estimated total nitrogen loads in streams of the Chesapeake Bay watershed under varying better management practice implementation scenarios. Further documentation about the SPARROW modeling framework can be found here: https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/tm
SPARROW model input datasets and predictions for predicting near-term effects of climate change on nitrogen transport to Chesapeake Bay
This data release includes 5 files containing model inputs and resulting model predictions. A previously-calibrated spatially referenced regression (SPARROW) model was used to estimate effects of climate change on in-stream nitrogen (TN) loads in the Chesapeake Bay watershed between 1995 and 2025. Model scenarios were run using data for nitrogen sources and landscape characteristics from 2012, cha
Nitrogen sources to and export from the Chesapeake Bay watershed, 1950 to 2050
This U.S. Geological Survey data release contains datasets that combine past data with future projections of nitrogen sources and nitrogen export to the Chesapeake Bay watershed for the years 1950-2050. To help understand the effect of human and environmental changes over this time period, data for nitrogen sources from wastewater, agricultural fertilizer and manure, and atmospheric deposition are
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Non-Tidal Network Station Catchments
Drainage basins of the 123 Non-Tidal Monitoring Stations in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
SPARROW model input datasets and predictions of nitrogen loads in streams of the Chesapeake Bay watershed
This data release contains mean-annual total nitrogen (TN) loads predicted by a SPARROW model for individual stream and shoreline reaches in the Chesapeake watershed as defined by NHDPlus, a 1:100,000 scale representation of stream hydrography built upon the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) (Horizon Systems, 2010). Also included are the input variables required to execute the model, including la
Discrete and high-frequency chloride (Cl) and specific conductance (SC) data sets and Cl-SC regression equations used for analysis of 93 USGS water quality monitoring stations in the eastern United States
High frequency estimated chloride (Cl) and observed specific conductance (SC) data sets, along with response variables derived from those data sets, were used in an analysis to quantify the extent to which deicer applications in winter affect water quality in 93 U.S. Geological Survey water quality monitoring stations across the eastern United States. The analysis was documented in the following p
Filter Total Items: 15
Predictive modeling reveals elevated conductivity relative to background levels in freshwater tributaries within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA
Elevated conductivity (i.e., specific conductance or SC) causes osmotic stress in freshwater aquatic organisms and may increase the toxicity of some contaminants. Indices of benthic macroinvertebrate integrity have declined in urban areas across the Chesapeake Bay watershed (CBW), and more information is needed about whether these declines may be due to elevated conductivity. A predictive SC model
Authors
R. Fanelli, Joel Moore, Charles C. Stillwell, Andrew Sekellick, Richard Walker
Seasonally varying contributions of contemporaneous and lagged sources of instream total nitrogen and phosphorus load across the Illinois River basin
Quantifying nutrient sources in streams, their temporal and spatial variability, and drivers of that variability can support effective water resources management. Yet a lack of data and modeling capabilities has previously prevented comprehensive quantification across both space and time. Here a dynamic SPARROW (Spatially Referenced Regressions on Watershed attributes) model that accounts for a la
Authors
Noah Schmadel, Olivia L. Miller, Scott Ator, Matthew P. Miller, Gregory E. Schwarz, Dale M. Robertson, Andrew Sekellick, Kenneth Skinner, David A. Saad
Estimated reduction of nitrogen in streams of the Chesapeake Bay in areas with agricultural conservation practices
Spatial data provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Resource Conservation Service representing implementation at the field-level for a selection of agricultural conservation practices were incorporated within a spatially referenced regression model to estimate their effects on nitrogen loads in streams in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Conservation practices classified as “high-imp
Authors
Andrew Sekellick, Scott Ator, Olivia Devereux, Jennifer L. Keisman
Predicting near-term effects of climate change on nitrogen transport to Chesapeake Bay
Understanding effects of climate change on nitrogen fate and transport in the environment is critical to nutrient management. We used climate projections within a previously calibrated spatially referenced regression (SPARROW) model to predict effects of expected climate change over 1995 through 2025 on total nitrogen fluxes to Chesapeake Bay and in watershed streams. Assuming nitrogen inputs and
Authors
Scott Ator, Gregory E. Schwarz, Andrew Sekellick, Gopal Bhatt
Nitrogen in the Chesapeake Bay watershed—A century of change, 1950–2050
ForewordSustaining the quality of the Nation’s water resources and the health of our diverse ecosystems depends on the availability of sound water-resources data and information to develop effective, science-based policies. Effective management of water resources also brings more certainty and efficiency to important economic sectors. Taken together, these actions lead to immediate and long-term e
Authors
John W. Clune, Paul D. Capel, Matthew P. Miller, Douglas A. Burns, Andrew J. Sekellick, Peter R. Claggett, Richard H. Coupe, Rosemary M. Fanelli, Ana Maria Garcia, Jeff P. Raffensperger, Silvia Terziotti, Gopal Bhatt, Joel D. Blomquist, Kristina G. Hopkins, Jennifer L. Keisman, Lewis C. Linker, Gary W. Shenk, Richard A. Smith, Alexander M. Soroka, James S. Webber, David M. Wolock, Qian Zhang
High-frequency data reveal deicing salts drive elevated specific conductance and chloride along with pervasive and frequent exceedances of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency aquatic life criteria for chloride in urban streams
Increasing specific conductance (SC) and chloride concentrations [Cl] negatively affect many stream ecosystems. We characterized spatial variability in SC, [Cl], and exceedances of Environmental Protection Agency [Cl] criteria using nearly 30 million high-frequency observations (2–15 min intervals) for SC and modeled [Cl] from 93 sites across three regions in the eastern United States: Southeast,
Authors
Joel Moore, Rosemary M. Fanelli, Andrew Sekellick
Sediment dynamics and implications for management: State of the science from long‐term research in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA
This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge of sediment dynamics using insights from long‐term research conducted in the watershed draining to the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the U.S., to inform management actions to restore the estuary and its watershed. The sediment dynamics of the Chesapeake are typical of many impaired watersheds and estuaries around the world, and this syn
Authors
Gregory Noe, Matthew Joseph Cashman, Katherine Skalak, Allen C. Gellis, Kristina G. Hopkins, Doug L. Moyer, James S. Webber, Adam Benthem, Kelly O. Maloney, John Brakebill, Andrew Sekellick, Michael J. Langland, Qian Zhang, Gary W. Shenk, Jennifer L. D. Keisman, Cliff R. Hupp
Toward explaining nitrogen and phosphorus trends in Chesapeake Bay tributaries, 1992-2012
Understanding trends in stream chemistry is critical to watershed management, and often complicated by multiple contaminant sources and landscape conditions changing over varying time scales. We adapted spatially-referenced regression (SPARROW) to infer causes of recent nutrient trends in Chesapeake Bay tributaries by relating observed fluxes during 1992, 2002, and 2012 to contemporary inputs and
Authors
Scott Ator, Ana M. Garcia, Gregory E. Schwarz, Joel Blomquist, Andrew Sekellick
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Best Management Practice Implementation in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, 1985–2014
Efforts to restore water quality in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries often include extensive Best Management Practice (BMP) implementation on agricultural and developed lands. These BMPs include a variety of methods to reduce nutrient and sediment loads, such as cover crops, conservation tillage, urban filtering systems, and other practices.Estimates of BMP implementation throughout the Chesapea
Authors
Andrew J. Sekellick, Olivia H. Devereux, Jennifer L. D. Keisman, Jeffrey S. Sweeney, Joel D. Blomquist
Manure and fertilizer inputs to land in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, 1950–2012
Understanding changing nutrient concentrations in surface waters requires quantitative information on changing nutrient sources in contributing watersheds. For example, the proportion of nutrient inputs reaching streams and rivers is directly affected by when and where those nutrients enter the landscape. The goal of this report is to contribute to the U.S. Geological Survey’s efforts to describe
Authors
Jennifer L. Keisman, Olivia Devereux, Andrew E. LaMotte, Andrew J. Sekellick, Joel D. Blomquist
Modeling drivers of phosphorus loads in Chesapeake Bay tributaries and inferences about long-term change
Causal attribution of changes in water quality often consists of correlation, qualitative reasoning, listing references to the work of others, or speculation. To better support statements of attribution for water-quality trends, structural equation modeling was used to model the causal factors of total phosphorus loads in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. By transforming, scaling, and standardizing va
Authors
Karen R. Ryberg, Joel D. Blomquist, Lori A. Sprague, Andrew J. Sekellick, Jennifer L. Keisman
Water volume and sediment volume and density in Lake Linganore between Boyers Mill Road Bridge and Bens Branch, Frederick County, Maryland, 2012
To assist in understanding sediment loadings and the management of water resources, a bathymetric survey was conducted in the part of Lake Linganore between Boyers Mill Road Bridge and Bens Branch in Frederick County, Maryland. The bathymetric survey was performed in January 2012 by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of Frederick and Frederick County. A separate, but related,
Authors
Andrew J. Sekellick, William S.L. Banks, Michael K. Myers