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Christopher Allen Mason

Chris Mason is a physical scientist at the Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center.

Science and Products

Rappahannock tributary summary: A summary of trends in tidal water quality and associated factors, 1985-2022

The Rappahannock Tributary Summary outlines change over time for a suite of monitored tidal water quality parameters and associated potential drivers of those trends for the period of 1985 to 2022, and provides a brief description of the current state of knowledge explaining these observed changes. Water quality parameters described include surface (above pycnocline) total nitrogen (TN), surface t
Authors
Breck Maura Sullivan, Kaylyn Gootman, Alex Gunnerson, Sarah Betts, Cindy Johnson, Chris A. Mason, Elgin Perry, Gopal Bhatt, Jennifer L. Keisman, James S. Webber, Jon Harcum, Michael F. Lane, Olivia Devereux, Qian Zhang, Rebecca Murphy, Renee Karrh, Thomas Butler, Vanessa Van Note, Angie Wei

Siting considerations for satellite observation of river discharge

With growing global capability for satellite measurement of river discharge (flow) comes a need to understand and reduce error in satellite-based discharge measurements. Satellite-based discharge estimates are based on measurements of water surface width, elevation, slope, and potentially velocity. Site selection is important for reducing error and uncertainty in both conventional and satellite-ba
Authors
Jack R. Eggleston, Chris A. Mason, David M. Bjerklie, Michael T. Durand, Robert W. Dudley, Merritt Elizabeth Harlan
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Examining the complex relations between climate and streamflow in the mid-atlantic region of the United States

We explored the complex relations between climate and streamflow in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. In 124 watersheds across this region, we quantified spatial and temporal variation in air temperature (AT), precipitation (P), and streamflow (Q) from 1981 through 2020. Upward directional trends in monthly values of AT, P, and Q indicated an increase of 0.27–1.9 degrees Celsius, 0.12–

Authors
Karen C. Rice, Chris A. Mason, Aaron L. Mills
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

James Tributary summary: A summary of trends in tidal water quality and associated factors, 1985-2021

The James Tributary Summary outlines change over time for a suite of monitored tidal water quality parameters and associated potential drivers of those trends for the period 1985 – 2021 and provides a brief description of the current state of knowledge explaining these observed changes. Water quality parameters described include surface (above pycnocline) total nitrogen (TN), surface total phospho
Authors
Breck Maura Sullivan, Kaylyn Gootman, Alex Gunnerson, Cindy Johnson, Chris A. Mason, Elgin Perry, Gopal Bhatt, Jennifer L. Keisman, James S. Webber, Jon Harcum, Mike Lane, Olivia Devereux, Qian Zhang, Rebecca Murphy, Renee Karrh, Tom Butler, Vanessa Van Note, Zhaoying Wei
By
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Tracking status and trends in seven key indicators of stream health in the Chesapeake Bay watershed

“The Bay Connects us, the Bay reflects us” writes Tom Horton in the book “Turning the Tide—Saving the Chesapeake Bay”. The Chesapeake Bay watershed contains the largest estuary in the United States. The watershed stretches north to Cooperstown, New York, south to Lynchburg and Virginia Beach, Virginia, west to Pendleton County, West Virginia, and east to Seaford, Delaware, and Scranton, Pennsylvan
Authors
Samuel H. Austin, Matthew Joseph Cashman, John W. Clune, James E. Colgin, Rosemary M. Fanelli, Kevin P. Krause, Emily Majcher, Kelly O. Maloney, Chris A. Mason, Doug L. Moyer, Tammy M. Zimmerman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Prioritizing river basins for intensive monitoring and assessment by the US Geological Survey

The US Geological Survey (USGS) is currently (2020) integrating its water science programs to better address the nation’s greatest water resource challenges now and into the future. This integration will rely, in part, on data from 10 or more intensively monitored river basins from across the USA. A team of USGS scientists was convened to develop a systematic, quantitative approach to prioritize c
Authors
Peter C. Van Metre, Sharon L. Qi, Jeffrey R. Deacon, Cheryl A. Dieter, Jessica M. Driscoll, Michael N. Fienen, Terry A. Kenney, Patrick M. Lambert, David P. Lesmes, Christopher Allen Mason, Anke Mueller-Solger, MaryLynn Musgrove, Jaime A. Painter, Donald O. Rosenberry, Lori A. Sprague, Anthony J. Tesoriero, Lisamarie Windham-Myers, David M. Wolock
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Wildland Fire Science

Near-field remote sensing of surface velocity and river discharge using radars and the probability concept at 10 USGS streamgages

Near-field remote sensing of surface velocity and river discharge (discharge) were measured using coherent, continuous wave Doppler and pulsed radars. Traditional streamgaging requires sensors be deployed in the water column; however, near-field remote sensing has the potential to transform streamgaging operations through non-contact methods in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other agencies
Authors
John Fulton, Chris A. Mason, Jack R. Eggleston, Matthew J. Nicotra, C.-L. Chiu, Mark F. Henneberg, Heather Best, Jay Cederberg, Stephen R. Holnbeck, R. Russell Lotspeich, Christopher Laveau, Tommaso Moramarco, Mark E. Jones, Jonathan J Gourley, Danny Wasielewski
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Colorado Water Science Center, National Innovation Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center
link
Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

USGS revises 2020 nontidal load and trend results

Issue: The USGS has revised loads and trends through 2020 from monitoring stations in the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) Nontidal Network (NTN). The original release of the results was in July 2022. During a process to implement a new software package for the next update of NTN data, the USGS discovered some questionable data values. Most of the questionable values were related to a coding...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
link

USGS revises 2020 nontidal load and trend results

Issue: The USGS has revised loads and trends through 2020 from monitoring stations in the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) Nontidal Network (NTN). The original release of the results was in July 2022. During a process to implement a new software package for the next update of NTN data, the USGS discovered some questionable data values. Most of the questionable values were related to a coding...
Learn More
link
Table of Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

USGS calculates loads and trends through 2021 for the nine major rivers entering Chesapeake Bay

Issue: The amount of nutrients and suspended sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay affect water-quality conditions in tidal waters. Excess nutrients contribute to algal blooms that lower the oxygen levels in tidal waters that are important for fish and shellfish. The algal blooms, along with suspended sediment, also decrease visibility in shallow waters for submerged aquatic grasses. The grasses...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
link

USGS calculates loads and trends through 2021 for the nine major rivers entering Chesapeake Bay

Issue: The amount of nutrients and suspended sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay affect water-quality conditions in tidal waters. Excess nutrients contribute to algal blooms that lower the oxygen levels in tidal waters that are important for fish and shellfish. The algal blooms, along with suspended sediment, also decrease visibility in shallow waters for submerged aquatic grasses. The grasses...
Learn More
link
White Heron in Marsh

Tracking Status and Trends in Seven Key Indicators of River and Stream Condition in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Identifying and tracking the status of, and trends in, stream health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed is essential to understanding the past, present, and future trajectory of the watershed’s resources and ecological condition. A team of USGS ecosystem scientists is meeting this need with an initiative to track the status of, and trends in, key indicators of the health of non-tidal freshwater...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
link

Tracking Status and Trends in Seven Key Indicators of River and Stream Condition in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Identifying and tracking the status of, and trends in, stream health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed is essential to understanding the past, present, and future trajectory of the watershed’s resources and ecological condition. A team of USGS ecosystem scientists is meeting this need with an initiative to track the status of, and trends in, key indicators of the health of non-tidal freshwater...
Learn More
link
Photograph of Pequea Creek, Pennsylvania

Updated 2020 Nutrient and Suspended-Sediment Trends for the Nine Major Rivers Entering the Chesapeake Bay

Issue: The amount of nutrients and suspended sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay affect water-quality conditions in tidal waters. Excess nutrients contribute to algal blooms that lower the oxygen levels in tidal waters that are important for fish and shellfish. The algal blooms, along with suspended sediment, also decrease visibility in shallow waters for submerged aquatic grasses. The grasses...
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
link

Updated 2020 Nutrient and Suspended-Sediment Trends for the Nine Major Rivers Entering the Chesapeake Bay

Issue: The amount of nutrients and suspended sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay affect water-quality conditions in tidal waters. Excess nutrients contribute to algal blooms that lower the oxygen levels in tidal waters that are important for fish and shellfish. The algal blooms, along with suspended sediment, also decrease visibility in shallow waters for submerged aquatic grasses. The grasses...
Learn More
link
Water quality loads and trends in Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay Water-Quality Loads and Trends

Access the most recent data gathered from the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Monitoring Network , learn about the techniques used to collect this data, and read about the history of the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Monitoring Program. Nontidal Network (NTN) data refers to data from the 123 monitoring stations where nutrients and sediment are collected monthly and during storms. River Input Monitoring (RIM)...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
link

Chesapeake Bay Water-Quality Loads and Trends

Access the most recent data gathered from the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Monitoring Network , learn about the techniques used to collect this data, and read about the history of the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Monitoring Program. Nontidal Network (NTN) data refers to data from the 123 monitoring stations where nutrients and sediment are collected monthly and during storms. River Input Monitoring (RIM)...
Learn More

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring stations: Water years 1985-2023

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring (RIM) Network stations for the period 1985 through 2023. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression approach called WR
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Data used to prioritize the selection of river basins for intensive monitoring and assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed a systematic, quantitative approach to prioritize candidate basins that can support the assessment and forecasting objectives of the major USGS water science programs. Candidate basins were the level-4 hydrologic units (HUC4) with some of the smaller HUC4s being combined (hereafter referred to as modified HUC4 basins). Candidate basins for the contiguous
By
Colorado Water Science Center

Selected inputs for examining the complex relations between climate and streamflow in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States

Streams provide water for human activities and consumption in much of the world. Streamflow is largely controlled by climate forces, therefore it is likely sensitive to climate changes. We analyzed daily air temperature (AT), precipitation (P), and stream discharge (Q) metrics for 124 watersheds in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, United States, from 1981 through 2020. Spatial-raster datase

By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring stations: Water years 1985-2022

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring (RIM) Network stations for the period 1985 through 2022. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression approach called WR
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Selected Inputs of Siting Considerations for Satellite Observation of River Discharge

Uncertainty of satellite discharge estimates is affected by choice of satellite sensor, hydraulic variable for observation, and discharge estimation algorithm, as well as the availability of ground-calibration data. Site selection is very important for reducing error and uncertainty in both conventional and satellite-based discharge measurements because geomorphic river characteristics have strong
By
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Environmental Sampling of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Middle Chickahominy River Watershed, Virginia, 2021-2022 (ver. 2.0, September 2023)

These data were collected to understand the occurrence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the middle Chickahominy River watershed. Specifically, this effort was initiated to: 1. Determine concentrations of PFAS in surface water at select locations in the middle Chickahominy River watershed; 2. Determine concentrations of PFAS in edible portions of fish at select locations in the mid
By
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring stations: Water years 1985-2021

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring (RIM) Network stations for the period 1985 through 2021. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression approach called WR
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Computed Streamflow Using Satellite Data for Selected Rivers in Alaska

This dataset provides computed remotely-sensed streamflows (RSQ) at river reaches of selected rivers in Alaska. We used the relation between water-surface elevation data derived from satellite altimetry and dynamic surface water extent data derived from LANDSAT and Sentinel imagery data with the Modified Optimized Manning Method Algorithm (MOMMA) to compute remotely sensed streamflows. Data are or
By
Alaska Science Center, New England Water Science Center

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Network stations: Water years 1985-2020 (ver. 2.0, January 2023)

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Network (NTN) stations stations for the period 1985 through 2020. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression approach called WRTDS (
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Radar-based field measurements of surface velocity and discharge from 10 U.S. Geological Survey streamgages for various locations in the United States, 2002-19

Near-field remote sensing methods were used to collect Doppler velocity and pulsed stage radar data at 10 conventional U.S. Geological Survey streamgages in river reaches with varying hydrologic and hydraulic characteristics. Basin sizes ranged from 381 to 66,200 square kilometers and included agricultural, desert, forest, mixed, and high-gradient mountain environments. During the siting and opera
By
Colorado Water Science Center

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring stations: Water years 1985-2020

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring (RIM) Network stations for the period 1985 through 2020. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression approach called WR
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Multidecadal Streamflow Trends and Ecological Flow Statistics at USGS Monitoring Stations within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (1940-2018)

The hydrologic regime of rivers and streams is a major determinant of habitat quality for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Long-term streamflow data were compiled and multidecadal streamflow trends and ecological flow (EFlow) statistics were calculated in support of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Chesapeake Bay Science Initiative toward understanding fish habitat and health in the Chesa
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay
Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay
Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay
Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

An illustration of updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

An illustration of updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
Table of Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)
Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)
Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)
Table of Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

Summary of long-term (1985-2021) and short-term (2012-2021) trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for the River Input Monitoring stations. “Improving” or “Degrading” trends are classified as likelihood estimates greater than or equal to 67 percent, whereas “No trend” estimates are greater than 33 and less than 67 percent.

By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
Table of Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

Summary of long-term (1985-2021) and short-term (2012-2021) trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for the River Input Monitoring stations. “Improving” or “Degrading” trends are classified as likelihood estimates greater than or equal to 67 percent, whereas “No trend” estimates are greater than 33 and less than 67 percent.

By
Chesapeake Bay Activities

Geonarrative: Nontidal Network Mapper

The Nontidal Network Mapper geonarrative is a data-driven, interactive narrative that shares the short-term water-year nutrient and suspended-sediment load and trend results for the Chesapeake Bay Program’s non-tidal network (NTN). The mapper provides the primary findings for nitrogen, phosphorus and suspended-sediment trends, and gives the user tools to further examine results.

By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Science and Products

Rappahannock tributary summary: A summary of trends in tidal water quality and associated factors, 1985-2022

The Rappahannock Tributary Summary outlines change over time for a suite of monitored tidal water quality parameters and associated potential drivers of those trends for the period of 1985 to 2022, and provides a brief description of the current state of knowledge explaining these observed changes. Water quality parameters described include surface (above pycnocline) total nitrogen (TN), surface t
Authors
Breck Maura Sullivan, Kaylyn Gootman, Alex Gunnerson, Sarah Betts, Cindy Johnson, Chris A. Mason, Elgin Perry, Gopal Bhatt, Jennifer L. Keisman, James S. Webber, Jon Harcum, Michael F. Lane, Olivia Devereux, Qian Zhang, Rebecca Murphy, Renee Karrh, Thomas Butler, Vanessa Van Note, Angie Wei

Siting considerations for satellite observation of river discharge

With growing global capability for satellite measurement of river discharge (flow) comes a need to understand and reduce error in satellite-based discharge measurements. Satellite-based discharge estimates are based on measurements of water surface width, elevation, slope, and potentially velocity. Site selection is important for reducing error and uncertainty in both conventional and satellite-ba
Authors
Jack R. Eggleston, Chris A. Mason, David M. Bjerklie, Michael T. Durand, Robert W. Dudley, Merritt Elizabeth Harlan
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New England Water Science Center

Examining the complex relations between climate and streamflow in the mid-atlantic region of the United States

We explored the complex relations between climate and streamflow in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. In 124 watersheds across this region, we quantified spatial and temporal variation in air temperature (AT), precipitation (P), and streamflow (Q) from 1981 through 2020. Upward directional trends in monthly values of AT, P, and Q indicated an increase of 0.27–1.9 degrees Celsius, 0.12–

Authors
Karen C. Rice, Chris A. Mason, Aaron L. Mills
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

James Tributary summary: A summary of trends in tidal water quality and associated factors, 1985-2021

The James Tributary Summary outlines change over time for a suite of monitored tidal water quality parameters and associated potential drivers of those trends for the period 1985 – 2021 and provides a brief description of the current state of knowledge explaining these observed changes. Water quality parameters described include surface (above pycnocline) total nitrogen (TN), surface total phospho
Authors
Breck Maura Sullivan, Kaylyn Gootman, Alex Gunnerson, Cindy Johnson, Chris A. Mason, Elgin Perry, Gopal Bhatt, Jennifer L. Keisman, James S. Webber, Jon Harcum, Mike Lane, Olivia Devereux, Qian Zhang, Rebecca Murphy, Renee Karrh, Tom Butler, Vanessa Van Note, Zhaoying Wei
By
Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Tracking status and trends in seven key indicators of stream health in the Chesapeake Bay watershed

“The Bay Connects us, the Bay reflects us” writes Tom Horton in the book “Turning the Tide—Saving the Chesapeake Bay”. The Chesapeake Bay watershed contains the largest estuary in the United States. The watershed stretches north to Cooperstown, New York, south to Lynchburg and Virginia Beach, Virginia, west to Pendleton County, West Virginia, and east to Seaford, Delaware, and Scranton, Pennsylvan
Authors
Samuel H. Austin, Matthew Joseph Cashman, John W. Clune, James E. Colgin, Rosemary M. Fanelli, Kevin P. Krause, Emily Majcher, Kelly O. Maloney, Chris A. Mason, Doug L. Moyer, Tammy M. Zimmerman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Prioritizing river basins for intensive monitoring and assessment by the US Geological Survey

The US Geological Survey (USGS) is currently (2020) integrating its water science programs to better address the nation’s greatest water resource challenges now and into the future. This integration will rely, in part, on data from 10 or more intensively monitored river basins from across the USA. A team of USGS scientists was convened to develop a systematic, quantitative approach to prioritize c
Authors
Peter C. Van Metre, Sharon L. Qi, Jeffrey R. Deacon, Cheryl A. Dieter, Jessica M. Driscoll, Michael N. Fienen, Terry A. Kenney, Patrick M. Lambert, David P. Lesmes, Christopher Allen Mason, Anke Mueller-Solger, MaryLynn Musgrove, Jaime A. Painter, Donald O. Rosenberry, Lori A. Sprague, Anthony J. Tesoriero, Lisamarie Windham-Myers, David M. Wolock
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Wildland Fire Science

Near-field remote sensing of surface velocity and river discharge using radars and the probability concept at 10 USGS streamgages

Near-field remote sensing of surface velocity and river discharge (discharge) were measured using coherent, continuous wave Doppler and pulsed radars. Traditional streamgaging requires sensors be deployed in the water column; however, near-field remote sensing has the potential to transform streamgaging operations through non-contact methods in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other agencies
Authors
John Fulton, Chris A. Mason, Jack R. Eggleston, Matthew J. Nicotra, C.-L. Chiu, Mark F. Henneberg, Heather Best, Jay Cederberg, Stephen R. Holnbeck, R. Russell Lotspeich, Christopher Laveau, Tommaso Moramarco, Mark E. Jones, Jonathan J Gourley, Danny Wasielewski
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Colorado Water Science Center, National Innovation Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center
link
Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

USGS revises 2020 nontidal load and trend results

Issue: The USGS has revised loads and trends through 2020 from monitoring stations in the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) Nontidal Network (NTN). The original release of the results was in July 2022. During a process to implement a new software package for the next update of NTN data, the USGS discovered some questionable data values. Most of the questionable values were related to a coding...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
link

USGS revises 2020 nontidal load and trend results

Issue: The USGS has revised loads and trends through 2020 from monitoring stations in the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) Nontidal Network (NTN). The original release of the results was in July 2022. During a process to implement a new software package for the next update of NTN data, the USGS discovered some questionable data values. Most of the questionable values were related to a coding...
Learn More
link
Table of Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

USGS calculates loads and trends through 2021 for the nine major rivers entering Chesapeake Bay

Issue: The amount of nutrients and suspended sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay affect water-quality conditions in tidal waters. Excess nutrients contribute to algal blooms that lower the oxygen levels in tidal waters that are important for fish and shellfish. The algal blooms, along with suspended sediment, also decrease visibility in shallow waters for submerged aquatic grasses. The grasses...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
link

USGS calculates loads and trends through 2021 for the nine major rivers entering Chesapeake Bay

Issue: The amount of nutrients and suspended sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay affect water-quality conditions in tidal waters. Excess nutrients contribute to algal blooms that lower the oxygen levels in tidal waters that are important for fish and shellfish. The algal blooms, along with suspended sediment, also decrease visibility in shallow waters for submerged aquatic grasses. The grasses...
Learn More
link
White Heron in Marsh

Tracking Status and Trends in Seven Key Indicators of River and Stream Condition in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Identifying and tracking the status of, and trends in, stream health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed is essential to understanding the past, present, and future trajectory of the watershed’s resources and ecological condition. A team of USGS ecosystem scientists is meeting this need with an initiative to track the status of, and trends in, key indicators of the health of non-tidal freshwater...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
link

Tracking Status and Trends in Seven Key Indicators of River and Stream Condition in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Identifying and tracking the status of, and trends in, stream health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed is essential to understanding the past, present, and future trajectory of the watershed’s resources and ecological condition. A team of USGS ecosystem scientists is meeting this need with an initiative to track the status of, and trends in, key indicators of the health of non-tidal freshwater...
Learn More
link
Photograph of Pequea Creek, Pennsylvania

Updated 2020 Nutrient and Suspended-Sediment Trends for the Nine Major Rivers Entering the Chesapeake Bay

Issue: The amount of nutrients and suspended sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay affect water-quality conditions in tidal waters. Excess nutrients contribute to algal blooms that lower the oxygen levels in tidal waters that are important for fish and shellfish. The algal blooms, along with suspended sediment, also decrease visibility in shallow waters for submerged aquatic grasses. The grasses...
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
link

Updated 2020 Nutrient and Suspended-Sediment Trends for the Nine Major Rivers Entering the Chesapeake Bay

Issue: The amount of nutrients and suspended sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay affect water-quality conditions in tidal waters. Excess nutrients contribute to algal blooms that lower the oxygen levels in tidal waters that are important for fish and shellfish. The algal blooms, along with suspended sediment, also decrease visibility in shallow waters for submerged aquatic grasses. The grasses...
Learn More
link
Water quality loads and trends in Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay Water-Quality Loads and Trends

Access the most recent data gathered from the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Monitoring Network , learn about the techniques used to collect this data, and read about the history of the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Monitoring Program. Nontidal Network (NTN) data refers to data from the 123 monitoring stations where nutrients and sediment are collected monthly and during storms. River Input Monitoring (RIM)...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
link

Chesapeake Bay Water-Quality Loads and Trends

Access the most recent data gathered from the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Monitoring Network , learn about the techniques used to collect this data, and read about the history of the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Monitoring Program. Nontidal Network (NTN) data refers to data from the 123 monitoring stations where nutrients and sediment are collected monthly and during storms. River Input Monitoring (RIM)...
Learn More

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring stations: Water years 1985-2023

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring (RIM) Network stations for the period 1985 through 2023. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression approach called WR
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Data used to prioritize the selection of river basins for intensive monitoring and assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed a systematic, quantitative approach to prioritize candidate basins that can support the assessment and forecasting objectives of the major USGS water science programs. Candidate basins were the level-4 hydrologic units (HUC4) with some of the smaller HUC4s being combined (hereafter referred to as modified HUC4 basins). Candidate basins for the contiguous
By
Colorado Water Science Center

Selected inputs for examining the complex relations between climate and streamflow in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States

Streams provide water for human activities and consumption in much of the world. Streamflow is largely controlled by climate forces, therefore it is likely sensitive to climate changes. We analyzed daily air temperature (AT), precipitation (P), and stream discharge (Q) metrics for 124 watersheds in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina, United States, from 1981 through 2020. Spatial-raster datase

By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring stations: Water years 1985-2022

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring (RIM) Network stations for the period 1985 through 2022. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression approach called WR
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Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Selected Inputs of Siting Considerations for Satellite Observation of River Discharge

Uncertainty of satellite discharge estimates is affected by choice of satellite sensor, hydraulic variable for observation, and discharge estimation algorithm, as well as the availability of ground-calibration data. Site selection is very important for reducing error and uncertainty in both conventional and satellite-based discharge measurements because geomorphic river characteristics have strong
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Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Environmental Sampling of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Middle Chickahominy River Watershed, Virginia, 2021-2022 (ver. 2.0, September 2023)

These data were collected to understand the occurrence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the middle Chickahominy River watershed. Specifically, this effort was initiated to: 1. Determine concentrations of PFAS in surface water at select locations in the middle Chickahominy River watershed; 2. Determine concentrations of PFAS in edible portions of fish at select locations in the mid
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Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring stations: Water years 1985-2021

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring (RIM) Network stations for the period 1985 through 2021. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression approach called WR
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Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Computed Streamflow Using Satellite Data for Selected Rivers in Alaska

This dataset provides computed remotely-sensed streamflows (RSQ) at river reaches of selected rivers in Alaska. We used the relation between water-surface elevation data derived from satellite altimetry and dynamic surface water extent data derived from LANDSAT and Sentinel imagery data with the Modified Optimized Manning Method Algorithm (MOMMA) to compute remotely sensed streamflows. Data are or
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Alaska Science Center, New England Water Science Center

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Network stations: Water years 1985-2020 (ver. 2.0, January 2023)

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay Nontidal Network (NTN) stations stations for the period 1985 through 2020. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression approach called WRTDS (
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Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Radar-based field measurements of surface velocity and discharge from 10 U.S. Geological Survey streamgages for various locations in the United States, 2002-19

Near-field remote sensing methods were used to collect Doppler velocity and pulsed stage radar data at 10 conventional U.S. Geological Survey streamgages in river reaches with varying hydrologic and hydraulic characteristics. Basin sizes ranged from 381 to 66,200 square kilometers and included agricultural, desert, forest, mixed, and high-gradient mountain environments. During the siting and opera
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Colorado Water Science Center

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads and trends measured at the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring stations: Water years 1985-2020

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads, and changes in loads, in major rivers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed have been calculated using monitoring data from the Chesapeake Bay River Input Monitoring (RIM) Network stations for the period 1985 through 2020. Nutrient and suspended-sediment loads and changes in loads were determined by applying a weighted regression approach called WR
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center

Multidecadal Streamflow Trends and Ecological Flow Statistics at USGS Monitoring Stations within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (1940-2018)

The hydrologic regime of rivers and streams is a major determinant of habitat quality for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Long-term streamflow data were compiled and multidecadal streamflow trends and ecological flow (EFlow) statistics were calculated in support of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Chesapeake Bay Science Initiative toward understanding fish habitat and health in the Chesa
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Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay
Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay
Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay
Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

An illustration of updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

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Chesapeake Bay Activities
Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

Updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

An illustration of updated short-term nitrogen and phosphorous trends in the Chesapeake Bay

By
Chesapeake Bay Activities
Table of Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)
Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)
Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)
Table of Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

Summary of long-term (1985-2021) and short-term (2012-2021) trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for the River Input Monitoring stations. “Improving” or “Degrading” trends are classified as likelihood estimates greater than or equal to 67 percent, whereas “No trend” estimates are greater than 33 and less than 67 percent.

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Chesapeake Bay Activities
Table of Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

Trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for RIM (2021)

Summary of long-term (1985-2021) and short-term (2012-2021) trends in nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment loads for the River Input Monitoring stations. “Improving” or “Degrading” trends are classified as likelihood estimates greater than or equal to 67 percent, whereas “No trend” estimates are greater than 33 and less than 67 percent.

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Chesapeake Bay Activities

Geonarrative: Nontidal Network Mapper

The Nontidal Network Mapper geonarrative is a data-driven, interactive narrative that shares the short-term water-year nutrient and suspended-sediment load and trend results for the Chesapeake Bay Program’s non-tidal network (NTN). The mapper provides the primary findings for nitrogen, phosphorus and suspended-sediment trends, and gives the user tools to further examine results.

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Chesapeake Bay Activities, Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center
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