How Deep Do We Drill?
Rowan A. Johnson
Rowan Johnson is a data engineering hydrologist at the Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center.
Rowan is an early-career hydrologist on the data engineering team at the Virginia and West Virginia Water Science Center's data engineering team. His professional interests include water quality, software development, science communications, decision-making support, graphic design, and media production.
The focus of Rowan's work at the USGS is taking complex hydrologic and geologic research topics and data, and distilling them down into concepts, multimedia, and web tools that are accessible to both decision-makers and the public.
Science and Products
Effects of Abandoned Coal Mine Drainage in the New River Gorge
Many abandoned historic mines surround the New River Gorge. Untreated water draining from these mines has the potential to alter the temperature and water quality of nearby creeks and rivers. Remediation and restoration has been proposed for many of these abandoned mines. However, the cold water seeping out of these mines may also create wetland areas along the flat mine benches which were cut...
Animations
Animations
Infographics
Infographics
Filter Total Items: 13
Virginia Extensometers Depth Comparison
Sedimentation and Lake Infilling
When water slows down, such as when it flows from a creek into a lake, suspended sediment can drop out of suspension and settle on the lake bed.
When water slows down, such as when it flows from a creek into a lake, suspended sediment can drop out of suspension and settle on the lake bed.
Lake Accotink Infilling
Lake Accotink is a 55 acre lake in Fairfax county which suffers from high rates of sedimentation. As the lake fills with sediment, it loses volume. This animations shows how the lake might continue to lose volume over time if dredging does not continue.
Lake Accotink is a 55 acre lake in Fairfax county which suffers from high rates of sedimentation. As the lake fills with sediment, it loses volume. This animations shows how the lake might continue to lose volume over time if dredging does not continue.
Lake Accotink Sediment Flow
Lake Accotink is a 55 acre lake in Fairfax county which suffers from high rates of sedimentation. The lake is fed by Accotink Creek, which includes the Long Branch tributary. These two streams deliver most of the sediment to Lake Accotink.
Lake Accotink is a 55 acre lake in Fairfax county which suffers from high rates of sedimentation. The lake is fed by Accotink Creek, which includes the Long Branch tributary. These two streams deliver most of the sediment to Lake Accotink.
Groundwater Response to Seismic Waves
Earthquakes can sometimes cause rapid changes in water levels. As seismic waves travel through rock formations, they can squeeze and stretch the rocks. This deformation can cause groundwater levels in aquifers to rise and fall, and it can rapidly force water in and out of nearby wells.
Earthquakes can sometimes cause rapid changes in water levels. As seismic waves travel through rock formations, they can squeeze and stretch the rocks. This deformation can cause groundwater levels in aquifers to rise and fall, and it can rapidly force water in and out of nearby wells.
Turbidity
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity. High amounts of suspended solids increase turbidity. The more turbid the water, the less light can penetrate. In turbid waters, aquatic plants may die due to decreased light availability.
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity. High amounts of suspended solids increase turbidity. The more turbid the water, the less light can penetrate. In turbid waters, aquatic plants may die due to decreased light availability.
Nutrient Pollution
Nutrient pollution is caused when excess nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus are introduced into aquatic ecosystems, often due to leaching or surface water runoff. These excess nutrients can contribute to the degradation of downstream ecosystems.
Nutrient pollution is caused when excess nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus are introduced into aquatic ecosystems, often due to leaching or surface water runoff. These excess nutrients can contribute to the degradation of downstream ecosystems.
Turbidity
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity. High amounts of suspended solids increase turbidity. The more turbid the water, the less light can penetrate. In turbid waters, aquatic plants may die due to decreased light availability.
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity. High amounts of suspended solids increase turbidity. The more turbid the water, the less light can penetrate. In turbid waters, aquatic plants may die due to decreased light availability.
Stormwater Runoff in Urban Watersheds
When precipitation falls over urban watersheds, its fate may differ from precipitation that falls over undeveloped, rural or natural watersheds. Different urban land use types can affect strormwater runoff patterns in different ways. There are many potential non-point sources of nutrients, sediment, and other contaminants within urban watersheds.
When precipitation falls over urban watersheds, its fate may differ from precipitation that falls over undeveloped, rural or natural watersheds. Different urban land use types can affect strormwater runoff patterns in different ways. There are many potential non-point sources of nutrients, sediment, and other contaminants within urban watersheds.
Nutrient Pollution
Nutrient pollution is caused when excess nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus are introduced into aquatic ecosystems, often due to leaching or surface water runoff. These excess nutrients can contribute to the degradation of downstream ecosystems.
Nutrient pollution is caused when excess nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus are introduced into aquatic ecosystems, often due to leaching or surface water runoff. These excess nutrients can contribute to the degradation of downstream ecosystems.
Drainage Density
When rainwater falls over a watershed, its fate is determined by multiple factors, such as the relief of the watershed, the permeability of the surface it falls on, the presence and density of plant life, and the drainage density of the watershed.
When rainwater falls over a watershed, its fate is determined by multiple factors, such as the relief of the watershed, the permeability of the surface it falls on, the presence and density of plant life, and the drainage density of the watershed.
Virginia Coastal Plain Aquifer systems
The Virginia Coastal Plain is the relatively flat region east of the fall line characterized by a wedge of coarse permeable sediments with interbedded layers of less-permeable silts and clays that thickens towards the east. The region has multiple layered aquifers, including the Potomac aquifer system.
The Virginia Coastal Plain is the relatively flat region east of the fall line characterized by a wedge of coarse permeable sediments with interbedded layers of less-permeable silts and clays that thickens towards the east. The region has multiple layered aquifers, including the Potomac aquifer system.
Methods of subsidence and sea level rise monitoring
When it comes to measuring land subsidence, sea level rise, and shoreline retreat, the USGS uses a variety of methods, each with their own strengths and drawbacks.
When it comes to measuring land subsidence, sea level rise, and shoreline retreat, the USGS uses a variety of methods, each with their own strengths and drawbacks.
Extensometer - Aquifer Compaction
A borehole extensometer is an instrument that measures vertical land motion caused by changes in aquifer thickness. A borehole is drilled through the entirety of an aquifer system and the steel pipe is anchored at the base to the basement rock.
A borehole extensometer is an instrument that measures vertical land motion caused by changes in aquifer thickness. A borehole is drilled through the entirety of an aquifer system and the steel pipe is anchored at the base to the basement rock.
Borehole Extensometer
A borehole extensometer is an instrument that measures vertical land motion caused by changes in aquifer thickness. A borehole is drilled through the entirety of an aquifer system and the steel pipe is anchored at the base to the basement rock.
A borehole extensometer is an instrument that measures vertical land motion caused by changes in aquifer thickness. A borehole is drilled through the entirety of an aquifer system and the steel pipe is anchored at the base to the basement rock.
Borehole Extensometer
Borehole Extensometer
Borehole extensometers are highly sensitive instruments which measure aquifer compaction. This infographic explains the various parts of a borehole extensometer, and is modeled after the USGS extensometer at Nansemond, Virginia.
Borehole Extensometer
Borehole extensometers are highly sensitive instruments which measure aquifer compaction. This infographic explains the various parts of a borehole extensometer, and is modeled after the USGS extensometer at Nansemond, Virginia.
Glacial Isostatic Adjustment
Glacial isostacy is the upward or downward land motion caused by the weight of ice sheets deforming the Earth's crust. The weight of the ice sheet deforms the underlying crust downward and displaces the underlying lithosphere, creating an indentation.
Glacial isostacy is the upward or downward land motion caused by the weight of ice sheets deforming the Earth's crust. The weight of the ice sheet deforms the underlying crust downward and displaces the underlying lithosphere, creating an indentation.
Aquifer compaction and land subsidence
This animated infographic shows how aquifer compaction can lead to land subsidence. When water is pumped from a confined aquifer faster than it can recharge, the water pressure in the aquifer begins to decrease. As water pressure decreases, both the confining layers and the aquifers themselves can start to compact under the weight of the overlying sediments.
This animated infographic shows how aquifer compaction can lead to land subsidence. When water is pumped from a confined aquifer faster than it can recharge, the water pressure in the aquifer begins to decrease. As water pressure decreases, both the confining layers and the aquifers themselves can start to compact under the weight of the overlying sediments.
Science and Products
Effects of Abandoned Coal Mine Drainage in the New River Gorge
Many abandoned historic mines surround the New River Gorge. Untreated water draining from these mines has the potential to alter the temperature and water quality of nearby creeks and rivers. Remediation and restoration has been proposed for many of these abandoned mines. However, the cold water seeping out of these mines may also create wetland areas along the flat mine benches which were cut...
Animations
Animations
Infographics
Infographics
Filter Total Items: 13
Virginia Extensometers Depth Comparison
How Deep Do We Drill?
Sedimentation and Lake Infilling
When water slows down, such as when it flows from a creek into a lake, suspended sediment can drop out of suspension and settle on the lake bed.
When water slows down, such as when it flows from a creek into a lake, suspended sediment can drop out of suspension and settle on the lake bed.
Lake Accotink Infilling
Lake Accotink is a 55 acre lake in Fairfax county which suffers from high rates of sedimentation. As the lake fills with sediment, it loses volume. This animations shows how the lake might continue to lose volume over time if dredging does not continue.
Lake Accotink is a 55 acre lake in Fairfax county which suffers from high rates of sedimentation. As the lake fills with sediment, it loses volume. This animations shows how the lake might continue to lose volume over time if dredging does not continue.
Lake Accotink Sediment Flow
Lake Accotink is a 55 acre lake in Fairfax county which suffers from high rates of sedimentation. The lake is fed by Accotink Creek, which includes the Long Branch tributary. These two streams deliver most of the sediment to Lake Accotink.
Lake Accotink is a 55 acre lake in Fairfax county which suffers from high rates of sedimentation. The lake is fed by Accotink Creek, which includes the Long Branch tributary. These two streams deliver most of the sediment to Lake Accotink.
Groundwater Response to Seismic Waves
Earthquakes can sometimes cause rapid changes in water levels. As seismic waves travel through rock formations, they can squeeze and stretch the rocks. This deformation can cause groundwater levels in aquifers to rise and fall, and it can rapidly force water in and out of nearby wells.
Earthquakes can sometimes cause rapid changes in water levels. As seismic waves travel through rock formations, they can squeeze and stretch the rocks. This deformation can cause groundwater levels in aquifers to rise and fall, and it can rapidly force water in and out of nearby wells.
Turbidity
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity. High amounts of suspended solids increase turbidity. The more turbid the water, the less light can penetrate. In turbid waters, aquatic plants may die due to decreased light availability.
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity. High amounts of suspended solids increase turbidity. The more turbid the water, the less light can penetrate. In turbid waters, aquatic plants may die due to decreased light availability.
Nutrient Pollution
Nutrient pollution is caused when excess nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus are introduced into aquatic ecosystems, often due to leaching or surface water runoff. These excess nutrients can contribute to the degradation of downstream ecosystems.
Nutrient pollution is caused when excess nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus are introduced into aquatic ecosystems, often due to leaching or surface water runoff. These excess nutrients can contribute to the degradation of downstream ecosystems.
Turbidity
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity. High amounts of suspended solids increase turbidity. The more turbid the water, the less light can penetrate. In turbid waters, aquatic plants may die due to decreased light availability.
Turbidity is a measure of water clarity. High amounts of suspended solids increase turbidity. The more turbid the water, the less light can penetrate. In turbid waters, aquatic plants may die due to decreased light availability.
Stormwater Runoff in Urban Watersheds
When precipitation falls over urban watersheds, its fate may differ from precipitation that falls over undeveloped, rural or natural watersheds. Different urban land use types can affect strormwater runoff patterns in different ways. There are many potential non-point sources of nutrients, sediment, and other contaminants within urban watersheds.
When precipitation falls over urban watersheds, its fate may differ from precipitation that falls over undeveloped, rural or natural watersheds. Different urban land use types can affect strormwater runoff patterns in different ways. There are many potential non-point sources of nutrients, sediment, and other contaminants within urban watersheds.
Nutrient Pollution
Nutrient pollution is caused when excess nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus are introduced into aquatic ecosystems, often due to leaching or surface water runoff. These excess nutrients can contribute to the degradation of downstream ecosystems.
Nutrient pollution is caused when excess nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus are introduced into aquatic ecosystems, often due to leaching or surface water runoff. These excess nutrients can contribute to the degradation of downstream ecosystems.
Drainage Density
When rainwater falls over a watershed, its fate is determined by multiple factors, such as the relief of the watershed, the permeability of the surface it falls on, the presence and density of plant life, and the drainage density of the watershed.
When rainwater falls over a watershed, its fate is determined by multiple factors, such as the relief of the watershed, the permeability of the surface it falls on, the presence and density of plant life, and the drainage density of the watershed.
Virginia Coastal Plain Aquifer systems
The Virginia Coastal Plain is the relatively flat region east of the fall line characterized by a wedge of coarse permeable sediments with interbedded layers of less-permeable silts and clays that thickens towards the east. The region has multiple layered aquifers, including the Potomac aquifer system.
The Virginia Coastal Plain is the relatively flat region east of the fall line characterized by a wedge of coarse permeable sediments with interbedded layers of less-permeable silts and clays that thickens towards the east. The region has multiple layered aquifers, including the Potomac aquifer system.
Methods of subsidence and sea level rise monitoring
When it comes to measuring land subsidence, sea level rise, and shoreline retreat, the USGS uses a variety of methods, each with their own strengths and drawbacks.
When it comes to measuring land subsidence, sea level rise, and shoreline retreat, the USGS uses a variety of methods, each with their own strengths and drawbacks.
Extensometer - Aquifer Compaction
A borehole extensometer is an instrument that measures vertical land motion caused by changes in aquifer thickness. A borehole is drilled through the entirety of an aquifer system and the steel pipe is anchored at the base to the basement rock.
A borehole extensometer is an instrument that measures vertical land motion caused by changes in aquifer thickness. A borehole is drilled through the entirety of an aquifer system and the steel pipe is anchored at the base to the basement rock.
Borehole Extensometer
A borehole extensometer is an instrument that measures vertical land motion caused by changes in aquifer thickness. A borehole is drilled through the entirety of an aquifer system and the steel pipe is anchored at the base to the basement rock.
A borehole extensometer is an instrument that measures vertical land motion caused by changes in aquifer thickness. A borehole is drilled through the entirety of an aquifer system and the steel pipe is anchored at the base to the basement rock.
Borehole Extensometer
Borehole Extensometer
Borehole extensometers are highly sensitive instruments which measure aquifer compaction. This infographic explains the various parts of a borehole extensometer, and is modeled after the USGS extensometer at Nansemond, Virginia.
Borehole Extensometer
Borehole extensometers are highly sensitive instruments which measure aquifer compaction. This infographic explains the various parts of a borehole extensometer, and is modeled after the USGS extensometer at Nansemond, Virginia.
Glacial Isostatic Adjustment
Glacial isostacy is the upward or downward land motion caused by the weight of ice sheets deforming the Earth's crust. The weight of the ice sheet deforms the underlying crust downward and displaces the underlying lithosphere, creating an indentation.
Glacial isostacy is the upward or downward land motion caused by the weight of ice sheets deforming the Earth's crust. The weight of the ice sheet deforms the underlying crust downward and displaces the underlying lithosphere, creating an indentation.
Aquifer compaction and land subsidence
This animated infographic shows how aquifer compaction can lead to land subsidence. When water is pumped from a confined aquifer faster than it can recharge, the water pressure in the aquifer begins to decrease. As water pressure decreases, both the confining layers and the aquifers themselves can start to compact under the weight of the overlying sediments.
This animated infographic shows how aquifer compaction can lead to land subsidence. When water is pumped from a confined aquifer faster than it can recharge, the water pressure in the aquifer begins to decrease. As water pressure decreases, both the confining layers and the aquifers themselves can start to compact under the weight of the overlying sediments.