Other Earth Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Waterlogging On Crop And Pasture Production In The Upper Great Southern, Western Australia, J F. Wallace, G A. Wheaton, D J. Mcfarlane

Technical Bulletins

Separate estimates of the effect of waterlogging on cereal yields were made using rainfall and crop yield statistics, and remote sensing. Both methods showed that waterlogging costs tens of millions of dollars each year in lost crop production in the Upper Great Southern Statistical Division. The costs will be over $100 m in wet years. Losses in pasture production are likely to be of a similar magnitude, but are harder to quantify.

Effects Of Seeder Design And Seed Placement On Seedling Size And Cull Rates At Western Forest Nurseries, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Forestry

Nursery plots sown with the Summit Precision Seeder and the Oyjord Seeder were compared with plots oversown and hand thinned to desired spacings. We studied 26 seedlots of nine conifer species at five Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, nurseries. Results varied with nursery, species, and seed characteristics. Thinned plots produced less clumping and fewer gaps between seedlings, but showed little or no difference in seedling size, nor in the number of acceptable seedlings.

A Partial Glossary Of Elk Management Terms, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Forestry

This glossary helps define terms that have been misused during forest planning. Terms that were developed from research on the influences of timber sales and roads during the summer months have been used inappropriately when referring to winter range, hunting seasons, and other conditions. The glossary is based on the results of an "Elk Management Terminology Workshop" held at the University of Montana's Lubrecht Experimental Forest on April 3-4, 1990.

Plant Community Diversity After Herbicide Control Of Spotted Knapweed, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Herbicides and Pesticides

Herbicides were applied to four west-central Montana sites with light to moderate spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa Lam.) infestations. Althought knapweed suppression was high, 2 years after the spraying the communities were not converted to grass monocultures. No large declines in plant diversity were caused by the herbicides, and small depressions were probably transitory. By the third year, diversity had increased.

Aminostratigraphy And Oxygen Isotope Stratigraphy Of Marine Terrace Deposits Palos Verdes Hills And San Pedro Areas Los Angeles County California, Daniel R. Muhs, Gifford H. Miller, Joseph F. Whelean, George L. Kennedy

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

Amino acid and oxygen isotope data for fossils from terraces of the Palos Verdes Hills and San Pedro areas in Los Angeles County California shed new light on the ages of terraces sea level history marine paleotemperatures and late Quaternary tectonics in this region Low terraces on the Palos Verdes peninsula correlate with the 80 ka and 125 ka sea level highstands that are also recorded as terraces on other coasts In San Pedro the Palos Verdes sand the deposit on what is mapped as the first terrace by Woodring and others 1946 was previously thought to be a single …

The Last Interglacial-Glacial Transition In North America: Evidence From Uranium-Series Dating Of Coastal Deposits, Daniel R. Muhs

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

Considerable uncertainty exists as to whether the last interglacial was relatively "short" (~10 ka) or "long" (-20-60 ka), although most investigators generally agree that the last interglacial correlates with all or part of deep-sea oxygen-isotope stage 5. A compilation of reliable U-series ages of marine terrace corals from deposits that have been correlated with isotope stage 5 indicates that there were three relatively high sea-level stands at ca 125-120 ka, ca. 105 ka, and ca. 85-80 ka, and these ages agree with the times of high sea level predicted by the Milankovitch orbital-forcing theory. At a number of localities, however, …

Sr-Isotope Record Of Quaternary Marine Terraces On The California Coast And Off Hawaii, Kenneth R. Ludwig, Daniel R. Muhs, Kathleen R. Simmons, James G. Moore

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

Strontium-isotopic ratios of dated corals have been obtained from submerged reefs formed during Quaternary glacial periods off the Hawaiian islands. These data, combined with data from deep-sea sediments, tightly constrain the secular variation of marine ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr for the past 800,000 yr. Although long-term trends are apparent, no significant (>0.02‰), rapid (<100,000 yr) excursions in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr were resolved nor did we observe any samples with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr greater than that of modern seawater. Strontium in mollusks from elevated marine terraces formed during interglacial periods on the southern California coast show resolvable and consistent variations in …

Flood Insurance Study, City Of Bountiful, Utah, Davis County, Federal Emergency Management Agency

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

This Flood Insurance Study revises and updates a previous Flood Insurance Study/Flood Insurance Rate map for City of Bountiful, Davis County, Utah. This information will be used by the City of Bountiful to update existing floodplain regulations as part of the Regular Phase of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The information will also be used by local and regional planners to further promote sound land use and floodplain development.

Chemical Analyses Of Water From Selected Wells And Springs In The Yucca Mountain Area, Nevada And Southeastern California, P. W. Mckinley, M. P. Long, Larry Benson

United States Geological Survey: Publications

Chemical analysis of water samples from 279 wells and springs in the Yucca Mountain area are presented. Where data are available, this report includes: site location expressed as Nevada Central Coordinates and latitude and longitude; source of data; name of analyzing laboratory; geologic unit from which water was obtained; lithology; water use; elevation of well or spring; well depth; depth to water; time pumped before taking the sample; yield; type of filtration; sampling method; date the sample was collected; and anion-cation balance.

Yucca Mountain, Nevada (fig. 1), is being investigated by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. …

Eolian Sand Deposits In Maine, Joshua Katz

Maine Collection

Eolian Sand Deposits in Maine

by Joshua Katz - Timson, Schepps & Peters, Inc., Hallowell, Maine

Planning Report No.91, August 1990.

"A report prepared for the Maine Critical Areas Program, State Planning Office."

Contents: List of Figures / List of Maps and Tables / Acknowledgements / Introduction / Inland Eolian Sand Deposits / Research Methods / Rating Methods / Significant Criteria / Summary of Results / Significant Eolian Deposits in Maine / Site Descriptions / Recommendations / Glossary / References Cited

Sage Grouse Status And Recovery Plan For Strawberry Valley, Utah, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Wildlife Conservation and Management

Since 1939, an estimated 3,000 sage grouse in Strawberry Valley, UT, have declined to some 180 birds, mainly because of reservoir construction and eradication of big sagebrush to promote livestock forage. A 4-year study of numbers and movements of radio-tagged grouse has provided the basis for a recovery program calling for rejuvenation of big sagebrush and forbs important to grouse, replacement of mating grounds lost to human activities, consideration of sage grouse biology in management decisions, and formation of a sage grouse recovery team.

Flood Insurance Study Morgan County, Utah, Unincorporated Areas, Federal Emergency Management Agency

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

This Flood Insurance Study investigates the existence and severity of flood hazards in the unincorporated areas of Morgan County, Utah, and aids in the administration of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. This study has developed flood risk data for various areas of the community that will be used to establish actuarial flood insurance rates and assist the community in its efforts to promote sound floodplain management. Minimum floodplain managment requirements for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations at 44 …

Predicting Equilibrium Moisture Content Of Some Foliar Forest Litter In The Northern Rocky Mountains, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Forestry

Forest foliage that comprises much of the forest floor litter has higher equilibrium moisture content, EMC, than woody components. The EMC's at 300 degrees K were found to increase as follows: grasses < fir-spruce needles < pine-cedar needles < aspen leaves-larch needles. Equations that express Gibbs free energy associated with moisture content were used to develop regression equations that predict the EMC's from temperature and relative humidity, RH, for temperatures between 278 degrees K (40 degrees F) and 322 degrees K (120 degrees F) and RH's between 10 and 90 percent.

Incidence Of Compression Wood And Stem Eccentricity In Lodgepole Pine Of North America, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Forestry

Trees 76 mm d.b.h. had higher stem-average percentage of compression wood than those 152 mm or 228 mm d.b.h. Latifolia had less compression wood (5.5 percent) than murrayana (7.7 percent). In both varieties, stem sections from 45° through 50° latitude were proportionally more free of compression wood than sections from other latitudes. Transverse stem sections typically displayed a main body of compression wood opposite an eccentrically located pith. Percentage of compression wood tended to be higher in stems that were out of round and close to ground level, and if pith was eccentric, specific gravity high, and moisture content low. …

Pine Hollow Exclosures: Effect Of Browsing On An Aspen Community Sprayed With 2, 4-D, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Forestry

The Pine Hollow aspen (Populus tremuloides) exclosures on the Ashley National Forest in eastern Utah were sampled in 1984, 19 years after they were established. The effects of 2, 4-D, wildlife, and cattle on plant succession were evaluated. Two exclosures were used to protect the sprayed area from (1) all animal use and (2) only livestock use. A third sprayed area was left open for use by all animals. The aspen overstory was killed as a result of spraying, with sufficient reproduction occurring to restock the stand. However, animal use drastically altered the aspen reproduction, as well as the understory …

Relative Corrosivity Of Currently Approved Wildland Fire Chemicals, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Wildfires

From the early stages of the development of chemicals for wildland fire control, damage from fire retardant corrosion was recognized as a serious problem. Extensive damage was done to equipment used in the handling, mixing, storing, and delivery of retardants (Davis and Phillips 1965; USDA FS 1964a). Corrosion-related damage, especially to aircraft, creates unsafe conditions. Preventing this damage reduces the potential risk of injury and death; moreover, everyone benefits from reduced expenditures for equipment repair and replacement.

Assessment Of Nongame Bird Habitat Using Forest Survey Data, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Wildlife Conservation and Management

Forest Survey data have potential for use in obtaining information on the condition and diversity of the Nation's forest resources relevant to wildlife habitat that is needed for planning and monitoring at State and regional levels. In this study, Forest Survey data were used to assess nongame bird habitat potential based on food and shelter requirements on 24 plots. These assessments were then evaluated using bird numbers. Results of the analyses showed some correlation of bird numbers with tree canopy variables, and illustrate the potential for using Forest Survey data for wildlife habitat assessment, for identifying opportunities to improve habitat …

Geochemistry Of Selected Maine Peat Deposits, Stephen A. Norton

Maine Collection

Geochemistry of Selected Maine Peat Deposits

by Steven Allen Norton

Maine Geological Survey, Department of Conservation, Augusta, Maine, 1990.

Contents: Introduction / Purpose of Study / Location of Study Sites / Methods / Acknowledgements / Results / Water Chemistry / Dating of Short Cores / Chemistry of Short Cores / Core Interpretations / Summary / References Cited

Mining In Maine : Past, Present, And Future, Carolyn A. Lepage

Maine Collection

Mining in Maine : Past, Present, and Future

by Carolyn A. Lepage, Michael E. Foley, and Woodrow B. Thompson

Maine Geological Survey, Department of Conservation, Augusta, Me., 1990.

Contents: Introduction / The Early Years: Pre-Civil War / The Civil War to World War II / The War Years of the 1940's / The Postwar Years: 1940's to 1960 / The 1960's / The 1970's / Maine Mineral Resources Association / The 1980's / Current Mining and Exploration / Future Potential / Acknowledgments / References

Bed Load Measurements: Nottawasaga River And Selected Tributaries, Ontario, Canada, Marylou B. Burkard

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Between July, 1989 and March, 1990, bed load samples were taken from ten bridge sites on the Nottawasaga River and three of its tributaries. The Helley-Smith Sampler was used to collect bed load samples, the DH-48 Suspended Sediment sampler was used to sample the suspended load, and velocity estimates were obtained with a Marsh-McBirney Model 512M electromagnetic current meter. Results show that the Pine River, which is a tributary of the Nottawasaga River, had higher bed load transport rates than the Nottawasaga River. The other tributaries, Willow Creek and Boyne River, transported less. During the summer and fall, bed load …

Significant Bedrock Features Of The Maine Coast : Boothbay To Calais, Carol White, A. M. Hussey Ii

Maine Collection

Significant Bedrock Features of the Maine Coast : Boothbay to Calais

Carol White and A.M.Hussey II

Planning Report # 85

A Report Prepared for the Maine Critical Areas Program, Maine State Planning Office, 184 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04333 (September 1989).

Contents: Introduction / Types of Significant Features / Description and Interpretation of Geologic Features / Overview of the Geology of Coastal Maine / Criteria for Significant Geological Localities / Inventory Methods / Area Descriptions / Site Descriptions / Conclusions and Recommendations / References

Habitat Use And Diet Analysis Of Breeding Common Barn Owls In Western Nebraska, Joseph A. Gubanyi M.S.

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

I studied barn owl (Tyto alba) breeding biology in western Nebraska 1984-1986. I had greatest success capturing males (56% success) at night using trap doors at nest sites and females (91 % success) using hoop nets at nest sites during the day. Barn owls removed 16 of 23 tail-mounted radios. Eight birds were radio-tracked for 7-14.5 hours. The mean foraging range was 198 ha (32- 299 ha, n = 8) with < 1 % overlap among birds from adjacent nest sites. Field-tested telemetry error was high (mean displacements of radio-locations for 2 birds were 208 and 241 m). I found no relationship between percent cover in foraging habitat and reproductive success. I identified 10,140 prey items from 15 nest sites and found both annual and seasonal variation in barn owl diets. Microtus ochrogaster occurred most frequently (32.7%) and increased in the diet from 17.6 to 27.2 to 43.5% 1984-1986. M. ochrogaster and Perognathus hispidus annual frequencies were …

Flood Insurance Study, City Of Tooele, Utah, Tooele County, Federal Emergency Management Agency

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

This Flood Insurance Study investigates the existence and severity of flood hazards in the City of Tooele, Tooele County, Utah, and aids in the administration of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. This study will be used to establish actuarial flood insurance rates and assist the community in its efforts to promote sound flood plain management. Minimum flood plain management requirements for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations at 44 CFR, 60.3.

Flood Insurance Study, Weber County, Utah, Unincorporated Areas, Federal Emergency Management Agency

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

This Flood Insurance Study investigates the existence and severity of flood hazards in the unincorporated areas of Weber County, Utah, and aids in the administration of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. This study will be used to convert Weber County to the regular program of flood insurance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Local and regional planners will use this study in their efforts to promote sound flood plain management.

Native Species Establishment On An Oil Drill Pad Site In The Uintah Mountains, Utah: Effects Of Introduced Grass Density And Fertilizer, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Habitat Ecology

This study examined the effects of introduced grass seeding density and fertilizer on native species establishment on an oil drill pad site in the Uintah Mountains, UT. Differences in first-year seedling density and 3-year standing crop biomass among treatments were evaluated for seeded introduced grasses and native species and for unseeded colonizers. Aerial cover was measured all 3 years and the effects of fertilization on soil NO3-N, available P, and exchangeable K were examined 2 years after application. Recommendations for reclamation of similar sites are given.

Mule Deer Diets On A Chained And Seeded Central Utah Pinyon-Juniper Range, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Forestry

Study of the seasonal use by mule deer of some native and introduced species on a pinyon-juniper restoration project showed that woody species made up the bulk of pellet samples, followed by forbs and grasses. Land managers are advised on seeding and grazing practices for enhancing big game habitats.

Effects Of Prescribed Fire On Biomass And Plant Succession In Western Aspen, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Forestry

Biomass of grasses, forbs, shrubs, and aspen suckers was determined annually for three prescribed fires in aspen and aspen-conifer forests in southeastern Idaho and western Wyoming. Fires ranged from low to high severity and overstory mortality from 20 to 100 percent. Over 4 postburn years, production of grasses and forbs averaged 1.5 to 3.3 times that of controls. After 5 years, shrub biomass was 21 to 100 percent of preburn biomass. The varied patterns of seral vegetation and their management implications are discussed.

Mtclim: A Mountain Microclimate Simulation Model, United States Department Of Agriculture, Forest Service

Forestry

A model for calculating daily microclimate conditions in mountainous terrain is presented. Daily air temperature, shortwave radiation, relative humidity, and precipitation are extrapolated from data measured at National Weather Service stations. The model equations are given and the paper describes how to execute the model. Model outputs are compared with observed date from several mountain sites.

The Uranium-Trend Dating Method: Principles And Application For Southern California Marine Terrace Deposits, Daniel R. Muhs, John N. Rosholt, Charles L. Bush

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

Uranium-trend dating is an open-system method for age estimation of Quaternary sediments, using disequilibrium in the ²³⁸U–²³⁴U–²³⁰Th decay series. The technique has been applied to alluvium, colluvium, loess, till, and marine sediments, in this study we tested the U-trend dating method on calcareous marine terrace deposits from the Palos Verdes Hills and San Nicolas Island, California. Independent age estimates indicate that terraces in these areas range from –80 ka to greater than 1.0 Ma. Two low terraces on San Nicolas Island yielded U-trend plots that have a clustered array of points and the ages of …

A Field Perspective On Groundwater Contamination, John A. Cherry

Maine Collection

A Field Perspective on Groundwater Contamination

Geological Society of Maine Distinguished Lecturer John Cherry, University of Waterloo, Ontario, sponsored by the Department of Geosciences, University of Southern Maine, 19th May 1988.

Contents: Lecture 1 : Contaminant Migration Processes Illustrated by Field Experiments / Lecture 2 : Behavior of Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids, Illustrated by Lab Experiments and Conceptual Examples / Lecture 3 : Field Case Histories on Groundwater Contamination / Lecture 4 : Hydrogeological Concepts and Criteria for Waste Disposal / Waterloo Center for Groundwater Research Publications List