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Prioritizing US Geological Survey science on salinization and salinity in candidate and selected priority river
Christopher H Conaway1, Nancy T Baker2, Craig J Brown3
1US Geological Survey, Water Resources Mission Area, Moffett Field, CA, USA. cconaway@usgs.gov.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|December 16, 2024
Summary
The US Geological Survey prioritized 163 basins for studying water quality, focusing on salinity and salinization. This research identifies key sources, drivers, and impacts to guide water resource management and conservation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology
- Water Quality Assessment
Background:
- The US Geological Survey (USGS) identifies Integrated Water Science basins for intensive study.
- Previous work quantitatively assessed basins facing human-caused water resource challenges.
- This study focuses on water quality, specifically salinity and salinization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore a ranking process for selecting basins based on salinity and salinization.
- To identify candidate basins for studying salinity and salinization issues across 18 hydrologic regions.
- To present potential USGS research activities for these prioritized basins.
Main Methods:
- Selected 163 candidate basins across 18 hydrologic regions.
- Prioritized basins using a quantitative assessment of salinity sources, drivers, and receptors.
- Included factors like geology, groundwater depth, stream conductivity, land use, road salt, and irrigation as sources.
Main Results:
- Identified top candidate basins for salinity and salinization research.
- Developed a prioritization framework based on quantitative assessments.
- Incorporated diverse factors including environmental and socioeconomic elements.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a scientifically defensible method for prioritizing basins for water quality research.
- The identified basins and research activities will aid in understanding and managing salinity and salinization.
- This work supports the USGS's mission in water resource monitoring and assessment.
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