Data Collection at U.S. Geological Survey Stream Gages

Click here to start

Table of Contents

1. Data Collection at U.S. Geological Survey Stream Gages
2. The first USGS gaging station was established on the Rio Grande near Embudo, New Mexico in 1889.
3. Embudo trainees dispersed to collect data in other locations
4. Streamflow Measurements in the East
5. The Embudo Legacy Data collected using nationally consistent, prescribed standards
6. The U.S. Geological Survey currently collects streamflow data at over 7,000 sites
7. Data from over 18,500 locations can be analyzed with confidence
8. The basic piece of data collected at gaging stations is stream STAGE (water level)
9. Stage can be sensed using STILLING WELLS
10. Stage can also be sensed using PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS
11. Stage is usually:
12. Most users of streamflow information need to know the DISCHARGE of the stream
13. Discharge usually measured using the velocity-area method
14. Discharge measurements are used to develop rating curves
15. Discharge must be measured at all stages
16. Discharge measurements during high stages are particularly important
17. To maintain ratings, discharge must be measured regularly
18. Datum must be checked regularly
19. All gaging station data are checked and reviewed regularly
20. Data from USGS gaging stations can be used to meet a variety of needs
21. Current needs
22. Long-term needs
23. PPT Slide
24. Data dissemination
25. Data dissemination
26. USGS continues to pursue use of new technology

• Author: Caroline Frey

• Home Page: http://water.usgs.gov/

• Save this link (Right mouse button in Netscape) to save this presentation as a Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt) file.