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A Multiscale Approach for Monitoring Groundwater Discharge to Headwater Streams by the U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing System Program—An Example From the Neversink Reservoir Watershed, New York

Fact Sheet 2022-3077
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20223077

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Abstract

Groundwater-stream connectivity across mountain watersheds is critical for supporting streamflow during dry times and keeping streams cool during warm times, yet U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream measurements are often sparse in headwaters. Starting in 2019, the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System Program developed a multiscale methods and technology testbed approach to monitoring groundwater discharge to streams in the Neversink Reservoir watershed in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Groundwater discharge dynamics are complex across space and time because of geographic variability, topography, and preferential groundwater flow patterns, and the monitoring of discharge processes necessitates an innovative approach that includes emerging water tracing methods and enhanced local geologic mapping. This fact sheet describes the multiscale monitoring approach applied in the Neversink Reservoir watershed and specifically how the varied data types are complimentary in understanding groundwater-stream connectivity, with elements transferable to other mountain watersheds.

Suggested Citation

Briggs, M.A., Gazoorian, C.L., Doctor, D.H., and Burns, D.A., 2022, A multiscale approach for monitoring groundwater discharge to headwater streams by the U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing System Program—An example from the Neversink Reservoir watershed, New York: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2022–3077, 6 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20223077.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

ISSN: 2327-6916 (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • What Is Groundwater Discharge and Why Measure It Along Mountain Headwater Streams?
  • Multiscale Groundwater Monitoring in the Neversink Reservoir Watershed
  • Expanding Application of Multiscale Monitoring
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A multiscale approach for monitoring groundwater discharge to headwater streams by the U.S. Geological Survey Next Generation Water Observing System Program—An example from the Neversink Reservoir watershed, New York
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2022-3077
DOI 10.3133/fs20223077
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New York Water Science Center, WMA - Observing Systems Division, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
Description 6 p.
Country United States
State New York
Other Geospatial Neversink Reservoir Watershed
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details