Hydrologic reconnaissance of the eastern North Slope, Alaska, 1975

Open-File Report 77-492
By: , and 

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Abstract

The part of the Arctic coast of Alaska between the Colville River and the Canadian boundary was visited in April, August, and November 1975. The study area is characterized by its cold climate and is largely uninhabited, but oil and gas discoveries have spurred development of parts of the area. Sensible, coordinated development requires information about water resources. The purpose of the April reconnaissance was to locate winter streamflow and describe its quantity and quality. A followup summer trip was made in August to determine the flood characteristics of selected streams by measuring channel geometry in relation to bankfull discharge and the maximum evident flood and by estimating channel roughness. In addition, one lake was sampled, the discharge of a few springs was measured, and samples of spring water were taken. Because streamflow in August was assumed to be representative of normal summer flow, water quality was examined in streams for which flood surveys had been made. Samples of aquatic invertebrate populations were taken from most sites on the April and August trips. Another reconnaissance trip from Prudhoe Bay east to Canada was made in November to measure discharge in selected streams and springs, to measure ice thickness and water depth in selected lakes, and to collect water samples for water-quality analyses. Tables of data, photographs, and maps are included. (Woodard-USGS)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Hydrologic reconnaissance of the eastern North Slope, Alaska, 1975
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 77-492
DOI 10.3133/ofr77492
Year Published 1977
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description 77 p.
Country United States
State Alaska
County North Slope
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