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Summary of Climatic, Geographic, Geologic, and Available Hydrologic Data and Identification of Data Gaps for the Black Bear Creek Watershed of the Pawnee Nation Tribal Jurisdictional Area, Oklahoma

Scientific Investigations Report 2019-5043
Prepared in cooperation with the Pawnee Nation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20195043

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Abstract

The Pawnee Nation is compiling a comprehensive water-management plan for the Pawnee Nation Tribal Jurisdictional Area in north-central Oklahoma. One of the first steps needed in preparing such a plan is a summary and analysis of available hydrologic data and reports that have been published for the area. In phase I of a three-phase, watershed-based approach to summary and analysis of water resources of the Pawnee Nation, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Pawnee Nation and Bureau of Indian Affairs, conducted a literature search and data analysis for the Black Bear Creek watershed within the Pawnee Nation Tribal Jurisdictional Area, referred to herein as the “Black Bear Creek study area.” This report summarizes the available data for the Black Bear Creek study area.

Climatic, geographic, geologic, water-use, and hydrologic data from previously published reports or databases were collected and analyzed for this report. Because of the limited amount of groundwater-quality data for the study area, a field collection of groundwater levels and water samples was conducted. Sixteen wells were identified, and groundwater levels were measured at each well. Eight wells were sampled, and water properties, major ions, and nutrients were measured.

Overall, there are few long-term monitoring stations to help determine trends of surface-water quality, groundwater quality, and groundwater levels across the study area. Establishing and maintaining long-term streamflow, surface-water-quality, groundwater-level, and groundwater-quality monitoring sites would greatly increase the understanding of the water resources in the Black Bear Creek study area. Additionally, water-use estimates would be greatly improved by metering groundwater withdrawals. Establishing hydrologic and water-quality trends and having improved estimates of water use can aid decision makers in the stewardship of the water resources in this area.

This report can aid the Pawnee Nation in prioritization of future projects and serve as a background document for the development of a jurisdiction-wide comprehensive water-management plan.

Suggested Citation

Varonka, M.S., 2019, Summary of climatic, geographic, geologic, and available hydrologic data and identification of data gaps for the Black Bear Creek watershed of the Pawnee Nation Tribal Jurisdictional Area, Oklahoma: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2019–5043, 39 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20195043.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

ISSN: 2328-031X (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods of Analysis
  • Summary of Climatic, Geographic, and Geologic Data
  • Summary of Available Hydrologic Data
  • Identification of Data Gaps
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Summary of climatic, geographic, geologic, and available hydrologic data and identification of data gaps for the Black Bear Creek watershed of the Pawnee Nation Tribal Jurisdictional Area, Oklahoma
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2019-5043
DOI 10.3133/sir20195043
Year Published 2019
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston VA
Contributing office(s) Oklahoma Water Science Center
Description ix, 39 p.
Country United States
State Oklahoma
Other Geospatial Pawnee National Tribal Jurisdictional Area
Online Only (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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