Spatially Referenced Models of Streamflow and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Suspended-Sediment Loads in Streams of the Southwestern United States
Links
- Document: Report (21.4 MB pdf)
- Application Site: Mapping application – Online mapping tool to explore 2012 SPARROW Models
- Companion Files:
- SIR 2019–5112 – Spatially Referenced Models of Streamflow and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Suspended-Sediment Loads in Streams of the Pacific Region of the United States
- SIR 2019–5114 – Spatially Referenced Models of Streamflow and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Suspended-Sediment Loads in Streams of the Midwestern United States
- SIR 2019–5118 – Spatially Referenced Models of Streamflow and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Suspended-Sediment Loads in Streams of the Northeastern United States
- SIR 2019–5135 – Spatially Referenced Models of Streamflow and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Suspended-Sediment Loads in Streams of the Southeastern United States
- Data Releases:
- USGS data release – SPARROW model inputs and simulated streamflow, nutrient and suspended-sediment loads in streams of the Southwestern United States, 2012 base year
- USGS data release
- Version History: Version History
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Given the predicted imbalance between water supply and demand in the Southwest region of the United States, and the widespread problems with excessive nutrients and suspended sediment, there is a growing need to quantify current streamflow and water quality conditions throughout the region. Furthermore, current monitoring stations exist at a limited number of locations, and many streams lack streamflow and water quality information. SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) models were developed for hydrologic conditions representative of 2012 in order to understand how climate, land use, and other landscape characteristics control the yields of water, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and suspended sediment across the Southwest region. The calibration data (mean annual streamflow and loads) for each of the four SPARROW models were based on continuous streamflow and discrete water-quality observations from throughout the region. Explanatory variables for the models consisted of regional datasets representing a range of potential sources of streamflow, nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment, and processes that control the transport from land to water and attenuate loads within streams and waterbodies. Calibration and explanatory data were referenced to a surface water drainage network that allowed for routing and transport of water and loads through the region. The model results showed that wastewater discharge is the largest contributor to total nitrogen and total phosphorus yield from the Southwest region and forest land is the largest contributor to suspended-sediment yield, but that other sources such as atmospheric nitrogen deposition, agricultural runoff, and runoff from developed land are locally important across the region. The results from this study could complement research and inform water-quality management activities in the Southwest region. Examples might include identifying potentially impaired waterbodies and guiding remediation efforts where impairment has been documented, explaining the spatial patterns in harmful algal blooms, and providing estimates of sediment and nutrient loadings where such data are scarce or non-existent.
Suggested Citation
Wise, D.R., Anning, D.W., and Miller, O.L., 2019, Spatially referenced models of streamflow and nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment transport in streams of the southwestern United States (ver. 1.1, June 2020): U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2019-5106, 66 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20195106.
ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Foreword
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Study Area Description
- Methods
- Model Calibration Results And Predictions
- Discussion
- Summary
- Acknowledgments
- References Cited
- Appendix 1
- Appendix 2
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Spatially referenced models of streamflow and nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended-sediment transport in streams of the southwestern United States |
| Series title | Scientific Investigations Report |
| Series number | 2019-5106 |
| DOI | 10.3133/sir20195106 |
| Edition | Version 1.0: January 7, 2020; Version 1.1: June 2, 2020 |
| Year Published | 2019 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Oregon Water Science Center, Utah Water Science Center |
| Description | Report: viii, 66 p.; Data Release |
| Country | United States |
| Other Geospatial | Southwestern United States |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |