The U.S. Geological Survey Program of 1995


Book Description




EcoRegions of Alaska


Book Description

Produced as a framework for organizing and interpreting environmental data for inventory, monitoring, and research efforts. The descriptions of the 20 ecoregions of Alaska contained in this guide were derived by synthesizing information on the geographic distribution of environmental factors such as climate, terrain, soils, and vegetation. The specific procedures and materials used to delineate the ecoregion boundaries are documented, and the environmental characteristics in each ecoregion are described. Accompanied by a full-color oversize map of the ecoregions, their boundaries, and transitional areas. 42 full-color photos.






















Opportunities to Improve the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Assessment Program


Book Description

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) established the National Water Quality Assesment (NAWQA) program in 1985 to assess water quality conditions and trends in representative river basins and aquifers across the United States. With this report, the NRC's Water Science and Technology Board has provided advice to USGS regarding NAWQA five separate times as the program evolved from an unfunded concept to a mature and nationally-recognized program in 2002. This report assesses the program's development and representative accomplishments to date and makes recommendations on opportunities to improve NAWQA as it begins its second decade of nationwide monitoring.