How do I get data from USGS?
If you are looking for a particular data set and cannot find it through Internet searches or our Science Data Catalog, please call USGS Science Information Services toll-free at 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747) or use this website to send us a message or to initiate a live Web chat with a Science Information Specialist.
What does the USGS real time water data tell us?
Nationally, USGS surface-water data includes more than 850,000 station years of time-series data that describe stream levels, streamflow (discharge), reservoir and lake levels, surface-water quality, and rainfall.
What is streamflow data?
Streamflow data are a recorded sample from a much larger period of flows, most of which were not “observed. �� We use streamflow statistics to mathematically manipulate discharge data in order to generate ideas about the larger (longer) “population” of streamflow at a site based on the record (sample).
Why is streamflow important?
Stream flow, or discharge, is the volume of water that moves over a designated point over a fixed period of time. It is important because of its impact on water quality and on the living organisms and habitats in the stream.
What is USGS data?
USGS is a primary source of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Data. Our data and information is presented in a spatially and geographically including The National Map, Earth Explorer, GloVIS, LandsatLook, and much more.
How do I download USGS streamflow data?
To download historical daily data, use the daily data link at NWIS website (you can directly use the following link: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/sw). Select historical observations, and in the next section, check the site number as the selection criterion, and press the Submit button.
How do you calculate the flow rate of a river?
Multiply the average depth of the stream by the width of the stream to find the area in ft2. Divide the distance traveled by the average travel time to find the velocity of the stream in ft/sec. Multiply the velocity of the stream by a correction factor.
How does the USGS collect streamflow data?
The Water Level is Measured and Recorded A stilling well (pictured at right) is used when a gage house can be built immediately adjacent to a river. The well is connected to the stream with pipes so that when the water level in the stream changes, the water level in the well also changes.
Is streamflow the same as discharge?
Although stage is valuable information for some purposes, most users of streamgage data are interested in streamflow or discharge—the amount of water flowing in the stream or river, commonly expressed in cubic feet per second or gallons per day.
How does streamflow affect water quality?
Flow directly affects the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water. The amount of sediment and debris a stream can carry also depends on its flow since higher velocity increases stream bank and stream channel scouring and erosion, and also keeps particulate materials suspended in the water.