Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Kernel Quantile Function Estimator For Flood Frequency Analysis, Young-Ii Moon, Upmanu Lall

Reports

A kernel estimator (KQ) of the quantile function is presented here. Boundary kernels are used for extrapolation of tail quantiles. The bandwidth of the estimator is chosen using an automatic, "plus-in" method. Confidence intervals for the estimated quantile are estimated by bootstrapping. Comparisons of the estimator with selected tail probability estimators are offered. The KQ estimator presented here is shown to be competitive with other estimators.

Effectiveness Determination Of Two Different Water-Saving Devices For Toilet Tanks, C. Earl Israelsen, Gilberto Urroz

Reports

Introduction: The project was successful in obtaining eight different brands of new toilet tanks in the 3.5 gals-per-flish-bariety, and two used ones requiring 5.0 gals per flish. The tanks were installed on a t atime on a padded stell frame and connected to a water supply. The float was adjusted to maintain the water in the tank at the level recommended by the manufacturer. When the flush and shut-off mechanisms were adjusted properly, the testing begain.

Development Of Mountain Climate Generator And Snowpack Model For Erosion Predictions In The Western United States Using Wepp: Phase Iv, David S. Bowles, U. Lall, D. G. Tarboton, E. Malek, B. Rajagopalan, T. Chowdhury, E. Kluzak

Reports

Executive Summary: Introduction: This report summarizes work conducted during the funding period (December 1, 1991 through September 30, 1992) of a Research Joint Venture Agreement between the Intermountain Research Station, Forest Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture and the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL), Utah State University (USU). The purpose of the agreement is to develop a Western Mountain Cilmate Generator (MCLIGEN) similar in function to the existing (non-orographic area) Climate Generator (CLIGEN), which is part of the Water Erosion Prediciton Project (WEPP) procedure. Aso, we are developing a Western U.S. Snowpack Simulation Model for includsion in WEPP. In the …

Interpretation Of Drill Log Data: Dlog3d - A Probabilistic Tool For Analyzing Subsurface Soil Variability, Alaa El-Din Ali, Upmanu Lall

Reports

Groundwater contamination potential is directly related to the location of zones of high hydraulic conductivity. Sedimentary depositional environments can be quite complex. Pockets of sand of varying thickness and orientation may be scattered over the aquifer. A contaminant pathway can esist where these pockets or lenses are interconnected. Aquifer pump tests do not provide useful information on the occurrence of such lenses. Drill log data directly sample the soil, but may represent very local sections of the aquifer, and are of relatively poor quality. Here we present a methodology (DLOG3D) that allows a probabilistic interpretation of drill log data that …

Sediment Characterization Of North Atlantic Systems, New England, Maynard M. Nichols, Caroline Brouwer-Riel

Reports

The estuarine systems selected are from the NOAA National Estuarine Inventory in the North Atlantic region (Figure 1). The principal spatial unit of each system is the estuarine drainage area (EDA) defined in the NEI data atlas (U.S. NOAA, 1985). The sediment distributions embrace the estuarine bottom area, i.e. from the head of tides to the mouth where the estuary meets the ocean, bay or sound as determined by physiographic features (U.S. NOAA, 1985). Data coverage embraces whole estuaries and far-field distributions. Chart scales are smaller than 1:80,000 and chart units larger than 0.06 square kilometer.

Nutrient Limitation In The Chesapeake Bay : Nutrient Bioassays In The Virginia Bay System: Final Report, Leonard W. Haas, Richard L. Wetzel

Reports

Nutrient enrichment bioassays were conducted on water samples collected from six stations in the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay system on a monthly basis over a year. Two stations were located in the tidal freshwater portions of the Rappahannock and James Rivers, at the mouths of these rivers and in the mainstem of the Bay. The purpose of the experiments was to determine the spatial and temporal pattern of nutrient limitation of phytoplankton growth.

Wetlands Guidelines, Department Of Wetlands Ecology, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, Habitat Management Division, Virginia Marine Resources Commission

Reports

No abstract provided.

A Feasibility Study Of Detached Breakwater Designs Using A Combined Refraction/Diffraction Wave Model, Virginia Beach, Virginia, John D. Boon

Reports

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, together with management agencies in the commonwealth, has a continuing interest in the matter of beach preserva~ion along Virginia's Atlantic coastline. This interest is particularly acute along the coastline fronting the resort city of Virginia Beach, Virginia, where some 225,000 cubic meters of artificial sand nourishment are required each year to maintain recreational beaches. Wright et al.(1987), in their detailed report on beach dynamics from Cape Henry to False Cape, have stated that offshore loss of sand is a major cause of shoreline erosion in the Virginia Beach sector. Because of the narrowness and …

Public Beach Assessment Report Ocean Park Beach, Virginia Beach, Virginia, C. Scott Hardaway Jr., Donna A. Milligan, George R. Thomas

Reports

No abstract provided.

Chesapeake Bay Wave Climate : Thimble Shoal Light Wave Station, Report And Summary Of Wave Observations, October 8, 1990 Through August 22, 1991 And Chesapeake Light Tower - Vims Star Gage Test Measurements And Evaluation, July, August, October 1991, John D. Boon, D. A. Hepworth, K. D. Suh, F. H. Farmer

Reports

This report also presents a description of a directional wave gaging system, known as a "Star" gage, that is designed for long-term, low-maintenance operation both within and immediately outside the Chesapeake Bay entrance area. This development was prompted by our dependence to date on the single-point, PUV-type directional wave gage described below. While ideally suited for short-term investigative studies at different sites, the PUV directional wave gage requires field service visits at monthly intervals to maintain adequate performance and uninterrupted operation. A prototype Star gage system was constructed and field tested to evaluate its potential use as a long-term and …

Distribution Of Aeschynomene Virginica In The Scotland Landing Region Of The Mattaponi River, Virginia, James E. Perry

Reports

The distribution and population densities of a federal listed threatened plant species, the northern joint vetch (Aeschynomene virginica), was determined and mapped in the vicinity of a proposed Mattaponi River water withdrawal structure. The proposed study was intended to determine the size, limits, and density of extant populations of the northern joint vetch in the project area, and to investigate the possible impacts the project may have on the extant populations. Where necessary, . possible mitigation procedures are discussed.

Investigation Of Potential Distribution Of Aeschynomene Virginica In The Tidal Wetlands Of Ware Creek, Virginia : Final Report, James E. Perry

Reports

The distribution and population densities of a federal listed threatened plant species, the northern joint vetch (Aeschynomene virginica), was determined in the vicinity of the proposed Ware Creek Reservoir site in James City County and New Kent County, Virginia. The proposed study was intended to determine the size, limits, and density of extant populations of the northern joint vetch in the project area, and to investigate the possible impacts the project may have on the extant populations. Where necessary, possible mitigation procedures are discussed.

Distribution Of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation In The Chesapeake Bay And Tributaries And Chincoteague Bay - 1991, R J. Orth, Judith F. Nowak, Gary F. Anderson, Kevin P. Kiley, Jennifer R. Whiting

Reports

No abstract provided.

Chesapeake Bay Wave Climate : Wolf Trap Wave Station, Report And Summary Of Wave Observations November 6, 1989 Through August 2, 1990, John D. Boon, D. A. Hepworth, F. H. Farmer

Reports

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, has identified as one of its major goals the systematic study of hydrodynamic processes that affect recreational, shoreline and benthic resources in the coastal zone of the Commonwealth. In pursuit of that goal, a long-term study of the wave climate in the Virginia portion of Chesapeake Bay was initiated in 1988 with support from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration through the Coastal Zone Management Program administered by the Virginia Council on the Environment (Grant No. NA89AA-D-CZ134).

An Assessment Of Wildlife Utilization Between A Man-Made Marsh, An Adjacent Natural Marsh, And A Nearby Natural Marsh In Virginia, Kirk J. Havens, Lyle M. Varnell, Julie G. Bradshaw

Reports

The present study investigates the functions and values of man-made and natural tidal wetlands. The study is among the first to use simultaneous sampling techniques to investigate animal use preference between man-made and adjacent natural tidal wetlands.

Status Of The Public Oyster Resource Of Virginia - Fall 1992, Bruce J. Barber

Reports

oysters have been harvested from Virginia waters as long as humans have i):'lhabited the area. Depletion of natural stocks in the late 1880's led to the establishment of regulations by public fisheries agencies. A survey of bottom areas in which oysters grew naturally was completed in 1896 under the direction of Lt. Baylor, USN. These areas (over 243,000 acres) were set aside by legislative action for public use and have come to be known as the Baylor survey Grounds or Public oyster Grounds of Virginia, and are presently administered by the Virginia Marine Resources commission (VMRC). Twice a year the …

A Three-Dimensional Circulation Model For Tampa Bay, Y. P. Sheng, J. K. Choi, S. B. Malakar, S. L. Schofield, D. Welter, E. Yassuda

Reports

Y. Peter Sheng, the Principal Investigator of the proposed study, has developed and applied three-dimensional hydrodynamic models since 1972. These models were developed for a variety of water bodies (including estuaries, lakes, and coastal waters) for a variety of government agencies (e.g., USEPA, USGS, SBNEP, USAE, SFWMD, and SJRWMD) and petroleum companies (Standard Oil and Mobil) to solve a variety of problems. Basically, the nature of the problem and the water body determines the purpose of the modeling study and hence the features and capabilities of the model.

Dissolved Oxygen Measurements In The Machipongo River System Near Willis Wharf, Virginia, Bruce Neilson, Cheol Mo, Rodney Jackson

Reports

Most aquatic organisms require· oxygen to survive and consequently, the dissolved oxygen (DO) content of the water is one of the most important measures of water quality. Sources of oxygen are the atmosphere and photosynthesis. Oxygen is consumed by plants and animals during respiration and by microorganisms that decompose organic matter. The more sources and sinks of oxygen, the more difficult it is to understand and predict the oxygen dynamics of a river system. Grossly polluted systems turn out to be quite simple, because the pollutant source dominates. Natural, unimpacted systems often show a balance between a number of sources …

Interim Nutrient Budgets For Tampa Bay, Gerold Morrison

Reports

This report addresses one task of the nutrient monitoring project, the development of "interim" (i.e., preliminary) annual budgets for the macronutrients nitrogen and phosphorus in Tampa Bay's major sub-basins. For the purposes of the report, those sub-basins are defined as Hillsborough Bay (HB) , Old Tampa Bay (OTB) , Middle Tampa Bay (MTB) , and Lower Tampa Bay (LTB). The report uses the 1 Environmental Protection commission of Hillsborough County (EPCHC) database and other available info:mation in,an attempt to identify and quantify major sources and slnks for nltrogen and phosphorus within the Tampa Bay system.

The report is organized in …

Current Trends In Ecologic-Economic Valuation Of Wetlands, Laura Mitchell, Laura Grignano

Reports

No abstract provided.

Preliminary Report Results From The City Of Tampa Water Quality, Phytoplankton And Bacteriological Monitoring In The Tampa By-Pass Canal And The Hillsborouhg River: Years 1984-1991, City Of Tampa Department Of Sanitary Sewers

Reports

The information supplied in this report presents monitoring results of water quality, phytoplankton biomass, phytoplankton abundance and taxonomic composition, and bacteriological parameters measured by the City of Tampa Bay Study Group at three stations in the TBC and two stations in the Hillsborough river, upstream of the City of Tampa dam (Figure 1). The time period discussed in this report is from the start of the program in the 1984 through 1991. Results of the measured parameters are presented as annual means, climatological means and summary statistics for the study period.

A Plan Of Study Submitted To The Florida Department Of Environmental Regulation Southwest District, Department Of Sanitary Sewers Bay Study Group

Reports

The proposed study will examine effects of nutrient limitation on phytoplankton growth rates in Tampa Bay. The response of growth rate to changes in nutrient additions will be indicated through changes in algal biomass (chlorophyll-a) and fixation of CO2 (C‑14­ uptake). The selected method is similar to methods currently used by the states of Maryland and Virginia for determination of nutrient limitation in Chesapeake Bay waters (Fisher et al. 1992a and b). The proposed study will, therefore, not only yield valuable information about nutrient limitation in Tampa Bay, but will also allow for comparison of information between Tampa Bay and …

Results Of The City Of Tampa Surface Water Compliance Monitoring Program For The Years 1990 And 1991 And Examination Of Long-Term Water Quality And Biological Indicator Trends In Hillsborough Bay, City Of Tampa Department Of Sanitary Sewers

Reports

This report is submitted to Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (FDER) to satisfy the requirements set forth in specific condition No. 12 of Hookers Point WWTP permit No. D029-184532A. The report is based on data obtained by the City of Tampa (COT) compliance water quality monitoring program approved under construction permit DC29-152799 and the report also includes examination of long-term trends for water quality parameters and biological indicators collected by the City of Tampa Bay Study Group and the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (EPC).

The State Of The Art In Wetlands Modeling: An Emphasis On Techniques And Technologies, William J. Seufzer, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, Wetlands Program

Reports

No abstract provided.

Public Oyster Shoal Survey - Spring 1992, Bruce J. Barber

Reports

Oysters have been harvested from Virginia waters as long as humans have inhabited the area. Depletion of natural stocks in the late 1880's led to the establishment of regulations by public fisheries agencies. A survey of bottom areas in which oysters grew naturally was completed in 1896 under the direction of Lt. Baylor, USN. These areas (over 243,000 acres) were set aside by legislative action for public use and have come to be known as the Baylor Survey Grounds or Public Oyster Grounds of Virginia, and are presently administered by VMRC, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (Haven et al., 1978). …

A Three-Dimensional Environmental Fluid Dynamics Computer Code : Theoretical And Computational Aspects, John M. Hamrick

Reports

This report describes and documents the theoretical and computational aspects of a three-dimensional computer code for environmental fluid flows. The code solves the three-dimensional primitive variable v1ertically hydrostatic equations of motion for turbulent flow in a coordinate system which is curvilinear and orthogonal in the horizontal plane and stretched to follow bottom topography and free surface displacement in the vertical direction which is aligned with the gravitational vector. A second moment turbulence closure scheme relates turbulent viscosity and diffusivity to the turbulence intensity and a turbulence length scale. Transport equations for the turbulence intensity and length scale as well as …

Temporal And Spatial Variations In Chesapeake Bay Water Quality: A Video Data Report, Sarah E. Rennie, Bruce Neilson

Reports

Over the past two years we have been developing computer programs to investigate various scientific visualization techniques as applied to estuarine data. The original impetus was to be able to visualize the results of the three-dimensional hydrodynamic model under development at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary (VIMS). We quickly recognized the superior ability of certain graphic approaches, especially pseudocolor animation, to efficiently transmit a tremendous amount of information to the viewer, allowing the scientist to gain an insight into the dynamics of the data not otherwise available. We decided to apply this technique to …

Bank Erosion Study, C. Scott Hardaway Jr., George R. Thomas, J. B. Glover, J. B. Smithson, Marcia Berman, A. K. Kenne

Reports

The Bank Erosion Study was designed to evaluate eroding fast land bank shorelines as contributors of sand, silt and clay and total nitrogen and total phosphorous introduced into the Chesapeake Bay estuarine system. In addition, the extent and effectiveness of erosion control measures were evaluated for selected shoreline reaches. Fastland banks are the uplands along the shorelines that are composed of semi-consolidated sediments. This study evaluates about 2000 miles of primary tidal shoreline in the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay estuarine system for areas of fast land bank erosion. Primary tidal shorelines are those along the main stem of …

Water Quality In Chesapeake Bay : Virginia Portion, Water Year 1988 : A Report To The Virginia Water Control Board, Kevin Curling, Bruce Neilson

Reports

The purpose of this report is to characterize water quality conditions during the 1988 water year, October 1987 through September 1988. For the most part, the information is provided in graphical format. Only data for the Virginia portion of Chesapeake Bay is included. No data analysis or interpretation is included, since this is the stated purpose of several other reports. This report will be useful to both scientists and managers who need ready access to some portion of the data on a regular basis. With this report it is possible to quickly examine seasonal patterns, compare conditions at two stations, …

Tidal Freshwater Swamps Of The Lower Chesapeake Bay, Richard D. Rheinhardt, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, Wetlands Program

Reports

No abstract provided.