Northwest Area Science

USGS Research Units in the Northwest Anticipating Climate Change in the Northwest

The Northwest harbors a rich diversity of natural systems, including marine and freshwater habitats, forests, sage-steppe, high-altitude deserts, wetlands, and grasslands. Climate change, a great environmental and conservation challenge for the 21st century, could alter temperature and precipitation, which would negatively affect natural and developed areas. In 2010, the Northwest Climate Science Center (NWCSC) was established by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to address the challenges presented by climate change and variability, and brings together the expertise of federal and university scientists.

Understanding Ecosystems: from Salmon Recovery to Sage-Steppe Restoration

USGS conducts research in the Northwest on aquatic and terrestrial species, habitats, and biophysical processes to advance the understanding of complex ecosystem interactions that include anthropogenic impacts. Our scientists develop tools for optimizing ecosystem services and management. Research is conducted throughout the Northwest, with particular focus on the Great Basin, Northwest forests, and the Columbia River, Puget Sound, Elwha River, and Klamath River basins.

Water Availability and Quality

USGS scientists measure and assess streamflow and groundwater quantity and

habitat, hydroelectric power generation, irrigated agriculture, recreation, and public water supply.

USGS scientists measure and assess streamflow and groundwater quantity and quality throughout the Northwest to determine the status and trends of water resources. USGS also develops tools for allocating water among competing uses in the region, such as aquatic habitat, hydroelectric power generation, irrigated agriculture, recreation, and public water supply.

Study Examples

Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound (CHIPS)

(http://puget.usgs.gov/): evaluates impacts of urbanization on Puget Sound coastal ecosystems, restoration of large river deltas, and effects of Elwha River dam removals.

Yakima River Basin Water Availability

(http://wa.water.usgs.gov/projects/yakimagw/): quantifies water resources in a basin with many competing water demands.

Columbia River Contaminants and Habitat Characterization

(http://or.water.usgs.gov/proj/Conhab/): tracks the occurrence and food-web effects of polybrominated flame retardants and endocrine disrupting compounds.

Climate-Change Impacts on Temperate Forests

(http://fresc.usgs.gov/research/StudyDetail.asp?Study_ID=433): evaluates impacts on carbon sequestration and biogeochemical cycling in Douglasfir forests of Olympic National Park in response to likely changes in precipitation. quality throughout the Northwest to determine the status and trends of water resources. USGS also develops tools for allocating water among competing uses in the region, such as aquatic

Natural Hazards: Keeping You Safe and Informed

USGS evaluates natural hazards before they occur to help Northwest communities prepare. Hazards include floods, earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and wildfires. USGS also monitors flood stage, and seismic, volcanic, and other potentially hazardous natural activity 24/7 to assist emergency responders with protecting the health, safety, and property of Northwest residents.

USGS Start with Science

The USGS Science Strategy (http://www.usgs.gov/science_strategy) focuses USGS research in these areas:

USGS Partners

The USGS collaborates with many partners throughout the Northwest, including other federal agencies, tribal, state, and local governments, non-governmental organizations, public utilities, conservation districts, universities, and others.

USGS Northwest Area Office The USGS Northwest Area Office coordinates USGS science in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

For additional information, contact:

Leslie A. Dierauf, VMD Regional Executive, USGS Northwest Area 909 First Ave, suite 800 Seattle, WA 98104

Email: nwa_dropbox@usgs.gov Phone: 206-220-4600 http://www.wr.usgs.gov/northwest

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