North Platte River

South Platte River

North Platte River

Platte River

 COLORADO KANSAS

WYOMING

IOWA

SOUTH DAKOTA MINNESOTA

NEBRASKA

UTAH

108° 104° 100° 96°

42°

39°

Sandhills

Northern High Plains

Rainwater Basin

Elkhorn River Basin

Loup River Basin

Niobrara River Basin

Platte River Basin

Republican River Basin

Study area

The Greater Platte River Basins (within the yellow line), the Northern High Plains aquifer 

(within the red line), and the area occupied by the annual migration of the sandhill 

crane population (dotted area). The Greater Platte River Basins consist of the following 

watersheds: the Platte River Basin, the Rainwater Basin, the Elkhorn River Basin, the 

Loup River Basin, the Niobrara River Basin, and the Republican River Basin.

USGS Science Activities

Platte River Ecosystem Study

Since 1997, the Platte River Priority Ecosystem Study has been investigating the linkages of landscape 

and hydrology to the roosting and foraging habitats of migratory birds. Research on the interactions 

among climate, hydrology, riparian vegetation, and channel stability is improving the prediction of 

potential channel changes that could result from altered climate, streamflow management, and manipulation of vegetation on islands and banks. Additionally, agricultural changes can affect the nutrition of 

migratory birds in the Platte River and, thus, the reproductive success of the birds.

http://ne.water.usgs.gov/platte/ Robert Swanson, 402-328-4110

National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA)

The USGS has been monitoring GPRB streams and groundwater since 1992, tracking changes in 

water chemistry, stream habitat, fish and algal communities, aquatic insects, and the occurrence and 

distribution of contaminants in tissue and sediment. Long-term monitoring of water quality is essential 

to understand the effects of changes in climate, urbanization, and agricultural practices on ecosystem 

health and the availability of water that meets human and environmental needs.

http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/ Gary Rowe, 303-236-1461

Crescent Lake Wildlife Refuge

In August 2008 the USGS conducted Time Domain Electromagnetic (TDEM) soundings around the 

refuge for an assessment of the hydrological framework. The following year a helicopter-mounted 

sensor system collected data for an electromagnetic survey of Crescent Lakes. Preliminary interpretations are encouraging for exploring the possible connection between the spread of saline water and 

climate change at Crescent Lake, and the potential affect on the ecosystem.

Jared D. Abraham, 303-236-1318

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Fact Sheet 2009–3097

November 2009

Greater Platte River Basins–Science to Sustain Ecosystems 

and Communities

Printed on recycled paper

The Greater Platte River Basins (GPRB), located in 

the heartland of the United States, provides a collaborative opportunity for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 

and its partners to understand the sustainability of natural 

and managed ecosystems under changing climate and 

resource requirements. The Greater Platte River Basins, 

an area of about 140,000 square miles, sustains thousands of acres of lakes and wetlands, which provide a 

staging and resting area for the North American Central 

Flyway. Part of the GPRB is within the U.S. Corn Belt, 

one of the most productive agricultural ecosystems on 

Earth. Changes in water and land use, changing patterns of snowmelt in the Rocky Mountains, drought, and 

increasing demands for irrigation have reduced flows in 

the Platte River. These changes raise questions about the 

sustainability of the region for both wildlife and agriculture. The USGS and partners are developing a science 

strategy that will help natural-resource managers address 

and balance the needs of this region.
High Plains Groundwater Availability Study

Water availability is a function of many factors, including the quantity and quality of water and the laws, 

regulations, economics, and environmental factors that control its use. Over-allocation of scarce water 

supplies in combination with population growth increases societal vulnerability to climate change. This 

USGS study, initiated in 2009, will provide tools for determining the sensitivity of the GPRB ecosystems 

to future human and environmental changes.

http://txpub.usgs.gov/HPWA/index.html Scott Christenson, 505-830-7963

Recharge Estimation Across the Central Platte River Basin

The USGS is addressing questions about recharge, chemical transport, and chemical reservoirs in the 

unsaturated zone across the central Platte River Basin of the High Plains aquifer. An instrumented network 

of eight locations with a cluster of shallow, medium-depth, and deep wells; an instrumented borehole; and a 

weather station will help scientists and resource managers better understand water and chemical responses 

in the unsaturated zone to natural climate variability, climate change, and human activities.

http://co.water.usgs.gov/projects/hpuzrn/ Greg Steele, 402-328-4129

Microbial Water-Quality Effects from Lower Flows and Increased Migratory Bird Densities

Recent lower flows and decreased habitat have caused the density of migratory waterfowl to increase in 

roosting areas in the Platte River. To determine whether the increased waterfowl densities are affecting 

the microbial water quality of the Platte River, the USGS began collecting samples in 2009 from three 

sites on the Platte River in central Nebraska during the spring migration period. This study will inform 

regulators, agricultural producers, natural resource managers, and scientists about potential effects 

on wildlife health, human health, and the economy of the region. Study partners are the Platte River 

Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

Jason Vogel, 402-328-4130

Effects of Water and Channel Management on Stream Ecology of the Lower Platte River, 1934–2006

In cooperation with the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, the USGS compiled and 

analyzed hydraulic habitat information from field measurements collected during streamflow measurements, mostly near bridges. Of particular interest were the changes in the habitat used by pallid and 

shovelnose sturgeon. A secondary objective of this study was to identify the effect of bridge proximity 

on the distributions of streamflow depth, velocity, and microhabitats.

http://www.nrdmapmaker.org/lowerplattecis/ http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2008/5054/ Ron Zelt, 402-328-4140

Magnetic Resonance Sounding (MRS) Data of the Central Platte River

The USGS is developing state-of-the-art technologies, similar to medical Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

(MRI), to directly measure aquifer properties without invasive drilling. The MRS measurements, in 

conjunction with the collection of ground-truth information, will provide improved hydrogeologic 

parameter estimates for use in a sub-regional groundwater flow model of Dawson County by the 

Central Platte Natural Resources District.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2009/5033/ Jared D. Abraham, 303-236-1318 and James C. Cannia, 402-416-5321

Streamflow and Topographic Characteristics of the Platte River, 1938–2007

Analyses of aerial photography, channel surveys, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data, discharge 

measurements, and historical land surveys were used to understand the past and present dynamics of the 

four channels of the Platte River near Grand Island and to detect changes with time. Findings are being 

used by nearby municipalities.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2008/5106/ http://wwwbrr.cr.usgs.gov/projects/SW_Env_Fluid/platte.html

Paul Kinzel, 303-279-4165

a drainage area of about 57,650 mi

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

MEAN MONTHLY DISCHARGE, IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND

Streamflow-gaging station 06770500 

at U.S. Highway 34
Trends in Streamflow Characteristics of Selected Sites in the Elkhorn River, Salt Creek, and Lower Platte 

River Basins, Eastern Nebraska, 1928–2004, and Evaluation of Streamflows in Relation to Instream-Flow 

Criteria, 1953–2004

Historical Platte River streamflow records were used to test for statistical trends in streamflow in the 

Elkhorn River, Salt Creek, and Platte River Basins and to determine whether historic flows satisfied

requirements for instream-flow appropriations, which are intended to maintain fish communities, 

whooping crane roost habitat, and wet meadows used by several wild bird species.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2009/5011/ Benjamin Dietsch, 402-328-4122

Sand Dunes in the Greater Platte River Basin

Stabilized dune sand covers a large portion of the Great Plains region, including significant areas of the 

GPRB. Although this dune sand is mostly covered with vegetation at present and sand is not actively 

being transported, during the past 10,000 years these dunes were active several times. In addition, during 

the 1930’s drought, numerous dunes were reactivated, even where overgrazing was not a factor. Future 

droughts could reactivate the now-stabilized dunes and significantly affects grazing land, croplands, 

wildlife habitat, and infrastructure. The USGS is studying the climatic limits of dune sand activity and 

comparing these findings with forecasts for future climatic conditions on the Great Plains.

http://esp.cr.usgs.gov/info/eolian/ Dan Muhs, 303-236-7919

Carbon Sequestration in the Greater Platte River Basin

Grasslands are extensive in the western GPRB, with interannual weather patterns affecting vegetation 

productivity and carbon sequestration. Drought years cause these grasslands to switch from a weak carbon 

sink to a carbon source. Grassland carbon fluxes are modeled using multiple flux towers, satellite greenness 

data, weather, and other spatial inputs. Grassland carbon fluxes for the GPRB for 2000–2009 will be 

mapped at a resolution of 250 meters.

http://lca.usgs.gov/lca/cflux/index.php Bruce Wylie, 605-594-6078

Land Performance/Productivity Anomalies Mapped with Satellite Imagery

The GPRB is subject to interannual variations in weather that affect vegetation and ecosystem services, 

such as carbon sequestration, wildlife, and water quality. A satellite-based approach for de-trending 

interannual weather variations reveals areas that are more or less productive than expected. Persistence 

of lower productivity over multiple years may indicate a degraded or poorly managed area. Performance 

anomalies have been correlated to grazing pressure, percent bare ground, insect infestation, and fires. 

http://lca.usgs.gov/lca/projects.php?id=2 Bruce Wylie, 605-594-6078

Headwaters Research and Monitoring of the Hydrologic Cycle

Headwaters are sensitive to climate change and for some communities, are the primary source of 

surface and groundwater on which ecosystems, human populations, agriculture, and industry depend. 

Monitoring of hydrologic- cycle components along the Continental Divide in Handcart Gulch and Loch 

Vale, Colorado provides data from meteorological stations, stream gages, groundwater monitoring wells, 

water-quality samples, ecosystem inventories, glacier footprints, and numerous types of maps. Computer 

modeling is used to integrate the data and to document and understand the processes associated with 

climate change, water resources, ecosystems, mineral deposits, and other environmental contaminants.

http://crustal.usgs.gov/projects/Handcart_Gulch/index.html Jonathan Caine, 303-236-1822

Loch Vale Watershed

Loch Vale is an alpine/subalpine catchment in the headwaters of the South Platte River Basin where 

USGS has conducted detailed hydrological, ecological, and biogeochemical research since the early 

1980s. Monitoring provides high-quality, long-term data that are used to analyze trends in climate, 

water availability, and fluxes of carbon and nutrients. The insights gained through monitoring and 

research are used to develop and refine models to predict hydrologic, ecological, or biogeochemical 

responses to stressors such as climate change, atmospheric deposition of pollutants, or disturbance.

http://co.water.usgs.gov/lochvale/ David Clow, 303-236-4882 x294

http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/projects/lvws/pages/homepage.htm Jill Baron, 970-491-1968

OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. 1

10

100

1,000

10,000

100,000

1,000,000

DAILY MEAN STREAMFLOW, IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND

90th percentile to maximum

80th to 90th percentile

70th to 80th percentile

30th to 70th percentile

50th percentile

20th to 30th percentile

10th to 20th percentile

Minimum to 10th percentile

Instream-flow criteria levels 

 (A-17331)

EXPLANATION
Central Colorado Assessment Project 

A component of the Central Colorado Assessment Project, a 5-year effort to characterize the bedrock 

and surficial deposits of the Colorado Front Range region, involved mapping and compiling detailed 

1:100,000-scale geologic maps of quadrangles which cover large parts of the headwater regions of the 

South Platte River. Denver West and Estes Park quadrangles have been published, and the Fort Collins 

and Bailey quadrangles are in progress.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3000/ http://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3039/ Karl Kellogg, 303-236-1305

Surficial Geologic Mapping and Hydrogeologic Framework Studies

Surficial geologic mapping and hydrogeologic framework studies of the GPRB, begun in 2009, will 

provide fundamental geospatial datasets on physical properties, geochemistry, genesis, age, stratigraphic 

relations, and areal distribution of geologic mapping units. The work will lead to a better understanding 

of past climates recorded in the geologic record and geomorphic processes that have produced major 

environmental changes in the past; information is needed by land-use decision-makers.

Margaret E. Berry, 303-236-1240

North American Soil Geochemical Landscapes Project

Understanding of the geochemical variability of soils for the North American continent is limited. 

The USGS, the Geological Survey of Canada, and the Mexican Geological Survey are conducting a 

soil geochemical survey of the continent to establish a database that will facilitate the identification of 

regional geochemical patterns that affect the health of humans and ecosystems. Sampling is conducted 

at a density of approximately 1 site per 1,600 square kilometers (617 square miles). About 140 sites were 

sampled in the GPRB during 2007 and 2008.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2006/3115/ http://minerals.cr.usgs.gov/projects/geochemical_landscapes/

David B. Smith, 303-236-1849

National Geochemical Database (NGDB)

The NGDB consists of data from the analyses of geologic materials by the USGS since the 1960’s. 

Of the more than 2 million samples in the NGDB, more than 11,000 rock, 17,000 sediment, and 

4,000 soil samples have been collected and analyzed from the GPRB. Although analytical methods, 

sampling methods, and sample density vary geographically, these data are useful for project planning, 

environmental baselines, ecosystem assessments, studies of health issues, and mineral exploration.

http://minerals.cr.usgs.gov/projects/nat_geochem_db_II/ Steven M. Smith, 303-236-1192

Land Cover Trends

The Land Cover Trends project is monitoring and analyzing the rates, causes, and consequences of 

land-use and land-cover change in the conterminous United States ecoregions for 1972 to the present 

(2009) using Landsat satellite imagery and a statistical sampling strategy. Analysis of the ecoregions 

that include the GPRB indicates a spatial and temporal variability of land-cover change that depends 

on complex interactions among the underlying biophysical and socioeconomic factors. These results 

are providing a better understanding of the linkages between land change, climate variability, and land 

management challenges.

http://landcovertrends.usgs.gov/ Mark Drummond, 970-226-9374

Hydrologic Flux Dynamics and Trends

Archived historical satellite data, climate and hydrological observations, and process-based models are 

used to characterize hydrologic fluxes across the basin and describe their spatial and temporal dynamics. 

A suite of models and methods are applied to distinguish the climate signal from the effects of resource 

management practices (for example, irrigation) by analyzing the relation among hydrologic fluxes within 

“natural” and “disturbed” subwatersheds. The approach quantifies evapotranspiration and snowmelt 

and balances the water budget along with precipitation and discharge measurements, complementing 

a landscape-based approach for validation and parameterization of hydrologic models.

http://earlywarning.usgs.gov/usewem/swi.php Gabriel Senay, 605-594-2758
Decline of Paper Birch Populations

The Niobrara River Valley in north-central Nebraska supports scattered stands of paper birch, a species 

more typical of boreal forests. These birch stands are considered to be relict populations of the prehistoric 

past that now occur at only a few sites. Widespread dieback of existing mature birch has been observed 

in recent years. A USGS study used microclimate dataloggers in birch stands and historic weather data to 

explore microclimate associations with birch dieback. Current analysis indicates that the future persistence 

of birch in the Niobrara River Valley is uncertain.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2009/1221/ Esther Stroh, 573-441-2944

Oil and Gas Production

Petroleum provinces that include the Denver, northern Park, northern Forest City, and Salina Basins are 

located within the GPRB. Approximately 90 percent of the oil and gas production in the GPRB is from the 

Denver Basin of eastern Colorado, southeastern Wyoming, and southwestern Nebraska. More than 1.05 

billion barrels of oil and 3.67 trillion cubic feet of gas (TCFG) have been produced from the Denver Basin. 

Mean undiscovered oil and gas resources for the Denver Basin were assessed in 2002 at 104.23 million 

barrels of oil, 2.52 TCFG, and 51.8 million barrels of natural gas liquids and were assessed for the other 

provinces in 1995.

http://energy.cr.usgs.gov/oilgas/noga/

http://energy.cr.usgs.gov/oilgas/noga/1995.html Debra Higley, 303-236-5791

Carbon Dioxide and Evapotranspiration in the South Platte Watershed

Ecosystem-atmosphere exchanges of carbon dioxide and evapotranspiration have been measured from 

two strongly contrasting ecosystems in the same region during the past several years. Forest-atmosphere 

exchanges have been measured continuously using eddy covariance and advection flux towers near 

Niwot Ridge. Urban ecosystem exchanges have been measured with a combination of a tall flux tower 

and surface-based chambers that include methane and nitrous oxide flux measurements. Research in 

these contrasting ecosystems will improve quantification of carbon sequestration and emissions and our 

understanding of the biophysical controls regulating both carbon fluxes and evapotranspiration. 

http://geochange.er.usgs.gov/carbon/ghg/

http://www.fluxnet.ornl.gov/fluxnet/FluxLetter_Vol_1_No_4.pdf Dean Anderson, 303-236-5691

North Park – Medicine Bow Mountains Geology

The USGS is leading an integrated, multidisciplinary investigation of the geologic history and framework of the western margin of the Front Range and Medicine Bow Mountains in northern Colorado and 

southern Wyoming. This area includes the headwaters of the North Platte River drainage, and particularly 

the glaciated headwaters of the North Platte, Illinois, Michigan, Canadian, and Laramie Rivers, and the 

Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge south of Walden, Colorado. The study will investigate the evolution 

of drainage systems in response to tectonic deformation, volcanic activity, and climate and will develop 

linkages among aquifer systems, sediment source areas, and water storage in the headwaters basins.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1360/ Jim Cole, 303-236-1417

Hydrogeologic Framework for Selected Areas of the Upper Loup River Basins 

The Sand Hills is the largest sand sea in the Western Hemisphere and covers an aquifer that has the 

largest amount of groundwater in the High Plains. However, the hydrogeologic framework is poorly 

understood; such understanding is needed to evaluate the effects of management and climate change on 

the system. Small changes in groundwater levels can have significant impacts on the ecosystems of the 

area. Geophysical techniques are being used together with traditional drilling techniques and modeling 

to improve the hydrogeologic framework.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2009/5171

Jared D. Abraham, 303-236-1318 and James C. Cannia, 402-416-5321
Evapotranspiration Rates of Riparian Forests 

A study of water and energy balances at two sites in central Nebraska near Odessa and Gothenburg has 

improved the understanding of water-use rates by forests on the Platte River. Since 2002, evapotranspiration 

measurements have been derived from sensors installed on towers above the forest canopy. The study found 

that cottonwoods in forested areas of the Central Platte in Nebraska use less water than indicated by 

previous research.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2008/5228/ Matthew Landon, 619-225-6109

Resistivity Survey of Selected Irrigation Canals within the North Platte Valley

The USGS and local partners are using surface geophysical methods, surface-water measurements, heatflow measurements, borehole logs and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) surveys 

to map the near surface (depth about 10 meters) sediments and estimate leakage rates of irrigation 

canals. Information on where this water is preferentially leaking will improve recharge estimates for 

groundwater-flow models and provide critical insight into the relations between groundwater and surface 

water.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2006/5032/ http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/381/

http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2009/5194/ Bethany L. Burton, 303-236-1327 and

James C. Cannia, 402-416-5321

Heliborne Electromagnetic Surveys for Hydrologic Studies

The USGS is applying innovative approaches to data collection for development of hydrogeologic 

frameworks for groundwater models. The geologic framework in western Nebraska consists mostly of 

unconsolidated alluvial sediments lying unconformably on siltstone bedrock that crops out throughout 

the area; Chimney Rock historical monument (pictured) is an example. Airborne geophysics and surface 

geophysical methods are used to map and image the subsurface resistivity of sediments and relate them to 

aquifers within selected sections of the North Platte River Valley and Lodgepole Creek Valley of Nebraska.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2009/1110/

Jared D. Abraham, 303-236-1318 and James C. Cannia, 402-416-5321

Heliborne Geophysical Mapping of the Glaciated Areas of Eastern Nebraska

Approximately 70 percent of Nebraska’s population lives within the glaciated areas of eastern Nebraska. 

The source of municipal water supplies for most of this population is the Platte River. This study will 

enhance the understanding of the surface and groundwater relations in the glaciated regions of Nebraska 

to assist in the Eastern Nebraska Water Resource Assessment. The USGS and partners are using airborne 

geophysics, surface geophysics, borehole geophysics, lithologic sampling, and well monitors to map the 

sediments and estimate the hydrogeologic parameters of the aquifers.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1018/ Jared D. Abraham, 303-236-1318 and James C. Cannia, 402-416-5321

For additional information please contact:

Regional Science Office

USGS Central Region

Denver Federal Center

Building 53, MS 406

Denver, CO 80225

http://www.cr.usgs.gov/rso/

303-236-1450 (telephone)

303-236-1451 (fax)

—June M. Thormodsgard