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Show tion data, the extent of mineral, forest and wildlife resources, and economic data concerning popula- tion, population trends, agricultural production and marketing, industrial developments, and transpor- tation facilities and costs. Since the Corps of Engineers has been planning and supervising work along the main stem of the river since 1824, much valuable information has been obtained relative to stages, discharges, and flood records, and precipitation data are available for approximately 100 years of record at several points. Probably more data have been obtained on the Ohio River than any other large river in the United States. Topographic maps.-Topographic maps of the Geological Survey are available for most of the Ohio River Basin. However, topographic maps are lacking for certain areas, particularly in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky; maps for other compara- tively large areas lack adequate topographic detail or are obsolete. Additional topographic informa- tion has been developed by the Corps of Engineers in detailed studies of various projects in the basin- wide flood control plan. Maps have been pre- pared by the various State highway departments in connection with highway developments. Gen- erally, existing topographic maps have been ade- quate for planning purposes or have been supple- mented by Federal and State agencies as the need has arisen for more accurate data. There is a need, however, for completion of topographic surveys and maps in the unmapped areas and for resurveys and map revisions in those areas where recent de- velopments have made existing maps obsolete. Geologic data.-Although a considerable amount of geologic mapping has been completed in the basin, only a small portion has been mapped to ade- quate standards. Due to the valuable coal, oil, and gas deposits in some regions of the basin, ap- praisal of these resources is essential to plans for water and related resources use. The Geological Survey is now mapping the coal-bearing rocks in eastern Kentucky and southwestern Indiana, the potential oil-bearing shale deposits in Kentucky and Tennessee, and the important gas-producing forma- tions in eastern Ohio. The Corps of Engineers has completed an inventory of the recoverable coal deposits along Levisa and Tug Forks of the Big Sandy River in Kentucky and West Virginia in navigation studies on those streams. The Corps has also made extensive foundation investigations at many dam site locations throughout the basin in connection with project planning and development of the basin-wide flood-control plan. Plans for future geological investigations by the U. S. Geological Survey include: detailed mapping of the coal beds in eastern Tennessee; studies of various oil- and gas-producing formations in Indi- ana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and southwestern New York; mapping of the fluor- spar deposits in western Kentucky; and mapping and appraisal of principal fire clay deposits in east- ern Kentucky. The various States and private interests also are continuing studies to determine the extent of natural resources within State bound- aries and on private land holdings. Hydrologic data.-In the last decade, Federal agencies, in cooperation with local and State agencies, have developed an adequate network of river gaging stations covering the Ohio River and its major tributaries. A reasonably adequate sys- tem of precipitation stations to chart rainfall pat- terns and storm movements and to provide forecasts for flood crests and reservoir operation also exists. The greatest deficiency in rainfall and stream flow data results from the relatively short period of record at many stations and the lack of adequate coverage over many of the smaller watersheds, especially in the mountain areas. This deficiency applies especially to the continuous records from recording instruments. The cooperative program between the Geological Survey and the Corps of Engineers is insuring the accumulation of stream flow data. The coopera- tive program between the Weather Bureau and the Corps of Engineers is providing essential rainfall data for planning water resources projects. Data relative to water quality and pollution in the basin are deficient at the present time, although data are being obtained by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission and agencies of the various States. Relatively little information is available concerning the quantity and quality of ground water supplies, although studies to deter- mine available ground water resources are being conducted in a few localities. For sound develop- ment of the ground water supplies, a comprehensive investigation is needed. Development and control programs designed to conserve water will affect ground water supplies, favorably or adversely. The nature of these effects can be predicted only after adequate ground water studies have been made at the particular locality involved. Soil surveys and land classification data.-Soil surveys and land classification data are needed for 660 |
