Activities of the Alaska District, Water Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey, 1992

Abstract

Alaska nearly 90 years ago. This early work was related to the gold rush and concurrent need for streamflow data. Following World War II, surface-water data collection activities expanded and groundwater studies were undertaken in the Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau areas. Construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline during the 1970's gave impetus to increased waterresources studies and data-collection activities. The Federal-State cooperative water-resources program was expanded during the early part of the decade. However, since the 1980's, Federal and State funding has declined for water-resources studies and data collection. The quantity and quality of the water resources of Alaska remain relatively undescribed compared with those in the rest of the United States. Thousands of the State's streams have never been measured or sampled and, except for the few large population centers, information regarding groundwater resources is sparse. Only a relative handful of Alaska's thousands of lakes and glaciers have been adequately studied. The need for accurate and timely water-resources information is as critical as ever, and as the development of Alaska's natural resources proceeds, the information needs will continue to expand. Although these are difficult times for Federal, State and local governments, the Alaska District of the Survey's Water Resources Division will continue its efforts to provide information needed to wisely conserve, protect, and manage the State's water resources.