About This Viewer and User Interaction and Insights

This dashboard provides a comprehensive analysis of water temperature measurements in the groundwater and surface waters of US Native Lands. By visualizing data from various monitoring stations, users can explore critical temperature indicators that influence aquatic ecosystems and overall water quality.

Users can interact with the dashboard to explore water temperature measurements across various US Native Lands. By selecting specific Native Lands, you can view detailed information about temperature trends, including the spatial distribution of monitoring stations and their corresponding data. The summary dashboard provides a high-level overview of temperature variations, helping to identify trends and potential areas of concern.

To start, click on a Native Land area to see a breakdown of water temperature levels within that region. This tool is designed to facilitate the analysis of temperature data and its implications for aquatic ecosystems, supporting informed decision-making and conservation efforts.

Explore the dashboard to gain valuable insights into the water temperature data for surface water and groundwater on U.S. Native Lands.

About the Data

The Water Quality Portal (WQP) is the premier source of discrete water-quality data in the United States and beyond. This cooperative service integrates publicly available water-quality data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and over 400 state, federal, tribal, and local agencies. By integrating such extensive datasets, the WQP provides a comprehensive resource for understanding and managing water quality. For more information, visit the Water Quality Portal.

Why is this Data and Dashboard Important:

Water temperature is a crucial factor affecting aquatic life, influencing metabolic rates, reproduction, and the overall health of ecosystems. Different species have varying temperature preferences; for example, cold-water fish like trout thrive in cooler temperatures, while warm-water species like bass prefer higher temperatures. Temperature changes can impact dissolved oxygen levels; warmer water holds less oxygen, which can lead to hypoxic conditions detrimental to aquatic organisms.

Additionally, temperature influences the solubility and availability of nutrients in the water, affecting primary production and food web dynamics. Seasonal temperature fluctuations can lead to variations in habitat quality, impacting spawning cycles and species distributions. Understanding temperature dynamics is essential for effective water resource management and conservation efforts

References:

If you are interested in learning more about water temperature, start here:

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Temperature.