USGS CCAP: Water and Macroinvertebrate Samples from Central Colorado Streams, 2004-2005

Central Colorado streams were sampled for water chemistry and aquatic fauna in 2004 and 2005 by the U.S. Geological Survey's Central Colorado Assessment Project. The dataset includes selected field parameters and analytical results from water and macroinvertebrate samples. The project aims to develop statistical and GIS models to quantify relationships between ecological indicators of metal contamination and landscape characteristics.

Use Cases

• Modeling relationships between surface-water chemistry and aquatic fauna based on the project's stated goal.
• Quantifying links between ecological indicators of metal contamination and landscape characteristics using GIS technology as described.
• Testing hypotheses about how physicochemical variables and ecological responses are determined by historical land uses in Rocky Mountain streams.
• Comparing water quality and biological communities in mined versus unmined areas as a core project objective.

Strengths

• Data is from a multi-year project (planned 2003-2008) by the authoritative U.S. Geological Survey.
• Focuses on a specific, ecologically relevant comparison between mined and unmined areas in Central Colorado.
• Integrates multiple data types: water chemistry, biological samples (macroinvertebrates), and planned GIS landscape data.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Central Colorado Assessment Project (CCAP).

Collection Method

State-scale reconnaissance sampling program collecting water and macroinvertebrate samples.

Time Range

2004 and 2005 (first two years of the project).

Freshness

Data from 2004 and 2005; project planned through 2008, but final update status is unknown.

Geography

Central Colorado, specifically Rocky Mountain streams.