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Water-resources activities of the U.S. Geological Survey in Nebraska consist principally of hydrologic-data collection and local, areal, or statewide interpretive studies. Hydrologic studies in Nebraska are conducted through three basic programs: (1) hydrologic data collection, (2) local or areal hydrologic investigations, and (3) statewide or regional studies. These programs are funded by cooperative agreements with State and local agencies, transfer of funds from other Federal agencies, and direct Federal funds. The data and results of the investigations are published or released either by the U.S. Geological Survey or by cooperating agencies. This report describes the hydrologic data-collection programs and local or areal hydrologic investigations in Nebraska during fiscal years 1990 and 1991 and provides a list of reports published by the Nebraska District during 1985-91. U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY ORIGIN AND MISSIONThe U.S. Geological Survey was established by an act of Congress on March 3,1879, to provide a permanent Federal agency to conduct the systematic and scientific "classification of the public lands, and examination of the geological structure, mineral resources, and products of national domain." An integral part of that original mission includes publishing and disseminating the Earth-science information needed to understand, to plan the use of, and to manage the Nation's energy, land, mineral, and water resources.Since 1879, the research and fact-finding role of the U.S. Geological Survey has increased and been modified to meet the changing needs of the Nation it serves. Today's programs serve a diversity of needs and users. These programs include: * Conducting detailed assessments of the energy and mineral potential of the Nation' s land and offshore areas. * Investigating and issuing warnings of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and other geologic and hydrologic hazards. * Conducting research on the geologic structure of the Nation. * Studying the geologic features, structure, processes, andhistoryof the other planets of our solar system. * Conducting topographic surveys of the Nation and preparing topographic and thematic maps and related cartographic products. * Developing and producing digital cartographic data bases and products.* Collecting data on a routine basis to determine the quantity, quality, and use of surface and ground water. * Conducting water-resource appraisals in order to describe the consequences of alternative plans for developing land and water resources. * Conducting research in hydraulics and hydrology, and coordinating all Federal water-data acquisition. * Using remotely sensed data to develop new cartographic, geologic, and hydrologic research techniques for natural resources planning and management. * Providing Earth-science information through an extensive publications program and a network of public access points. Along with its continuing commitment to meet the growing and changing Earth-science needs of the Nation, the U.S. Geological Survey remains dedicated...