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From 2007 to 2013, light detection and ranging (lidar) data were collected by fixed-wing aircraft for each county in South Carolina, resulting in base elevation and derived hydrography datasets (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 2012) that provide the best elevation and streamflow data available for the South Carolina StreamStats application. Lidar is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure variable distances to the Earth (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2018). These light pulses provide precise, three-dimensional locational and elevation data (x,y,z coordinates), which can be used to determine the shape and surface characteristics of the Earth. North and South Carolina are the first States to have statewide lidar-derived elevation data in the StreamStats application. In addition, the South Carolina StreamStats application uses lidar-derived streamlines, which are at the same scale as the elevation data, to ensure spatial alignment of the data.

For more information on the USGS-the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment, visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1-888-ASK-USGS.For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprodTo order this and other USGS information products, visit http://store.usgs.gov Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.Suggested citation: Harden, S.L., Cuffney, T.F., Terziotti, Silvia, and Kolb, K.R., 2013, Relation of watershed setting and stream nutrient yields at selected sites in central and eastern North Carolina, 1997-2008: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2013-5007, 47 p., http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2013 iii AcknowledgmentsThe research described in this report was partially funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 319 grant program that is administered by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality. The authors thank Evan Kane, Michael Tutwiler, and Keith Larick of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Aquifer Protection Section, in Raleigh for their help and support in this project.Thanks also to Brian Pointer, U.S. Geological Survey, for his assistance in compiling data during the study. Gratitude is extended to Douglas Harned and Timothy Spruill (retired), U.S. Geological Survey, for providing valuable technical discussions throughout the study. Finally, many thanks to all of the reviewers of this report who made many helpful comments and suggestions. Relation of Watershed Setting and Stream Nutrient Yields at Selected Sites in Central and Eastern North Carolina, 1997-2008By Stephen L. Harden, Thomas F. Cuffney, Silvia Terziotti, and Katharine R. Kolb AbstractData collected between 1997 and 2008 at 48 stream sites were used to characterize relations between watershed settings and stream nutrient yields throughout central and eastern North Carolina. The focus of the investigation was to identify environmental variables in watersheds that influence nutrient export for supporting the development and prioritization of management strategies for restoring nutrient-impaired streams.Nutrient concentration data and streamflow data compiled for the 1997 to 2008 study period were used to compute stream yields of nitrate, total nitrogen (N), and total phosphorus (P) for each study site. Compiled environmental data (including variables for land cover, hydrologic soil groups, base-flow index, streamflows, wastewater treatment facilities, and confined animal feeding operations) were used to characterize the watershed settings for the study sites. Data for the environmental variables were anal...