Alabama Karst NHD: Karst Supplemental Data to the National Hydrography Dataset for | USGS 15 FA 0459

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the "Alabama Karst NHD: Karst Supplemental Data to the National Hydrography Dataset" opportunity?

It is a USGS discretionary funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number USGS 15 FA 0459) offered as a cooperative agreement. The focus is natural resources work aimed at improving hydrographic information by compiling supplemental karst data that can be integrated with, or used alongside, the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD).

What is the main goal of the project funded under this opportunity?

The central goal is to build a more complete picture of how water moves in karst landscapes by locating, counting, and measuring karst features and connecting that information to watershed boundaries (HUC12) and associated stream networks. This supports improved mapping and interpretation of hydrologic connectivity in karst terrain, including both surface streams and underground flow paths.

What is meant by "karst" in the context of this project?

Karst refers to landscapes shaped by the dissolution or collapse of soluble rock that often results in features like sinkholes, springs, caves, and points where water moves from the surface into the subsurface and back again. In these areas, underground flow paths can be a major part of how water travels through the environment.

What types of karst features are specifically targeted for inventory and measurement?

The opportunity targets common karst elements including sinkholes, swallow holes, springs, and caves. The project is designed to locate these features, count them, and measure them within the defined study area.

How does the project organize the karst data it compiles?

The inventory is organized within 12-digit hydrologic units (HUC12 watersheds). The project also relates the karst features found in each HUC12 to the streams associated with that HUC12, so the resulting dataset is explicitly tied to watershed and stream context.

What are HUC12 watersheds, and why are they used here?

HUC12 refers to 12-digit hydrologic units that define watershed boundaries at a detailed scale. In this opportunity, HUC12 boundaries are used to make the karst inventory watershed-relevant, meaning the data can be used directly in hydrologic analysis, mapping, and resource management tied to specific watershed areas.

How is this work connected to the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)?

The project compiles supplemental karst data intended to be integrated with, or used alongside, the NHD. The purpose is to enhance hydrographic information by adding structured, watershed-linked information about karst features and the hydrologic connections they imply.

What is the expected outcome or deliverable from the funded project?

The expected outcome is a structured inventory and measurement set of karst features that is linked to watershed (HUC12) and stream context. The dataset is intended to support better mapping and interpretation of hydrologic connectivity in karst landscapes.

What practical uses are described for the resulting dataset?

The opportunity describes the dataset as supporting hydrologic analysis, mapping, and resource management. It is also described as important for water supply planning, contamination risk evaluation, habitat management, and understanding flooding and groundwater recharge behavior in karst terrain.

Who is eligible to apply for this opportunity?

Eligibility is limited to state governments.

Which federal agency administers this grant opportunity?

The administering agency is listed as the Geological Survey (USGS) in the source information.

What is the assistance listing or CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 15.808, indicating it falls under a Department of the Interior/USGS assistance program.

What is the funding instrument type, and what does that imply?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. This typically implies more substantial collaboration or involvement by the federal agency than a standard grant, such as coordination on methods, data standards, quality expectations, or how final information is structured to support national datasets like the NHD.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) for this opportunity?

The posted award ceiling is $25,000.

How many awards are expected?

One award is expected.

Does the opportunity appear to be designed for a large, multi-year research effort?

No. Based on the posted award ceiling ($25,000) and the expectation of a single award, it is described as a single, small-scale project intended to produce a focused deliverable rather than a large multi-year research effort.

When was the application closing date for this opportunity?

The original closing date for applications was September 22, 2015.

When was the opportunity record created?

The opportunity record was created on September 8, 2015.

What does the timeline suggest about the application window?

With a record creation date of September 8, 2015 and a closing date of September 22, 2015, the opportunity indicates a short application window typical of some targeted cooperative agreement announcements.

What hydrographic or hydrologic problem is this opportunity trying to address?

The opportunity aims to improve understanding and representation of water movement in karst landscapes, where water may travel through both surface streams and subsurface pathways influenced by sinkholes, springs, caves, swallow holes, and related features. By compiling and structuring this information at the watershed level, it supports clearer interpretation of hydrologic connectivity.