How Channel Networks Structure Riverine Habitats
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
Measurement of Bedload Transport in Sand-Bed Rivers: a Look at Two Indirect Sampling Methods
Published online in 2010 as part of U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010-5091. Measurement of Bedload Transport in Sand-Bed Rivers: A Look at Two Indirect Sampling Methods Robert R. Holmes, Jr. U.S. Geological Survey, Rolla, Missouri, United States. Abstract Sand-bed rivers present unique challenges to accurate measurement of the bedload transport rate using the traditional direct sampling methods of direct traps (for example the Helley-Smith bedload sampler). The two major issues are: 1) over sampling of sand transport caused by “mining” of sand due to the flow disturbance induced by the presence of the sampler and 2) clogging of the mesh bag with sand particles reducing the hydraulic efficiency of the sampler. Indirect measurement methods hold promise in that unlike direct methods, no transport-altering flow disturbance near the bed occurs. The bedform velocimetry method utilizes a measure of the bedform geometry and the speed of bedform translation to estimate the bedload transport through mass balance. The bedform velocimetry method is readily applied for the estimation of bedload transport in large sand-bed rivers so long as prominent bedforms are present and the streamflow discharge is steady for long enough to provide sufficient bedform translation between the successive bathymetric data sets. Bedform velocimetry in small sand- bed rivers is often problematic due to rapid variation within the hydrograph. The bottom-track bias feature of the acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) has been utilized to accurately estimate the virtual velocities of sand-bed rivers. Coupling measurement of the virtual velocity with an accurate determination of the active depth of the streambed sediment movement is another method to measure bedload transport, which will be termed the “virtual velocity” method. -
Geomorphic Classification of Rivers
9.36 Geomorphic Classification of Rivers JM Buffington, U.S. Forest Service, Boise, ID, USA DR Montgomery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA Published by Elsevier Inc. 9.36.1 Introduction 730 9.36.2 Purpose of Classification 730 9.36.3 Types of Channel Classification 731 9.36.3.1 Stream Order 731 9.36.3.2 Process Domains 732 9.36.3.3 Channel Pattern 732 9.36.3.4 Channel–Floodplain Interactions 735 9.36.3.5 Bed Material and Mobility 737 9.36.3.6 Channel Units 739 9.36.3.7 Hierarchical Classifications 739 9.36.3.8 Statistical Classifications 745 9.36.4 Use and Compatibility of Channel Classifications 745 9.36.5 The Rise and Fall of Classifications: Why Are Some Channel Classifications More Used Than Others? 747 9.36.6 Future Needs and Directions 753 9.36.6.1 Standardization and Sample Size 753 9.36.6.2 Remote Sensing 754 9.36.7 Conclusion 755 Acknowledgements 756 References 756 Appendix 762 9.36.1 Introduction 9.36.2 Purpose of Classification Over the last several decades, environmental legislation and a A basic tenet in geomorphology is that ‘form implies process.’As growing awareness of historical human disturbance to rivers such, numerous geomorphic classifications have been de- worldwide (Schumm, 1977; Collins et al., 2003; Surian and veloped for landscapes (Davis, 1899), hillslopes (Varnes, 1958), Rinaldi, 2003; Nilsson et al., 2005; Chin, 2006; Walter and and rivers (Section 9.36.3). The form–process paradigm is a Merritts, 2008) have fostered unprecedented collaboration potentially powerful tool for conducting quantitative geo- among scientists, land managers, and stakeholders to better morphic investigations. -
Seasonal Flooding Affects Habitat and Landscape Dynamics of a Gravel
Seasonal flooding affects habitat and landscape dynamics of a gravel-bed river floodplain Katelyn P. Driscoll1,2,5 and F. Richard Hauer1,3,4,6 1Systems Ecology Graduate Program, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812 USA 2Rocky Mountain Research Station, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 USA 3Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, Montana 59806 USA 4Montana Institute on Ecosystems, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812 USA Abstract: Floodplains are comprised of aquatic and terrestrial habitats that are reshaped frequently by hydrologic processes that operate at multiple spatial and temporal scales. It is well established that hydrologic and geomorphic dynamics are the primary drivers of habitat change in river floodplains over extended time periods. However, the effect of fluctuating discharge on floodplain habitat structure during seasonal flooding is less well understood. We collected ultra-high resolution digital multispectral imagery of a gravel-bed river floodplain in western Montana on 6 dates during a typical seasonal flood pulse and used it to quantify changes in habitat abundance and diversity as- sociated with annual flooding. We observed significant changes in areal abundance of many habitat types, such as riffles, runs, shallow shorelines, and overbank flow. However, the relative abundance of some habitats, such as back- waters, springbrooks, pools, and ponds, changed very little. We also examined habitat transition patterns through- out the flood pulse. Few habitat transitions occurred in the main channel, which was dominated by riffle and run habitat. In contrast, in the near-channel, scoured habitats of the floodplain were dominated by cobble bars at low flows but transitioned to isolated flood channels at moderate discharge. -
Secondary Flow Effects on Deposition of Cohesive Sediment in A
water Article Secondary Flow Effects on Deposition of Cohesive Sediment in a Meandering Reach of Yangtze River Cuicui Qin 1,* , Xuejun Shao 1 and Yi Xiao 2 1 State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China 2 National Inland Waterway Regulation Engineering Research Center, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-188-1137-0675 Received: 27 May 2019; Accepted: 9 July 2019; Published: 12 July 2019 Abstract: Few researches focus on secondary flow effects on bed deformation caused by cohesive sediment deposition in meandering channels of field mega scale. A 2D depth-averaged model is improved by incorporating three submodels to consider different effects of secondary flow and a module for cohesive sediment transport. These models are applied to a meandering reach of Yangtze River to investigate secondary flow effects on cohesive sediment deposition, and a preferable submodel is selected based on the flow simulation results. Sediment simulation results indicate that the improved model predictions are in better agreement with the measurements in planar distribution of deposition, as the increased sediment deposits caused by secondary current on the convex bank have been well predicted. Secondary flow effects on the predicted amount of deposition become more obvious during the period when the sediment load is low and velocity redistribution induced by the bed topography is evident. Such effects vary with the settling velocity and critical shear stress for deposition of cohesive sediment. The bed topography effects can be reflected by the secondary flow submodels and play an important role in velocity and sediment deposition predictions. -
River Dynamics 101 - Fact Sheet River Management Program Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
River Dynamics 101 - Fact Sheet River Management Program Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Overview In the discussion of river, or fluvial systems, and the strategies that may be used in the management of fluvial systems, it is important to have a basic understanding of the fundamental principals of how river systems work. This fact sheet will illustrate how sediment moves in the river, and the general response of the fluvial system when changes are imposed on or occur in the watershed, river channel, and the sediment supply. The Working River The complex river network that is an integral component of Vermont’s landscape is created as water flows from higher to lower elevations. There is an inherent supply of potential energy in the river systems created by the change in elevation between the beginning and ending points of the river or within any discrete stream reach. This potential energy is expressed in a variety of ways as the river moves through and shapes the landscape, developing a complex fluvial network, with a variety of channel and valley forms and associated aquatic and riparian habitats. Excess energy is dissipated in many ways: contact with vegetation along the banks, in turbulence at steps and riffles in the river profiles, in erosion at meander bends, in irregularities, or roughness of the channel bed and banks, and in sediment, ice and debris transport (Kondolf, 2002). Sediment Production, Transport, and Storage in the Working River Sediment production is influenced by many factors, including soil type, vegetation type and coverage, land use, climate, and weathering/erosion rates. -
Natural Character, Riverscape & Visual Amenity Assessments
Natural Character, Riverscape & Visual Amenity Assessments Clutha/Mata-Au Water Quantity Plan Change – Stage 1 Prepared for Otago Regional Council 15 October 2018 Document Quality Assurance Bibliographic reference for citation: Boffa Miskell Limited 2018. Natural Character, Riverscape & Visual Amenity Assessments: Clutha/Mata-Au Water Quantity Plan Change- Stage 1. Report prepared by Boffa Miskell Limited for Otago Regional Council. Prepared by: Bron Faulkner Senior Principal/ Landscape Architect Boffa Miskell Limited Sue McManaway Landscape Architect Landwriters Reviewed by: Yvonne Pfluger Senior Principal / Landscape Planner Boffa Miskell Limited Status: Final Revision / version: B Issue date: 15 October 2018 Use and Reliance This report has been prepared by Boffa Miskell Limited on the specific instructions of our Client. It is solely for our Client’s use for the purpose for which it is intended in accordance with the agreed scope of work. Boffa Miskell does not accept any liability or responsibility in relation to the use of this report contrary to the above, or to any person other than the Client. Any use or reliance by a third party is at that party's own risk. Where information has been supplied by the Client or obtained from other external sources, it has been assumed that it is accurate, without independent verification, unless otherwise indicated. No liability or responsibility is accepted by Boffa Miskell Limited for any errors or omissions to the extent that they arise from inaccurate information provided by the Client or -
Documentation and Analysis of Flash Flood Prone Streams and Subwatershed Basins in Pulaski County, Virginia
DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF FLASH FLOOD PRONE STREAMS AND SUBWATERSHED BASINS IN PULASKI COUNTY, VIRGINIA Prepared by Anthony Phillips Department of Geography Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Report Distributed August 10, 2009 Prepared for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - National Weather Service Blacksburg, Virginia & Office of the Emergency Manager Pulaski County, Virginia The research on which this report is based was financed by Virginia Tech through the McNair Scholars Summer Research Program. ABSTRACT Flash flooding is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. With so many deaths related to this type of severe weather, additional detailed information about local streams and creeks could help forecasters issue more accurate and precise warnings, which could help save lives. Using GIS software, streams within twenty-five feet of a roadway in Pulaski County, Virginia were identified and selected to be surveyed. Field work at each survey point involved taking measurements to determine the required stream level rise necessary to cause flooding along any nearby roadway(s). Additionally, digital pictures were taken to document the environment upstream and downstream at each survey point. This information has been color- coded, mapped, and overlaid in Google Earth for quick access on computers at the National Weather Service Office in Blacksburg, Virginia. It has also been compiled into an operational handbook and DVD for use at the NWS. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author would like to thank -
On the Quantitative.Invent01·Y of the Riverscape' ,I
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH AUGUST 1968 _ On the Quantitative .Invent01·y of the Riverscape' LPNA B. LEOPOLD AND MAURA O'BRIEN MARCHAND U. S. Geological Survey W""hinglon, D. C.IIO!!42 ,I Ab8tract. In the vicinity of Berkeley. California, 24 minor "alleys were described in terms of factors chosen to represent aspects of the river landscape. A total of 28 factors were evalu ated at eaeh site. Some were directly measurable. others were estimated, but each obsen'atioll was assigned to ODe of five categories for tha.t factor. Each factor for each site was then expressed as a uniqueness ratio, which depended on the number of sites being in Ute same category. The uniqueness ratio is believed to represent one way the scarcity of a given river &CRpe can be ranked quantitatively without bias based 011 notions of good or bad, and without assigning monetary value. GENERAL STATEMENT differently. depending upon individual back ground, interest, desires, and thus one's objec On property we grow pigs or peanulll. On tives. we grow suburbs or sunJlowers. On land The present paper presents a tcntntiye nod pe we grow feelings or frustrations. The modest attempt to record the presence or ab 'ty of a landscape may be an asset to sence of chosen factors that contribute to iety, or it may be a 'scarlet letter' that should aesthetic worth. Observations were made in a . d us of wbat we have thrown away. All restricted range of exnmples in one locality, empts to preserve the environment must ne- Alameda and Contra Costa count.ics near San ily rewesent a compromise between the Francisco Bay. -
Flash Flood PREPAREDNESS
Flash Flood PREPAREDNESS Flash floods occur within a few minutes or Before a flood occurs. hours of excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure or a sudden release of water held by an Find out if you live in a flood prone area. ice jam. Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out You can check with your local building trees, destroy buildings and bridges. Flash department to see the flood maps for your floods can also trigger catastrophic mudslides. municipality. Flash floods are the #1 weather related killer If you are in a flood zone - purchase in the United States. sufficient flood insurance. Flood losses are not covered under normal National Weather Service . homeowner’s insurance. Staying current with forecasts from the Learn how your community would alert you National Weather Service can be an important if a flood was occurring or predicted. part of flood preparedness. Individuals can purchase a NOAA weather radio to directly Pre-assemble flood-fighting supplies like hear the forecasts, advisories, watches and/or plastic sheeting, lumber, sandbags. warnings. Some NOAA weather radios can alarm when there is a serious/dangerous Have check valves installed in building weather condition. These radios are available sewer traps to prevent flood waters from at many stores. backing up in sewer drains. The following terms may be used by the As a last resort have large corks or National Weather service: stoppers to plug showers, tubs or basins from water rising up through the pipes. A Flash Flood or Flood Watch means that flash flooding or flooding is possible within the Maintain a disaster supply kit at home. -
Lower Wisconsin River Main Stem
LOWER WISCONSIN RIVER MAIN STEM The Wisconsin River begins at Lac Vieux Desert, a lake in Vilas County that lies on the border of Wisconsin and the Lower Wisconsin River Upper Pennisula in Michigan. The river is approximately At A Glance 430 miles long and collects water from 12,280 square miles. As a result of glaciation across the state, the river Drainage Area: 4,940 sq. miles traverses a variety of different geologic and topographic Total Stream Miles: 165 miles settings. The section of the river known as the Lower Wisconsin River crosses over several of these different Major Public Land: geologic settings. From the Castle Rock Flowage, the river ♦ Units of the Lower Wisconsin flows through the flat Central Sand Plain that is thought to State Riverway be a legacy of Glacial Lake Wisconsin. Downstream from ♦ Tower Hill, Rocky Arbor, and Wisconsin Dells, the river flows through glacial drift until Wyalusing State Parks it enters the Driftless Area and eventually flows into the ♦ Wildlife areas and other Mississippi River (Map 1, Chapter Three ). recreation areas adjacent to river Overall, the Lower Wisconsin River portion of the Concerns and Issues: Wisconsin River extends approximately 165 miles from the ♦ Nonpoint source pollution Castle Rock Flowage dam downstream to its confluence ♦ Impoundments with the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien. There are ♦ Atrazine two major hydropower dams operate on the Lower ♦ Fish consumption advisories Wisconsin, one at Wisconsin Dells and one at Prairie Du for PCB’s and mercury Sac. The Wisconsin Dells dam creates Kilbourn Flowage. ♦ Badger Army Ammunition The dam at Prairie Du Sac creates Lake Wisconsin. -
Severe Weather Safety Guide Flash Flooding
What causes River Flooding? Stay informed! • Persistent storms over the same area for long Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or Severe periods of time. television for the latest weather and river forecasts. • Combined rainfall and snowmelt • Ice jams Weather • Releases from man made lakes • Excessive rain from tropical systems making Safety landfall. How does the NWS issue To check out the latest river forecast information Guide and current stages on our area rivers, visit: Flood/Flash Flood Warnings? http://weather.gov/pah/ahps Flash Check out the National Weather Service Paducah website for the latest information at Flooding weather.gov/paducah Call for the latest forecast from the National Weather Service’s Weather Information Now number: Paducah, KY: 270-744-6331 Evansville, IN: 812-425-5549 National Weather Service forecasters rely on a A reference guide from your network of almost 10,000 gages to monitor the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration height of rivers and streams across the Nation. National Weather Service National Weather Service This gage data is only one of many different 8250 Kentucky Highway 3520 Paducah, Kentucky sources for data. Forecasters use data from the Doppler Radar, surface weather observations, West Paducah, KY 42086 snow melt/cover information and many other 270-744-6440 different data sources in order to monitor the threat for flooding. FLOODS KILL MORE PEOPLE FACT: Almost half of all flash flood Flooding PER YEAR THAN ANY OTHER fatalities occur in vehicles. WEATHER PHENOMENAN. fatalities occur in vehicles. Safety • As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose What are Flash Floods ? control of your vehicle. -
Estimation of the Base Flow Recession Constant Under Human Interference Brian F
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH, VOL. 49, 7366–7379, doi:10.1002/wrcr.20532, 2013 Estimation of the base flow recession constant under human interference Brian F. Thomas,1 Richard M. Vogel,2 Charles N. Kroll,3 and James S. Famiglietti1,4,5 Received 28 January 2013; revised 27 August 2013; accepted 13 September 2013; published 15 November 2013. [1] The base flow recession constant, Kb, is used to characterize the interaction of groundwater and surface water systems. Estimation of Kb is critical in many studies including rainfall-runoff modeling, estimation of low flow statistics at ungaged locations, and base flow separation methods. The performance of several estimators of Kb are compared, including several new approaches which account for the impact of human withdrawals. A traditional semilog estimation approach adapted to incorporate the influence of human withdrawals was preferred over other derivative-based estimators. Human withdrawals are shown to have a significant impact on the estimation of base flow recessions, even when withdrawals are relatively small. Regional regression models are developed to relate seasonal estimates of Kb to physical, climatic, and anthropogenic characteristics of stream-aquifer systems. Among the factors considered for explaining the behavior of Kb, both drainage density and human withdrawals have significant and similar explanatory power. We document the importance of incorporating human withdrawals into models of the base flow recession response of a watershed and the systemic downward bias associated with estimates of Kb obtained without consideration of human withdrawals. Citation: Thomas, B. F., R. M. Vogel, C. N. Kroll, and J. S. Famiglietti (2013), Estimation of the base flow recession constant under human interference, Water Resour.