Hydrologic Alteration of the Lower Rio Grande Terminus: a Quantitative Assessment
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(P 117-140) Flood Pulse.Qxp
117 THE FLOOD PULSE CONCEPT: NEW ASPECTS, APPROACHES AND APPLICATIONS - AN UPDATE Junk W.J. Wantzen K.M. Max-Planck-Institute for Limnology, Working Group Tropical Ecology, P.O. Box 165, 24302 Plön, Germany E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT The flood pulse concept (FPC), published in 1989, was based on the scientific experience of the authors and published data worldwide. Since then, knowledge on floodplains has increased considerably, creating a large database for testing the predictions of the concept. The FPC has proved to be an integrative approach for studying highly diverse and complex ecological processes in river-floodplain systems; however, the concept has been modified, extended and restricted by several authors. Major advances have been achieved through detailed studies on the effects of hydrology and hydrochemistry, climate, paleoclimate, biogeography, biodi- versity and landscape ecology and also through wetland restoration and sustainable management of flood- plains in different latitudes and continents. Discussions on floodplain ecology and management are greatly influenced by data obtained on flow pulses and connectivity, the Riverine Productivity Model and the Multiple Use Concept. This paper summarizes the predictions of the FPC, evaluates their value in the light of recent data and new concepts and discusses further developments in floodplain theory. 118 The flood pulse concept: New aspects, INTRODUCTION plain, where production and degradation of organic matter also takes place. Rivers and floodplain wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems. For example, 77 percent These characteristics are reflected for lakes in of the water discharge of the 139 largest river systems the “Seentypenlehre” (Lake typology), elaborated by in North America and Europe is affected by fragmen- Thienemann and Naumann between 1915 and 1935 tation of the river channels by dams and river regula- (e.g. -
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. -
Control of Erosion on Construction Sites
624 RAN:c COf'<-\ I A LIBRARY PLANNING AND EP CONTROL OF EROSION ON CONSTRUCTION SITES By Michael J. Ransom CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 7 1 CONTROL OF EROSION ON CONSTRUCTION SITES 9 1.1 General 9 1 .2 How Does Erosion Occur? 9 2. BENEFITS OF EROSION CONTROL ON CONSTRUCTION SITES 11 3. PRINCIPLES OF EROSION CONTROL ON CONSTRUCTION SITES 12 3.1 Planning Phase Controls 12 3.2 Design and Construction Phase Controls 13 3.3 Maintenance Phase Controls 14 4. CONSTRUCTION SITE PRACTICE 15 4.1 Initial Clearing and Site Preparation 15 4.2 Access Around the Site 16 4.3 Drainage 19 4.4 Stockpiles and Spoil Dumps 30 4.5 Vegetation and Reclamation 31 4.6 Batters 34 4.7 SedimentTrapping 37 APPENDIX 1. Construction Supervisor's Check List 46 APPENDIX 2. Conservation, Forestsand Lands 47 Regional Offices REFERENCES 48 f l � t. tf.· . ' f•-':·.· . · . I . ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (First Edition) A number of people have assisted in the preparation of this booklet, both in technical advice and in reviewing the text. Particular thanks are due to a number of officers of the Soil Conservation Authority, particularly Mr. Graydon Findlay, the Authority's Chief Engineer. Also, the assistance of the following is greatly appreciated: Mr. John Mapson, State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, Messrs. Cliff Lawton and Peter Nash of the Road Construction Authority, and Mr. Don Thomson and his staff of the Dandenong Valley Authority who assisted greatly in providing technical input and advice on the presentation of the booklet. INTRODUCTION Each year, an increasing area of agricultural and open land is converted to urban use for houses, shopping centres, factories, roads, schools and other facilities. -
Variable Hydrologic and Geomorphic Responses to Intentional Levee Breaches Along the Lower Cosumnes River, California
Received: 21 April 2016 Revised: 29 March 2017 Accepted: 30 March 2017 DOI: 10.1002/rra.3159 RESEARCH ARTICLE Not all breaks are equal: Variable hydrologic and geomorphic responses to intentional levee breaches along the lower Cosumnes River, California A. L. Nichols1 | J. H. Viers1,2 1 Center for Watershed Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, USA Abstract 2 School of Engineering, University of The transport of water and sediment from rivers to adjacent floodplains helps generate complex California, Merced, California, USA floodplain, wetland, and riparian ecosystems. However, riverside levees restrict lateral connectiv- Correspondence ity of water and sediment during flood pulses, making the re‐introduction of floodplain hydrogeo- A. L. Nichols, Center for Watershed Sciences, morphic processes through intentional levee breaching and removal an emerging floodplain University of California, Davis, California, USA. restoration practice. Repeated topographic observations from levee breach sites along the lower Email: [email protected] Cosumnes River (USA) indicated that breach architecture influences floodplain and channel hydrogeomorphic processes. Where narrow breaches (<75 m) open onto graded floodplains, Funding information California Department of Fish and Wildlife archetypal crevasse splays developed along a single dominant flowpath, with floodplain erosion (CDFW) Ecosystem Restoration Program in near‐bank areas and lobate splay deposition in distal floodplain regions. Narrow breaches (ERP), Grant/Award Number: E1120001; The opening into excavated floodplain channels promoted both transverse advection and turbulent Nature Concervancy (TNC); Consumnes River Preserve diffusion of sediment into the floodplain channel, facilitating near‐bank deposition and potential breach closure. Wide breaches (>250 m) enabled multiple modes of water and sediment transport onto graded floodplains. -
Biogeochemical and Metabolic Responses to the Flood Pulse in a Semi-Arid Floodplain
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by DigitalCommons@USU 1 Running Head: Semi-arid floodplain response to flood pulse 2 3 4 5 6 Biogeochemical and Metabolic Responses 7 to the Flood Pulse in a Semi-Arid Floodplain 8 9 10 11 with 7 Figures and 3 Tables 12 13 14 15 H. M. Valett1, M.A. Baker2, J.A. Morrice3, C.S. Crawford, 16 M.C. Molles, Jr., C.N. Dahm, D.L. Moyer4, J.R. Thibault, and Lisa M. Ellis 17 18 19 20 21 22 Department of Biology 23 University of New Mexico 24 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 USA 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 present addresses: 32 33 1Department of Biology 2Department of Biology 3U.S. EPA 34 Virginia Tech Utah State University Mid-Continent Ecology Division 35 Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 USA Logan, Utah 84322 USA Duluth, Minnesota 55804 USA 36 540-231-2065, 540-231-9307 fax 37 [email protected] 38 4Water Resources Division 39 United States Geological Survey 40 Richmond, Virginia 23228 USA 41 1 1 Abstract: Flood pulse inundation of riparian forests alters rates of nutrient retention and 2 organic matter processing in the aquatic ecosystems formed in the forest interior. Along the 3 Middle Rio Grande (New Mexico, USA), impoundment and levee construction have created 4 riparian forests that differ in their inter-flood intervals (IFIs) because some floodplains are 5 still regularly inundated by the flood pulse (i.e., connected), while other floodplains remain 6 isolated from flooding (i.e., disconnected). -
Watershed Science
Watershed Science This lesson is part of an ongoing monthly series that encourages young adults to learn about the environment through hands-on activities. These activities are recommended for ages 8+ and are designed using materials that most households have on-hand. Where does water come from? Why is it important? What is a watershed? This month, we will explore how water moves on Earth, what a watershed is and why it’s important, and find out what watershed area we live in! Did you know that the water we use today is the same water the dinosaurs used! So how does it move around the earth? Let's find out by making our own model of the water cycle! Model Water Cycle Materials: ❏ 1-quart sized freezer bag ❏ 1 permanent marker ❏ 1 cup of water ❏ Tape *recommend using clear packing tape ❏ Blue Food Coloring *recommended but not necessary ❏ Nature Journal (Click here for activity sheet) Directions: 1. Using a permanent marker, draw a water scene on the outside of the bag including water/waves at the bottom of the bag and clouds and the sun at the top of the bag. 2. Fill the measuring cup with 1 cup of water and add 2 drops of blue food coloring. Carefully stir in food coloring. 3. Slowly pour the water into the freezer bag and seal the bag completely. 4. Tape bag to a sunny window using tape. Choose a window that gets the most sunlight during the day. 5. Check on the bag during the day/several times a day and observe the changes. -
Floods in Nebraska on Small Drainage Areas Magnitude and Frequency
Floods in Nebraska on Small Drainage Areas Magnitude and Frequency GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 45S Floods in Nebraska on Small Drainage Areas, Magnitude and Frequency By Emil W. Beckman and Norman E. Hutchison Prepared in cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Roads GEOLOGICAL SURVEY CIRCULAR 458 Washington 7962 United States Department of the Interior STEW ART L. UDALL, SECRETARY Geological Survey THOMAS B. NOLAN, DIRECTOR Free on application to /he U.S. Geological Survey, Washington 25, D. C. CONTENTS Page Page Abstract ____________________________ 1 Flood-frequency analysis Cont. Introduction _. ____ _ ___ 1 Regional flood-frequency analysis___ 11 Description of area ________________ 1 Base period ____________________ 11 Phy siography____________________ 1 Definition of mean annual flood ___ 11 Soil.__ ____________ 1 Homogeneity of records__________ 12 Climate __ ___________________ 2 Composite frequency curves ______ 12 Drainage areas __________________ 3 Relations of mean annual flood____ 12 Causes of floods__________________ 3 Hydrologic areas-_______________ 14 Flood records available ____________ 3 Application of regional flood-frequency Flood-frequency analysis____________ 9 data ____________________________ 16 Flood frequency at a gaging station _ _ 9 Tributary areas of natural runoff -__ 16 Value _________________ _ ____ 9 Stage of flood discharge ____________ 16 Types of series _________________ 9 Maximum known floods_______________ 17 Plotting position--- ____________ 10 Summary ___________________________ 32 Historical data __________________ 10 Selected references __j.______________ 32 Fitting frequency curves _________ 10 Limitations of a single-station analysis _____________________ 10 ILLUSTRATIONS Page Figure 1. Generalized areas of soil sources in Nebraska_____--_____--------------_-_- 2 2. Map of Nebraska showing location of gaging stations used in flood-frequency analysis ______________________________________________________________ 9 3. -
Impacts of a Flood Pulsing Hydrology on Plants and Invertebrates in Riparian Wetlands
IMPACTS OF A FLOOD PULSING HYDROLOGY ON PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES IN RIPARIAN WETLANDS A dissertation submitted to Kent State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Maureen K. Drinkard August 2012 Dissertation written by Maureen K. Drinkard B.S., Kent State University, 2003 Ph.D., Kent State University, 2012 Approved by ___Ferenc de Szalay_, Chair, Doctoral Dissertation Committee ___Mark Kershner_______, Members, Doctoral Dissertation Committee _____Oscar Rocha________, ____Mandy Munro-Stasiuk_, Accepted by _____James Blank______, Chair, Department of Biological Sciences ______Raymond Craig___, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences ii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................... vi LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................. vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................... x CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 1 Dissertation Goals ............................................................................................. 1 Definition of the Flood Pulse Concept .............................................................. 2 Ecological and economic importance ............................................................... 3 Impacts of environmental -
Scotland's Great Glen Hotel Barge Cruise ~ Fort William to Inverness on Scottish Highlander
800.344.5257 | 910.795.1048 [email protected] PerryGolf.com Scotland's Great Glen Hotel Barge Cruise ~ Fort William to Inverness on Scottish Highlander 6 Nights | 3 Rounds | Parties of 8 or Less PerryGolf is delighted to offer clients an opportunity of cruising the length of Scotland’s magnificent Great Glen onboard the beautiful hotel barge Scottish Highlander, while playing some of Scotland’s finest golf courses. The 8 passenger Scottish Highlander has the atmosphere of a Scottish Country House with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. At 117 feet she is spacious and has every comfort needed for comfortable cruising. On board you will find four en-suite cabins each with a choice of twin or double beds. The experienced crew of four, led by your captain, ensures attention to your every need. Cuisine is traditional Scottish fare, salmon, game, venison and seafood, prepared by your own Master Chef. The open bar is of course well provisioned and in addition to excellent wines is naturally well stocked with a variety of fine Scottish malt whiskies. The itinerary will take you through the Great Glen on the Caledonian Canal which combines three fresh water lochs, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and famous Loch Ness, with sections of delightful man made canals to provide marine navigation for craft cutting right across Scotland amidst some spectacular scenery. Golf is included at legendary Royal Dornoch and the dramatic and highly regarded Castle Stuart, which was voted best new golf course worldwide in 2009. In addition you will play Traigh Golf Club (meaning 'beach' in Gaelic) set in one of the most beautiful parts of the West Highlands of Scotland with its stunning views to the Hebridean islands of Eigg and Rum, and the Cuillins of Skye. -
Homeowners Guide for Flood, Debris Flow, and Erosion Control How Storms Can Effect Your Property
BE PREPARED! HOMEOWNERS GUIDE FOR FLOOD, DEBRIS FLOW, AND EROSION CONTROL HOW STORMS CAN EFFECT YOUR PROPERTY UNPROTECTED HOMES RAIN STORMS Heavy and sustained rainfall from winter storms cause millions and, at times, billions of dollars in property damage annually. Planning and preparing against these disastrous effects, especially in hillside areas, can reduce or eliminate damage to homes and property. This pamphlet provides homeowners and residents some useful methods for controlling the damage possible from such storms. Page 1 POTENTIAL FOR DESTRUCTION Rain falling on barren or sparsely planted slopes has great destructive potential. When rain strikes a bare slope it washes and carries off the soil surface with the runoff. This erosive effect becomes destructive as the soil surface becomes saturated and the flow increases in volume and velocity. Generated mud and debris flows scour and gouge out the slope creating deep furrows in its surface. Under prolonged rainfall, the slope may even become saturated resulting in a slope failure or landslide. HOMES PROTECTED FROM MAJOR DAMAGE Page 2 Mud and debris flows not only damage slopes, but also have sufficient momentum to damage structures in their path, at times resulting in severe injuries and fatalities to building occupants. Mud and debris flows consist of mud, brush, and trees that are moved by storm water. These flows may range in degree of severity from small mud slides to large landslides moving with destructive force down to the bottom of the slope. In either case this is of serious consequence to the property owner. MUD AND DEBRIS FLOW DIVERTED BY SANDBAGS HOW TO PREPARE Early planning and continued maintenance reduce the damaging effects of storms. -
Flooding Dynamics in a Large Low-Gradient Alluvial Fan, the Okavango Delta, Botswana, from Analysis and Interpretation of a 30-Year Hydrometric Record
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 10, 127–137, 2006 www.copernicus.org/EGU/hess/hess/10/127/ Hydrology and SRef-ID: 1607-7938/hess/2006-10-127 Earth System European Geosciences Union Sciences Flooding dynamics in a large low-gradient alluvial fan, the Okavango Delta, Botswana, from analysis and interpretation of a 30-year hydrometric record P. Wolski and M. Murray-Hudson Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, Maun, Botswana Received: 11 August 2005 – Published in Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions: 6 September 2005 Revised: 29 November 2005 – Accepted: 3 January 2006 – Published: 21 February 2006 Abstract. The Okavango Delta is a flood-pulsed wetland, tem, and the flood frequency distribution itself can change, which supports a large tourism industry and the subsistence compared to that at upstream locations (Wolff and Burges, of the local population through the provision of ecosystem 1994). The ecological role of the channel-floodplain interac- services. In order to obtain insight into the influence of var- tion is expressed by the flood pulse concept (Junk et al., 1989; ious environmental factors on flood propagation and distri- Middleton, 1999). According to this concept, floodplain wet- bution in this system, an analysis was undertaken of a 30- lands and riparian ecosystems adjust to, and are maintained, year record of hydrometric data (discharges and water lev- by the pulsing of water, sediment and nutrients that occurs els) from one of the Delta distributaries. The analysis re- during over-bank flow conditions. Odum (1994) addition- vealed that water levels and discharges at any given channel ally identifies flood pulsing at various spatial and temporal site in this distributary are influenced by a complex interplay scales as an energy subsidy to wetland ecosystems, explain- of flood wave and local rainfall inputs, modified by channel- ing in part the high ecological productivity associated with floodplain interactions, in-channel sedimentation and techni- such systems. -
A Geomorphic Monitoring and Adaptive Assessment Framework to Assess the Effect of Lowland Floodplain River Restoration on Channel–Floodplain Sediment Continuity
RIVER RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS River Res. Applic. (in press) Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/rra.911 A GEOMORPHIC MONITORING AND ADAPTIVE ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF LOWLAND FLOODPLAIN RIVER RESTORATION ON CHANNEL–FLOODPLAIN SEDIMENT CONTINUITY J. L. FLORSHEIM,a* J. F. MOUNTa and C. R. CONSTANTINEb a Geology Department and Center for Integrated Watershed Science and Management, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA b Now at Department of Geological Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA ABSTRACT The state of the science of lowland river floodplain restoration reflects the relatively new and experimental nature of large river floodplain rehabilitation efforts. Based on results of a case study of floodplain restoration at the lowland Cosumnes River, California, we present a geomorphic monitoring and adaptive assessment framework that addresses the need to inform and utilize scientific knowledge in lowland floodplain river restoration activities. Highlighting hydrogeomorphic processes that lead to habitat creation, we identify a discharge threshold for connectivity and sediment transfer from the channel to the floodplain and integrate discharge magnitude and duration to quantify a threshold to aid determination of when geomorphic monitoring is warranted. Using floodplain sand deposition volume in splay complexes as one indicator of dynamic floodplain habitat, we develop a model to aid prediction of the sand deposition volume as an assessment tool to use to analyze future monitoring data. Because geomorphic processes that form the physical structure of a habitat are dynamic, and because the most successful restoration projects accommodate this fundamental characteristic of ecosystems, monitoring designs must both identify trends and be adapted iteratively so that relevant features continue to be measured.