In Kentucky, Best Management Practices (BMPs) were developed to protect the integrity of water resources during and after silvicultural operations, but their effectiveness is largely unknown. The study objectives were to (1) quantify the extent to which current BMPs minimized logging-related changes in stream water quality, channel morphology, and the content of woody debris and (2) quantify the extent to which modified BMPs influenced these characteristics. Six watersheds in eastern Kentucky were commercially logged in 2008-2009. In each watershed, one of three treatments was implemented (each replicated once). Treatment 1 (BMP) was based on current Kentucky BMPs. In treatments 2 (BMP+) and 3 (BMP++), current BMPs were modified with additional protective measures. Before the harvest, sampling sites were established in each watershed. Channel morphology and woody debris data were collected at each site in 2006 and again 2014. Data for water chemistry were retrieved from ongoing sampling records. BMP watersheds were compared to one another and to unharvested control watersheds in each year independently. Data within each individual watershed were also compared across years. The results indicate that current BMPs were effective in minimizing changes in the watershed characteristics examined here, and the benefits of modified BMPs were highly variable.

This dissertation reports the results of a field based study examining sediment transport and bed mobility in a low-ordered, ephemeral watershed. Runoff and sediment transport concentrations were sampled at the watershed outlet to determine flow discharge and sediment flux during approximately 21 flow events, from 1998 - 2007. Sediment collected in flow was measured for grain-size distribution to determine if specific grain-size fractions behave differently while in transport. The coarse sediment yield was measured for mass and grain-size distribution at the watershed outlet for two years, 2005 - 2006. Further, the arrangement and composition of the channel bed material was comprehensively mapped using terrestrial-based photogrammetry for the years, 2005 - 2006. Results show that patterns of sediment transport are complex, controlled in part by flow hydraulics but also by other phenomena. Some of the variation in sediment transport is determined by grain-size. Grain-sizes with different sources within the watershed and that transported by different transport modes were observed to follow different patterns of transport. Also, the channel bed, which serves as the source for the coarse fraction of the sediment transport, was observed to change in grain composition during periods of flow. This tendency for the bed material to evolve in time likely affected the amount and composition of the sediment grains that were entrained from it.An additional objective of this dissertation was to determine how unique the observed patterns of sediment transport were to low-order ephemeral channels. Sediment transport and yield were modeled using bed load transport formulae designed to capture the physical mechanics of transport as observed in perennial streams. Results show that contemporary transport models predict transport within the field site with similar accuracy as that in many perennial systems but not well enough to rely on their predictions for many engineering applications.

The purpose of this study is to describe and explain tributary changes within the lower Trinity River basin, Texas, downstream of Livingston Dam. Within southeastern Texas, an opportunistic geomorphic experiment arose when the Trinity River was impounded. The dam represents a marked moment and place of a system perturbation. Geomorphological effects of the lower Trinity River tributaries were investigated through five different types of data: analysis of published discharge and sediment load data, examination of alluvium, planform change as measured from aerial photographs, resurveys of bridge cross-sections, and field mapping of geomorphic indicators of change. Since closure, Lake Livingston has reduced sediment supply while minimally affecting the discharge regime. Channel scour is evident for about 60 km downstream. All the tributaries studied are located within this reach. Currently, there is no model that directly addresses the morphological response of a tributary streams confluence downstream of a dam. Therefore, the Confluence Effects Model is developed to predict the resulting geomorphological impacts within a tributary streams mouth with varying changes in trunk stream discharge and channel morphology. When applied to two confluences of the lower Trinity River, the Confluence Effects Model successfully predicts the resulting geomorphological changes. Within the lower Trinity River basin, the tributaries are reacting in a nonlinear and complex manner. Delayed or lagged responses are illustrated through sediment budgets for two tributaries which suggest a large amount of sediment is in storage within the tributary basins. Applying the unstable hydraulic geometry model, thirteen qualitatively different modes of adjustment with respect to increases, decreases or lack of change in width, depth, slope and roughness were observed within the tributary systems. The nonlinear and complex reactions of the tributary systems mask the effects of the impoundment beyond the confluences with the Trinity. The geomorphic characteristics of the tributaries are largely dominated by Holocene sea level change and the response to extreme events, such that dam effects become relatively localized. While this study considered a coastal plain fluvial system perturbed by human modifications, other earth surface systems may draw comparisons between emergent responses, response times and landscape sensitivity to a disturbance within a system.

This study examined historic change of riparian plant communities and fluvial geomorphic response of gravel-bedded streams and their floodplains to over 50 years of hydrologic disturbance. Four tributary basins of the Arkansas River were analyzed. Lake Creek, Clear Creek, and Cottonwood Creek are drainages similar in area, physiography, and vegetation composition. However, Lake Creek may receive an instantaneous discharge of approximately 28 m3sec-1 from the Twin Lakes tunnel, over three times the normal flow of the stream during spring runoff. By contrast, Clear Creek and Cottonwood Creek, nonaugmented streams, were used as controls to compare the historic and present condition of natural flowing streams with Lake Creek. Lake Fork was also examined, another augmented stream that carries transmountain water stored in a reservoir to the Upper Arkansas River. Hydrologic data collected from U.S.G.S. gaging stations were used in an attempt to identify relations between specific flow events and corresponding changes in fluvial landforms, riparian vegetation patterns, and channel morphology. Topographic cross sections of the channel and floodplain were surveyed and hydraulic geometry at each field site was examined. Aerial photographs from 1938-39, 1956-57 , and 1988 were incorporated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) to prepare a series of land cover maps of the river corridor at eight field sites on augmented and nonaugmented streams. Results indicate channel morphology and riparian vegetation cover on the active floodplains of Lake Creek and Lake Fork have experienced substantial change from natural physical and biologic conditions as a result of historic and present flow augmentation practices. The increase in water discharge without a natural sediment load in Lake Creek and Lake Fork appears to have caused accelerated rates of channel bank erosion, incision, and bank retreat below transbasin diversion releases. In some downstream reaches characterized by gentler slopes and wider valley bottoms, the width-depth ratio of the channel has increased and sinuosity has decreased. Sites carrying transmountain water were characterized by higher shear stress and specific stream power values and larger bed material compared to control sites. Consequently, the Lake Creek and Lake Fork drainages show temporal and spatial loss of riparian vegetation adjacent to the stream channel in response to historic and present flow augmentation practices. Control watersheds, Clear Creek and Cottonwood Creek, where natural flow regimes exist, did not experience similar magnitudes of change in channel morphology or spatial distribution of riparian vegetation.

Measurements in paired stream reaches with and without livestock access in southwestern Virginia suggest that livestock exclusion practices installed on short, isolated stream reaches result in improved geomorphic and riparian vegetation condition, but do not significantly improve the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage. Detailed longitudinal and cross-sectional surveys, pebble counts, and rapid geomorphic assessments were conducted on contiguous, paired stream reaches (5 pairs) with and without active livestock access across a range of time since livestock exclusion was implemented. In addition, bank characteristics were quantified by measuring groundcover biomass, shrub crown volume, tree density and diameter, soil bulk density, and particle-size analysis. Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected with a D-frame dip net and quantified using the Virginia Stream Condition Index (SCI), and other benthic macroinvertebrate metrics. We determined that: 1) small lengths of livestock exclusion can significantly increase channel depth and decrease the width to depth ratio, and increase groundcover vegetation growth, but do not significantly alter benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages; and, 2) qualitative geomorphic assessment results showed trends over time since exclusion (0 to greater than 50 years), but not in any of the other parameters evaluated. These observations suggest that a more targeted and holistic approach that addresses watershed-wide impacts must be implemented to restore aquatic habitat. (Key Words: CREP, stream channel morphology, livestock exclusion, agriculture, benthic macroinvertebrates, riparian buffers.) / Master of Science

From the Proceedings of the 1975 Meetings of the Arizona Section - American Water Resources Assn. and the Hydrology Section - Arizona Academy of Science - April 11-12, 1975, Tempe, Arizona / The influence of some model parameters on runoff simulation was investigated. The model parameters considered included space and time increments, rainfall input, and channel roughness. The parameters' effect on runoff appeared to be very small, but channel roughness greatly influenced flow depth.

From the Proceedings of the 1976 Meetings of the Arizona Section - American Water Resources Assn. and the Hydrology Section - Arizona Academy of Science - April 29-May 1, 1976, Tucson, Arizona / Flow frequency curves supported the hypothesis that channel-forming flows are exceptional events in ephemeral mountain streams. This was substantiated by the lack of a relationship between sediment production and sediment yield. Numerous bed nickpoints indicated channel instability, despite gravel bars and log steps that are part of the slope adjustment processes. Due to differences in structural density between bars and steps, size distribution of the sediment deposits above them differs. Although only qualitative guidelines are presented, the watershed or wildlife manager should be in a position to utilize the formation of gravel bars and log steps for his management goals.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T17:51:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Karl_Heins_Ewald.pdf: 3570741 bytes, checksum: c5bdd80e061dc3f0dc6cf78e808ab2d3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-05-09 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Rivers are important agents working in the sculpturing of relief, through its high transport capacity of sediments originary from slopes and marginal erosion. The modeling occurs through the processes of erosion and deposition of sediments, which depend on variables such as lithological composition, slope, and flooding. The processes that originate topographic forms are widely described in the literature of alluvial-bed rivers, however little is known about the occurrence of these forms in mixed bed channels (alluvial-rock) and bedrock channel. In this context, this research aims to describe the topographic forms of the valleys on the Cascavel Plateau. The method for the recognition of these forms is the topographic mapping of cross sections in different parts of the channel located at the top, middle and lower course. The mapping is performed with a set level and optical sights. Were mapped four fluvial channels, two channels in areas with altimetric elevations below 400 meters, and two other channels with elevations above 700 meters. The channels have floodplains with varying lengths. Topographic forms were found as dikes, point bars, flood inundation basins, pools and riffles. The data collected show strong channel incision in the sections corresponding to the upper parts of the channels, and that in the course stretches of low flood plains are well developed. Channel meandering is a characteristic feature of the Cascavel Plateau. The formation of point bars is directly associated with the channel marginal erosion, whereas the dikes are the result of sediment settling. The pool-riffle sequences occur by the reduction of the flow velocity in some places, and, in others, by the presence of woody debris. In some parts of the river where are rock outcrop was observed the formation of pot-holes / Os rios são importantes agentes atuando na esculturação do relevo por meio da sua alta capacidade de transporte de sedimentos originários das vertentes e dos processos de erosão marginal. A modelagem ocorre através dos processos de erosão e deposição de sedimentos, que dependem de variáveis como composição litológica, declividade e cheias. Os processos que originam as formas topográficas são descritos vastamente na literatura sobre rios de leito aluviais, no entanto pouco se sabe sobre a ocorrência dessas formas em canais de leitos mistos (aluviais-rochosos) e leitos rochosos. Nesse contexto esta pesquisa objetiva a descrição das formas topográficas de fundos de vale no Planalto de Cascavel. O método para o reconhecimento dessas formas topográficas consiste no mapeamento de seções transversais em trechos distintos do canal localizados no alto, médio e baixo curso. O mapeamento é realizado com um conjunto de nível ótico e mira. Foram mapeados quatro canais fluviais, sendo dois canais em áreas com cotas altimétricas inferiores a 400 metros e, outros dois canais com cotas superiores a 700 metros. Os canais apresentam planícies de inundação com extensões variadas. Foram encontradas formas topográficas como diques, barras em pontal, bacias de inundação, soleiras e depressões. Os dados coletados mostram que há forte incisão do canal nos trechos correspondentes ao alto curso dos canais, e, que nos trechos de baixo curso as planícies de inundação são bem desenvolvidas. O meandramento de canais é uma característica do Planalto de Cascavel. A formação de barras em pontal está associada diretamente a erosão marginal, enquanto que os diques são resultantes da decantação de sedimentos. As sequências de soleiras-depressões ocorrem pela diminuição da velocidade do fluxo em alguns trechos, e, em outros, pela presença de detritos lenhosos. Nos trechos rochosos onde há afloramento rochoso foi observada a formação de marmitas

From the Proceedings of the 1972 Meetings of the Arizona Section - American Water Resources Assn. and the Hydrology Section - Arizona Academy of Science - May 5-6, 1972, Prescott, Arizona / An average of 6 to 13 streamflows from intense summer convective storms occurs annually in the walnut gulch experimental station, 58 square miles in southeastern Arizona. Flows last generally less than 6 hours, and the channels are dry 99 percent of the time. The limiting factors imposed by the geology and geomorphology of the channel to transmission losses of a 6 square mile channel in the station are described. The Precambrian to quaternary geology is outlined, and geomorphology of the channels are described. Volume, porosity and specific yield of alluvium were determined. There is 106 acre-feet of alluvium with a mean specific yield of 28 percent, and a maximum water absorbing capacity of 29 acre-feet or 7 acre-feet per mile of reach. Channel slope is insensitive to changes in geological material beneath it or to changes in flow regime. Channel cross section is highly sensitive to geology and flow regime. Transmission losses were highly correlated to volume of inflow.

From the Proceedings of the 1974 Meetings of the Arizona Section - American Water Resources Assn. and the Hydrology Section - Arizona Academy of Science - April 19-20, 1974, Flagstaff, Arizona / An erosion prediction method that has recently received wide attention in the United States is the universal soil loss equation which is given as: a=rklscp. Where a = estimated soil loss (tons/acre/year), r = a rainfall factor, k = a soil erodibility factor, l = a slope length factor, s = a slope gradient factor, c = a cropping-management factor, and p = an erosion control practice factor. Data collected on the walnut gulch experimental watershed in southeastern Arizona were used to estimate these factors for semiarid rangeland conditions. The equation was then tested with data from watersheds of 108 and 372 acres. The predicted value of annual sediment yield was 1.29 tons/acre/year as compared with an average 1.64 tons/acre/year for 4 years of data for the 108-acre watershed, and a sediment yield of 0.39 tons/acre/year was predicted for the 372-acre watershed as compared with the measured value of 0.52 tons/acre/year. Although good agreement was noted between predicted and actual sediment yield, additional work is needed before the equation can be applied to other areas of the southwest.