Fluvial sediments, as a product of erosion, are associated with a wide range of environmental issues. In particular, sediment quality and its origin represent one of the focuses of contemporary water management. This study examines the characteristics and provenance of fine bed sediments in a humid sub-tropical macro scale catchment – the East River basin in South China. Sampling was carried out in the dry seasons of 2007 – 2008, following the protocol of USGS OFR 94-458. Sample density was one per 200 km2. The particle size, grain roundness, geochemistry, mineral magnetic parameters, clay mineralogy, along with C and N, were determined for the <2-mm and <63-μm size fractions. A geochemical baseline, along with its spatial distribution, was developed for the East River by using a statistical approach. The geochemistry was generally consistent with upper crustal abundance of China and with world average suspended matter concentrations. Some analytes, such as arsenic and sulphur, were elevated and were found to associate with anthropogenic activities, whilst rare earth elements (REEs) were affiliated with the igneous geology in the study basin. These associations were also detected from exploratory factor analysis, as well as the longitudinal profiles developed for the main stem of the river. Sediment source apportionment was carried out by utilizing the fingerprinting procedure on three geologic groups. Results indicate that provenance of sediments in the East River was more or less uniform among the different geologies, but the accuracy of the apportionment has been compromised by the relatively high within-group variance of the source categories. Results suggested that source apportionment was only viable by utilizing the <63-μm fraction, and grain size correction factor shall not be employed on samples with a high granulometric variance. REE represents a robust signature to indicate provenance from igneous lithology, in particular, granites. / published_or_final_version / Geography / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

This thesis outlines hydrological, political, economic and social facts related to the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers dispute between the three major riparian states, Turkey, Syria and Iraq. Once the factual base was constructed, it describes how each of the states uses water based on direct quotes, inferences and interpretations from secondary literature, interviews and other primary sources. The author used these narratives to analyze the current level of coordination and prospects for further cooperation among the riparians. Using these narratives, the author has drafted an agreement that could be a starting point from which the riparian states could address regional water issues.

Prepared for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District Office, Contract No. DACW-09-80-C-0071

This study has presented a comprehensive overview of the status and ecology of walleye and sauger in the Wabash River, Indiana. Populations of walleye and sauger are relatively low in numbers. Both species exhibited a trend of increased abundance with river km from the mouth of the Wabash River. Summer walleye habitat use and movements were examined in the upper Wabash River. Walleye preferred run habitat over riffle or pool habitat. Lateral position, substrate use, and mean depth appeared to be influenced by discharge. Movements were generally short and occurred within a relatively small home range of 1.7 km. The population size limits the fisheries potential for walleye and sauger in the Wabash River mainstem. The upper Wabash River supports higher abundances of these species than the middle Wabash River and may provide a focal point for future management efforts. / Department of Biology

The hydraulic dimensions and planform character of a river channel are very much affected by the channel gradient and the calibre of the bed materials. One of the two major objectives of this study is to analyze these effects on selected reaches along the Bulstrode River, near Victoriaville. / The second objective is to relate the variations in gradient, sediment calibre and channel geometry to the changes in floodplain character along the river valley. / The river is about 85 km long and flows across the Appalachian highlands and foothills in southern Quebec. This study focuses on six alluvial reaches along the river, ranging from 0.7 to 1.5 km in length. The channel gradient ranges from 0.0036 to 0.0001. The decline in gradient is associated with rapid downstream fining from small cobble and gravel-bed in the 'upvalley reaches' to a sand-bedded channel in the 'downvalley' reaches. / The discharge remains fairly constant over the river length, averaging about 140 m$ sp3$/sec. Channel depth, particularly the thalweg depth, increases appreciably in the downstream direction. The channel width decreases appreciably in the downstream direction. The channel capacity varies significantly without a clear pattern in the steeper cobble-gravel bed reaches and generally declines in the more hydraulically efficient, gentler and more hydraulically efficient fine gravel-sand bed downstream reaches. / This study finds that floodplain characteristics vary with specific stream power and within-channel processes, but not in the same manner as suggested in the Nanson and Croke (1992) model. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Graduation date: 1997

Thesis (M.S. - Renewable Natural Resources)--University of Arizona, 1986. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-83).

Thesis (M.A. - Geography and Regional Development)--University of Arizona, 1988. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-119).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Murdoch University, 2003. / Thesis submitted to the Division of Science and Engineering. Bibliography: p. 273-287.

Thesis--University of Wisconsin. / Vita. Photocopy of typescript. Ann Arbor, Mich. : University Microfilms International, 1977. -- 22 cm. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 821-835).