Characterizing streamflow trends is important for water resources management. Streamflow conditions, and trends thereof, are critical drivers of all aspects of stream geomorphology, sediment and nutrient transport, and ecological processes. Using the non-parametric modified Mann-Kendall test, we analyzed streamflow trends from 1996 to 2022 for the Southern Appalachian (SA) region of the U.S. The forested uplands of the SA receive high amounts of rain and act as a "water tower" for the surrounding lowland area, both of which have experienced higher than average population growth and urban development. For the total of 127 USGS gages with continuous streamflow measurements, we also evaluated precipitation and land change rates and patterns within the upstream contributing areas. Statistical methods (i.e., generalized linear models) were then used to assess any linkages between land cover change (LCC) and streamflow trends. Our results show that 42 drainage areas are experiencing increasing trends in their precipitation, and 1 is experiencing a negative trend. A total of 71 drainage areas are experiencing increasing trends in either their annual streamflow minimums, maximums, medians, or variability, with some experiencing changes in multiple. From our models, it is suggested that agricultural expansion is associated with increasing minimum streamflow trends, but increasing precipitation is also positively linked. With this information, water managers would be aware of which areas are experiencing changes in streamflow amounts from LCC or precipitation and could then apply this in planning and predictions. / Master of Science / Water availability is important for resources management. Streamflow is a measure of available surface water and is an important component in the hydrological cycle. Using the non-parametric modified Mann-Kendall test, we analyzed streamflow trends from 1996 to 2022 for the Southern Appalachian (SA) region of the U.S. The forested uplands of the SA receive high amounts of rain and act as a "water tower" for the surrounding lowland area, both of which have experienced higher than average population growth and city expansion. For the total of 127 USGS gages with continuous streamflow measurements, we also evaluated precipitation and land cover change rates within the area upstream of the gage (or drainage/contributing area). Statistical methods (i.e., generalized linear models) were then used to assess any linkages between land cover change (LCC) and streamflow trends. Our results show that 42 drainage areas are experiencing increasing trends in their precipitation, and 1 is experiencing a negative trend. A total of 71 drainage areas are experiencing increasing trends in either their annual streamflow minimums, maximums, medians, or variability, with some experiencing changes in multiple. From our models, it is suggested that agricultural expansion is associated with increasing minimum streamflow trends, but increasing precipitation is also positively linked. With this information, water managers would be aware of which areas are experiencing changes in streamflow amounts from LCC or precipitation and could then apply this in planning and predictions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/117271 |
| Date | 21 December 2023 |
| Creators | Miele, Alexander |
| Contributors | Geography, Shao, Yang, Gannon, John Patrick, Deng, Xinwei |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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