This study was designed to provide a physical and ecological analysis of paired
watersheds in the semi-arid western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) woodlands of
Central Oregon. Instrumentation and monitoring was accomplished in Jensen and Mays
watersheds as the preliminary portion of a longer term project. Instrumentation was
designed to address changes in the erosional processes, hydrology, and vegetation on a
watershed scale. Instrumentation was setup to assist in the comparison and calibration
of water flow out of the watersheds. This information will be used in the long-term
study in conjunction with the treatment of the western juniper overstory on one of the
watersheds.
Determination of the study area in each watershed required extensive
reconnaissance with the assistance of aerial photos, topographic maps, and Geographic
Information Systems (GIS). Mapping of the study areas was accomplished with GIS and
Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Watersheds were paired according to specific
characteristics that influence treatment effects. Flume types were chosen with respect to
precipitation intensity and frequency with placement being more a function of watershed
topography and channel morphology.
Upland sedimentation and erosion measurement required intense acknowledgement of
both abiotic as well as biotic characteristics.
Analysis showed the watersheds to be similar in size, percent juniper, grass and
bare soil cover, topography, and precipitation frequency and intensity. Differences were
obtained relative to erosional processes, area of different soil types and channel discharge. Further monitoring and calibration should provide greater insight into the comparison
of these components of the study. / Graduation date: 1996
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/34910 |
| Date | 26 January 1996 |
| Creators | Fisher, Michael, (Michael Patrick), 1966- |
| Contributors | Buckhouse, John C. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
Page generated in 0.0015 seconds