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THE USE OF GEOMORPHOLOGY IN THE ASSESSMENT OF STREAM STABILITY
Citation:
Schultz**, C A., M A. Morrison**, AND J SchubauerBerigan. THE USE OF GEOMORPHOLOGY IN THE ASSESSMENT OF STREAM STABILITY. Presented at Ohio Valley Chapter Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Columbus, OH, May 13 - 14, 2004.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Various applications of geomorphic data and stream stability rating systems are being considered in order to establish tools for the development of TMDLs for clean sediment in streams. The transport of "clean" sediment, as opposed to contaminated sediment, is of concern to the environmental community, because both the erosion and deposition of this material can adversely affect habitat and water quality. This project is studying the ability of stream classification methods to evaluate the risks to the environment of both the current sediment transport conditions and in forecasting future changes in sediment load due to changes in land use and natural progression in the evolution of the stream channel. Eight streams in the Little Miami River (Southwestern Ohio) have been classified using the Rosgen Stream Classification system by extensive surveying. It has been determined that the same classification is obtained with a less extensive survey (reduced effort and cost) by using values of sinuosity and slope calculated from data off of existing topographic maps and aerial photographs. This study is being expanded to include stream stability rating systems (comparing a Modified Simon with the Pfankuch method) and examination of additional streams.