Streamflow,Sediment Transport,and Geomorphic Change during the 2011 Flood on the Missouri River Near Bismarck–Mandan,ND

Geomorphic change from extreme events in large managed rivers has implications for river management. A steady‐state, quasi‐three‐dimensional hydrodynamic model was applied to a 29‐km reach of the Missouri River using 2011 flood data. Model results for an extreme flow (500‐year recurrence interval [RI]) and an elevated managed flow (75‐year RI) were used to assess sediment mobility through examination of the spatial distribution of boundary or bed shear stress (τ_b) and longitudinal patterns of average τ_b, velocity, and kurtosis of τ_b. Kurtosis of τ_b was used as an indicator of planform channel complexity and can be applied to other river systems. From differences in longitudinal patterns of sediment mobility for the two flows we can infer: (1) under extreme flow, the channel behaves as a single‐thread channel controlled primarily by flow, which enhances the meander pattern; (2) under elevated managed flows, the channel behaves as multithread channel controlled by the interaction of flow with bed and channel topography, resulting in a more complex channel; and (3) for both flows, the model reach lacks a consistent pattern of deposition or erosion, which indicates migration of areas of erosion and deposition within the reach. Despite caveats and limitations, the analysis provides useful information about geomorphic change under extreme flow and potential implications for river management. Although a 500‐year RI is rare, extreme hydrologic events such as this are predicted to increase in frequency.     

Describing Damage to Stream Modification Projects in Constrained Settings

Complex relationships between stream functions and processes make evaluation of stream modification projects difficult. Informed by vague objectives and minimal monitoring data, post‐construction project evaluations can often be a subjective attribution of success or failure. This article provides a simple framework to rapidly describe the degree of damage in stream modification projects performed in constrained settings. Based on widely accepted evaluations of physical habitat quality and stream stability, the damage states framework describes a continuum of damage in multiple categories that relate natural stream functions to the often desired state of static equilibrium. Given that channel form is closely related to stream function, it follows that changes to the channel form result in changes in function. The damage states focus on damage to flow hydraulics, sediment transport and channel equilibrium, hydraulic, and geomorphic parameters that describe basic stream functioning and support higher level functions in the modified channel. The damage states can be used in decision making as a systematic method to determine the need for repair and design adjustments.     

Characterizing Geomorphic Change from Anthropogenic Disturbances to Inform Restoration in the Upper Cache River,Illinois

Over the past century, channelization, agricultural tiling, and land use changes have resulted in significant stream channel degradation of the Cache River in southern Illinois. With the increasing interest in restoration of the watershed's bottomland forests and swamps, we sought to characterize geomorphic change over the past 110 years to inform restoration and management. A previously surveyed stretch of river was resurveyed in the fall of 2011, following a record flood in the spring of that year. Results suggest that the slope of the channel in this section of the river has increased 345% between 1903 and 1972 (p < 0.01), but has not changed significantly since (p = 0.12). Within that same time period, bank heights increased between 1 and 7 m and bed elevation decreased between 1 and 5 m. Changes in resurveyed cross sections appear to be primarily due to recent flood scour. It appears as though early 20th Century stream channel modifications had immediate effects on the geomorphology of the channel; however, channel geometry is now at or near equilibrium. This case study of the Cache River watershed demonstrates how and why successful restoration will require integration of geomorphic processes of the system.     

Effects of Drainage‐Basin Geomorphology on Insectivorous Bird Abundance in Temperate Forests

Abstract: Interfaces between terrestrial and stream ecosystems often enhance species diversity and population abundance of ecological communities beyond levels that would be expected separately from both the ecosystems. Nevertheless, no study has examined how stream configuration within a watershed influences the population of terrestrial predators at the drainage‐basin scale. We examined the habitat and abundance relationships of forest insectivorous birds in eight drainage basins in a cool temperate forest of Japan during spring and summer. Each basin has different drainage‐basin geomorphology, such as the density and frequency of stream channels. In spring, when terrestrial arthropod prey biomass is limited, insectivorous birds aggregated in habitats closer to streams, where emerging aquatic prey was abundant. Nevertheless, birds ceased to aggregate around streams in summer because terrestrial prey became plentiful. Watershed‐scale analyses showed that drainage basins with longer stream channels per unit area sustained higher densities of insectivorous birds. Moreover, such effects of streams on birds continued from spring through summer, even though birds dispersed out of riparian areas in the summer. Although our data are from only a single year, our findings imply that physical modifications of stream channels may reduce populations of forest birds; thus, they emphasize the importance of landscape‐based management approaches that consider both stream and forest ecosystems for watershed biodiversity conservation.     

Channel Evolution Model of Semiarid Stream Response to Urban‐Induced Hydromodification1

Hawley, Robert J., Brian P. Bledsoe, Eric D. Stein, and Brian E. Haines, 2012. Channel Evolution Model of Semiarid Stream Response to Urban‐Induced Hydromodification. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(4): 722‐744. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00645.x Abstract: We present a novel channel evolution model (CEM) that qualitatively describes morphologic responses of semiarid channels to altered hydrologic and sediment regimes associated with urbanization (hydromodification). The CEM is based on southern California data from 83 detailed channel surveys, hundreds of synoptic surveys, and historical analyses of aerial photographs along 14 reaches. Channel evolution sometimes follows the well‐known sequence described by Schumm et al. (Incised Channels: Morphology, Dynamics, and Control, Water Resources Publications, Littleton, Colorado, 1984) for incising, single‐thread channels; however, departures from this sequence are common and include transitions of single thread to braided evolutionary endpoints, as opposed to a return to quasi‐equilibrium single‐thread planform. Thresholds and risk factors associated with observed channel response are also presented. In particular, distance to grade control and network position emerged as key controls on channel response trajectory. The CEM and quantitative extensions provide managers with a framework for understanding channel responses and rehabilitation alternatives, and may be transferable to other semiarid settings. It also offers insights regarding channel susceptibility to hydromodification, highlights key boundary conditions for high‐risk channels, and underscores critical knowledge gaps in predicting the complex, discontinuous response trajectories that are highly prevalent in urbanized watersheds.     

Status and Trends of Ontario's Sydenham River Ecosystem in Relation to Aquatic Species at Risk

The Sydenham River in southwestern Ontario is located in the Mixedwood Plains Ecozone, which supports the greatest diversity of flora and fauna in Canada. The river historically supported a rich aquatic community that included 80 fishes and 34 species of freshwater mussels. Fourteen aquatic species native to the river (8 fishes, 5 mussels and 1 turtle) have been designated as endangered, threatened, or of special concern by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Canada (COSEWIC). A multi-agency Recovery Team was formed in 1999 to ensure the continued survival of these and other rare species in the river. The Sydenham River Recovery Team is the first in Canada to adopt an ecosystem approach to recovery planning for aquatic species. Information on land use patterns, water quality trends, the physical condition of the river, and the distributions of aquatic species at risk was synthesized to gain an understanding of the overall health of the river and its major anthropogenic stresses. Seven of the species at risk have declined in distribution or abundance, and three may be extirpated. The main threat to fishes and mussels is heavy loadings of sediment, nutrients, and possibly pesticides to the river via tile drainage and overland runoff from agricultural lands. A strategy that incorporates four overall approaches (management, stewardship, research and monitoring, and awareness and outreach) was developed to recover and protect this globally significant freshwater ecosystem.     

WATERSHED IMPERVIOUSNESS IMPACTS ON STREAM CHANNEL CONDITION IN SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA1

ABSTRACT: Forty‐six independent stream reaches in southeastern Pennsylvania were surveyed to assess the relationships between geomorphic and habitat variables and watershed total impervious area (TIA) and to test the ability of the impervious cover model (ICM) to predict the impervious category based on stream reach variables. Ten variables were analyzed using simple and multivariate statistical techniques including scatter‐plots, Spearman's Rank correlations, principal components analysis (PCA), and discriminant analysis (DA). Graphical analysis suggested differences in the response to TIA between the stream reaches with less than 13 percent TIA and those with greater than 24 percent TIA. Spearman's Rank correlations showed significant relationships for large woody debris and sinuosity when analyzing the entire dataset and for depth diversity and the standard deviation of maximum pool depths when analyzing stream reaches with greater than 24 percent TIA. Classification into the ICM using DA was 49 percent accurate; however, the stream reaches did support the ICM in other ways. These results indicate that stream reach response to urbanization may not be consistent across geographical regions and that local conditions (specifically riparian buffer vegetation) may significantly affect channel response; and the ICM, used in the appropriate context, can aid in the management of stream reaches and watersheds.     

A MORPHOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC EXAMINATION OF PLUNGE POOLS AS ENERGY DISSIPATERS IN URBAN STREAM CHANNELS1

ABSTRACT: Naturally formed plunge pools (scour holes) are a common morphologic feature in many urban stream systems where the transition between a pipe and a natural channel occurs. Plunge pools serve as significant stream energy dissipaters, increasing flow resistance and enhancing stream channel stability. Such features may also improve habitat diversity and serve as refugia for stream biota during low flow periods. The morphologic characteristics of several naturally formed plunge pools associated with road crossing culvert outlets in the metropolitan Charlotte, North Carolina, area are presented. Plunge pool dimensions surveyed include maximum depth, length, and width, and longitudinal and side slopes as well as bed material. Culvert outlet dimensions and hydraulic characteristics of the scouring jet for each study site are also reported. Design equations developed from flume studies generally failed to predict the naturally formed plunge pool dimensions. Pool volume was significantly correlated with drainage area, with pool depth being the least sensitive dimension to changes in the magnitude of the scouring flow. The excavation costs for designed plunge pools compare favorably to initial construction costs of traditional culvert outlet riprap aprons.     

DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH TO STREAM CHANNEL ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING1

ABSTRACT: We suggest that a diagnostic procedure, not unlike that followed in medical practice, provides a logical basis for stream channel assessment and monitoring. Our argument is based on the observation that a particular indicator or measurement of stream channel condition can mean different things depending upon the local geomorphic context and history of the channel in question. This paper offers a conceptual framework for diagnosing channel condition, evaluating channel response, and developing channel monitoring programs. The proposed diagnostic framework assesses reach‐level channel conditions as a function of location in the channel network, regional and local biogeomorphic context, controlling influences such as sediment supply and transport capacity, riparian vegetation, the supply of in‐channel flow obstructions, and disturbance history. Field assessments of key valley bottom and active channel characteristics are needed to formulate an accurate diagnosis of channel conditions. A similar approach and level of understanding is needed to design effective monitoring programs, as stream type and channel state greatly affect the type and magnitude of channel response to changes in discharge and sediment loads. General predictions are made for five channel types with respect to the response of various stream characteristics to an increase in coarse sediment inputs, fine sediment inputs, and the size and frequency of peak flows, respectively. These predictions provide general hypotheses and guidance for channel assessment and monitoring. However, the formulation of specific diagnostic criteria and monitoring protocols must be tailored to specific geographic areas because of the variability in the controls on channel condition within river basins and between regions. The diagnostic approach to channel assessment and monitoring requires a relatively high level of training and experience, but proper application should result in useful interpretation of channel conditions and response potential.     

AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING ECOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO DAM REMOVAL: THE MANATAWNY CREEK STUDY1

ABSTRACT: Dam removal has been proposed as an effective method of river restoration, but few integrative studies have examined ecological responses to the removal of dams. In 1999, we initiated an interdisciplinary study to determine ecological responses to the removal of a 2 m high dam on lower Manatawny Creek in southeastern Pennsylvania. We used an integrative monitoring program to assess the physical, chemical, and biological responses to dam removal. Following removal in 2000, increased sediment transport has led to major changes in channel form in the former impoundment and downstream reaches. Water quality did not change markedly following removal, probably because of the impoundment's short hydraulic residence time (less than two hours at base flow) and infrequent temperature stratification. When the impoundment was converted to a free flowing reach, the composition of the benthic macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages in this portion of Manatawny Creek shifted dramatically from lentic to lotic taxa. Some fish species inhabiting the free flowing reach downstream from the dam were negatively affected by large scale sediment transport and habitat alteration following dam removal, but this appears to be a short term response. Based on our observations and experiences in this study, we provide a list of issues to evaluate when considering future dam removals.