TRENDS IN PRECIPITATION AND STREAM CHEMISTRY IN A PRISTINE OLD-GROWTH FOREST WATERSHED,OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK,WASHINGTON1

ABSTRACT: Human induced long-term changes in precipitation and stream chemistry have been observed in eastern North America and Europe, but few long-term studies have been conducted in coastal western North America. The objectives of this research were to determine: (1) time trends in precipitation and stream chemistry in a pristine old-growth forest watershed, and (2) seasonal patterns in precipitation and stream chemistry. It was conducted in 58 ha West Twin Creek Watershed, Hoh River Valley, Olympic National Park, Washington from 1984 to 1993. Vegetation consists of old-growth forest, with western hemlock, Douglas-fir, western redcedar, Pacific silver fir, and Sitka spruce being the dominant tree species. Annual precipitation varied from 2336 to 4518 mm during the study period with the majority of the rain falling between October and May. Chemistry of precipitation was strongly dominated by oceanic influences with Na and Cl being the dominant ions. The chemistry of the stream was influenced by bedrock weathering and was dominated by Ca, HCO₃, and SO₄ and was not strongly related to precipitation chemistry. The pH of precipitation averaged 5.3 over time and ranged from 4.3 to 7.1, while the stream pH averaged 7.5 and ranged from 5.5 to 9.0. There were few long-term trends in the chemical constituents of bulk precipitation or stream water with the exception of a slight decrease in NO₃ in precipitation and an increase of SO₄ in stream water. A trend of decreasing concentrations of Ca, Mg and Na in precipitation also occurred. There were no significant seasonal patterns in precipitation although the highest SO₄ concentrations usually occurred in late spring and summer perhaps due marine algal activity. Strong seasonal trends occurred in concentrations of HCO₃, SO₄, Ca, Mg, and Na in stream water resulting from weathering and stream flow patterns, with highest ion concentrations occurring just before the onset of the rainy season. Pulses of NO₃ in the stream were observed during fall and early winter resulting from the release of NO₃ which had accumulated in soils or sediments.     

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.     

DETECTING CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ON HEADWATER STREAMS IN THE ROUTT NATIONAL FOREST,COLORADO1

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the use of a modified pebble count procedure (Bevenger and King, 1995) to detect cumulative watershed effects on headwater streams in the Routt National Forest in northcentral Colorado. The 42 sample reaches were stratified by disturbance (reference or disturbed) and geologic terrene (granitic or mixed sedimentary-volcanic). Water surface slope was a significant control on the number of fine particles in the reference reaches in both terranes, and the data from the disturbed reaches were adjusted accordingly. The disturbed reaches in the granitic terrene generally had a higher percentage of fine particles, and the adjusted number of fine particles was significantly correlated with the number of road crossings. Disturbed reaches in the sedimentary-volcanic (s-v) terrane generally did not have significantly more fine particles, nor were the adjusted numbers of fine particles significantly correlated with any management index. The lack of significant trends in the s-v streams is probably due to differences in weathering between the two rock types, and the location of the sample reach relative to sedimentary outcrops. Two other procedures were also used to assess cumulative watershed effects, with the Pfankuch channel stability rating yielding stronger and more consistent differences between the reference and the disturbed streams than the Tarzwell substrate ratio. We conclude that it may be difficult to define a standard reference condition, and that the number of road crossings is more strongly correlated with the number of fine particles than equivalent clearcut area.     

NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATIONS IN FOREST STREAMS OF THE UNITED STATES1

ABSTRACT: Seventy to eighty percent of the water flowing in rivers in the United States originates as precipitation in forests. This project developed a synoptic picture of the patterns in water chemistry for over 300 streams in small, forested watersheds across the United States. Nitrate (NO₃^?) concentrations averaged 0.31 mg N/L, with some streams averaging ten times this level. Nitrate concentrations tended to be higher in the northeastern United States in watersheds dominated by hardwood forests (especially hardwoods other than oaks) and in recently harvested watersheds. Concentrations of dissolved organic N (mean 0.32 mg N/L) were similar to those of NO₃～, whereas ammonium (NH₄⁺) concentrations were much lower (mean 0.05 mg N/L). Nitrate dominated the N loads of streams draining hardwood forests, whereas dissolved organic N dominated the streams in coniferous forests. Concentrations of inorganic phosphate were typically much lower (mean 12 mg P/L) than dissolved organic phosphate (mean 84 mg P/L). The frequencies of chemical concentrations in streams in small, forested watersheds showed more streams with higher NO₃^? concentrations than the streams used in national monitoring programs of larger, mostly forested watersheds. At a local scale, no trend in nitrate concentration with stream order or basin size was consistent across studies.     

ADJUSTMENT OF STREAM CHANNEL CAPACITY FOLLOWING DAM CLOSURE,YEGUA CREEK,TEXAS1

ABSTRACT: In Yegua Creek, a principal tributary of the Brazos River in Texas, surveys of a 19 km channel reach downstream of Somerville Dam show that channel capacity decreased by an average of 65 percent in a 34 year period following dam closure. The decrease corresponds with an approximately 85 percent reduction in annual flood peaks. Channel depth has changed the most, decreasing by an average of 61 percent. Channel width remained stable with an average decrease of only 9 percent, reflecting cohesive bank materials along with the growth of riparian vegetation resulting from increased low flows during dry summer months. Although large changes in stream channel geometry are not uncommon downstream of dams, such pronounced reductions in channel capacity could have long‐term implications for sediment delivery through the system.     

DETERMINING THE SOURCE OF STREAM CONTAMINATION IN A KARST‐WATER SYSTEM,SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA,USA1

ABSTRACT: Karst terrane provides a linkage between surface water and ground water regimes by means of caves, sinkholes and swallets, and sinking streams, and facilitates the inter‐watershed transfer of water and contaminants through these subsurface systems. The goal of this study was to develop procedures to identify the sources of degradation of a creek situated in a complex karst‐water system. The study approach consisted of using dye tracing technique to determine subsurface flow paths through the karst system, a water‐sampling network to identify and characterize pollution sources within the surface watershed and subsurface flow regime, and evaluation of analytical data for several water quality parameters. The results of this study provide an interesting perspective of water and contaminant movement in karst‐water systems and pinpoint the sources of stream contamination for a case study site in southwest Virginia where two springs supply water to a contaminated freshwater stream.     

MODELING THE FOREST HYDROLOGY OF WETLAND-UPLAND ECOSYSTEMS IN FLORIDA1

ABSTRACT: Few hydrological models are applicable to pine flat-woods which are a mosaic of pine plantations and cypress swamps. Unique features of this system include ephemeral sheet flow, shallow dynamic ground water table, high rainfall and evapotranspiration, and high infiltration rates. A FLATWOODS model has been developed specifically for the cypress wetland-pine upland landscape by integrating a 2-D ground water model, a Variable-Source-Area (VAS)-based surface flow model, an evapotranspiration (ET) model, and an unsaturated water flow model. The FLATWOODS model utilizes a distributed approach by dividing the entire simulation domain into regular cells. It has the capability to continuously simulate the daily values of ground water table depth, ET, and soil moisture content distributions in a watershed. The model has been calibrated and validated with a 15-year runoff and a four-year ground water table data set from two different pine flat woods research watersheds in northern Florida. This model may be used for predicting hydrologic impacts of different forest management practices in the coastal regions.     

A COMPARISON OF SINGLE‐CELL AND MULTICELL CULVERTS FOR STREAM CROSSINGS1

ABSTRACT: Single‐barrel culverts are a common means of roadway crossings for smaller streams. While this culvert design provides an economical solution for a crossing, the adverse effects of conveying the stream through a single opening can be far reaching. The single‐barrel culvert is typically sized for a design storm much greater than the channel forming discharge. This oversizing causes an interruption of the normal flow patterns and sediment transport for the system. Shallow depths at low flow in the pipe and perching at the outlet can impede fish passage. Multicell culverts (where the main culvert at the channel invert is sized for bankfull discharge, and additional pipes are placed at the floodplain elevation to convey overbank flow up to the design discharge) have been recommended as a best management practice to minimize erosion and improve fish passage. This flume study scaled a prototype single‐barrel culvert to both a single‐cell model, and a multicell design to compare outlet scour and flow depths within the culvert. The results provide designers and planners with evidence of the benefits of multicell culverts to justify the higher cost of installation compared to single‐barrel culverts.     

SUSPENDED SEDIMENT DYNAMICS IN SMALL FOREST STREAMS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST1

This paper reviews suspended sediment sources and transport in small forest streams in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, particularly in relation to riparian management. Mass movements, reading and yarding practices, and burning can increase the supply of suspended sediment. Sediment yields recovered to pre‐harvest levels within one to six years in several paired catchment studies. However, delayed mass movements related to roads and harvesting may produce elevated suspended sediment yield one or more decades after logging. There is mixed evidence for the role of streamside tree throw in riparian buffers in supplying sediment to streams. Harvesting within the riparian zone may not increase suspended sediment yield if near stream soils are not disturbed. Key knowledge gaps relate to the relative roles of increased transport capacity versus sediment supply, the dynamics of fine sediment penetration into bed sediments, and the effects of forest harvesting on suspended sediment at different scales. Future research should involve nested catchments to examine suspended sediment response to forest practices at multiple spatial scales, in combination with process‐based field studies.     

LONG-TERM CHANGES IN LOW-FLOW CHANNEL WIDTHS WITHIN THE SOUTH UMPQUA WATERSHED,OREGON1

ABSTRACT: Recent stream survey data (1989–1993) from 31 stream segments of 21 streams within the upper South Umpqua Watershed Oregon were compared to 1937 stream survey data collected from these same stream segments. Current low-flow wetted stream widths of 22 of the 31 surveyed stream segments were significantly different than in 1937; 19 stream segments were significantly wider while the remaining three stream segments were significantly narrower. In only 1 of 8 tributaries to the South Umpqua River which had headwaters within land designated wilderness area did low-flow stream channel width increase since 1937. Conversely, 13 of the 14 tributaries to the South Umpqua River which originated from lands designated as timber emphasis were significantly wider than in 1937. The observed change in stream width was linearly related to timber harvest (r²= 0.44), road density (r²= 0.45), and the amount of large organic debris remaining within the active stream channel (r²= 0.43). These findings suggest that timber harvest and road construction may have resulted in changes in channel characteristics. These channel changes may also be a factor in the observed decline of three of the four populations of anadromous salmonids within the basin.     

PHOSPHORUS ASSIMILATION IN A STREAM SYSTEM OF THE LAKE OKEECHOBEE BASIN1

ABSTRACT: The ability to predict how streams and wetlands retain phosphorus (P) is critical to the management of watersheds that contribute nutrients to adjacent aquatic systems such as lakes. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the P assimilatory capacity of a stream (Otter Creek) in the Taylor Creek/Nubbin Slough Basin located north of Lake Okeechobee, Florida. Dominant soils in this basin are sandy Spodosols; landuse is primarily dairy farms and beef cattle pastures. Estimates of P assimilation show that sediments assimilate approximately 5 percent of the P load. Phosphorus assimilation rates in the stream were estimated using first-order relationships based on the total P concentration of the water column as a function of distance from the primary source. This method assumes minimal lateral inputs. Stream lengths required for one turnover in P assimilation were estimated to be in the range of 3–16 km. Laboratory studies using intact sediment cores indicated a P assimilation rate of 0.025 m day^?1, and equilibrium P concentration of 0.16 ± 0.03 mg L^?1 in the water column. Dissolved P concentration gradients in the sediments showed upward flux of P at water column P concentration of <0.16 mg L^?1. Approximately 56–77 percent of the P assimilated in the above-ground vegetation during active growth was released or translocated within six months of senesence, suggesting short-term storage in above-ground vegetation. Bottom sediments and recalcitrant detrital plant tissue provide for long-term P assimilation in the creek. Although stream sediments have the potential to adsorb P, high flow rate and low contact period between water and sediment limits this process.     

TIMBER HARVEST IMPACTS ON SMALL HEADWATER STREAM CHANNELS IN THE COAST RANGES OF WASHINGTON1

ABSTRACT: We evaluated changes in channel habitat distributions, particle‐size distributions of bed material, and stream temperatures in a total of 15 first‐or second‐order streams within and nearby four planned commercial timber harvest units prior to and following timber harvest. Four of the 15 stream basins were not harvested, and these streams served as references. Three streams were cut with unthinned riparian buffers; one was cut with a partial buffer; one was cut with a buffer of non‐merchantable trees; and the remaining six basins were clearcut to the channel edge. In the clearcut streams, logging debris covered or buried 98 percent of the channel length to an average depth of 0.94 meters. The slash trapped fine sediment in the channel by inhibiting fluvial transport, and the average percentage of fines increased from 12 percent to 44 percent. The trees along buffered streams served as a fence to keep out logging debris during the first summer following timber harvest. Particle size distributions and habitat distributions in the buffered and reference streams were largely unchanged from the pre‐harvest to post‐harvest surveys. The debris that buried the clearcut streams effectively shaded most of these streams and protected them from temperature increases. These surveys have documented immediate channel changes due to timber harvest, but channel conditions will evolve over time as the slash decays and becomes redistributed and as new vegetation develops on the channel margins.     

APPLICATION OF A MULTIPURPOSE UNEQUAL PROBABILITY STREAM SURVEY IN THE MID‐ATLANTIC COASTAL PLAIN1

ABSTRACT: A stratified, spatially balanced sample with unequal probability selection was used to design a multipurpose survey of headwater streams in the Mid‐Atlantic Coastal Plain. Objectives for the survey include unbiased estimates of regional stream conditions, and adequate coverage of unusual but significant environmental settings to support empirical modeling of the factors affecting those conditions. The design and field application of the survey are discussed in light of these multiple objectives. A probability (random) sample of 175 first‐order nontidal streams was selected for synoptic sampling of water chemistry and benthic and riparian ecology during late winter and spring 2000. Twenty‐five streams were selected within each of seven hydrogeologic subre‐gions (strata) that were delineated on the basis of physiography and surficial geology. In each subregion, unequal inclusion probabilities were used to provide an approximately even distribution of streams along a gradient of forested to developed (agricultural or urban) land in the contributing watershed. Alternate streams were also selected. Alternates were included in groups of five in each subregion when field reconnaissance demonstrated that primary streams were inaccessible or otherwise unusable. Despite the rejection and replacement of a considerable number of primary streams during reconnaissance (up to 40 percent in one subregion), the desired land use distribution was maintained within each hydrogeologic subregion without sacrificing the probabilistic design.     

PHYSICAL HYDROLOGY AND THE EFFECTS OF FOREST HARVESTING IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST: A REVIEW1

The Pacific Northwest encompasses a range of hydrologic regimes that can be broadly characterized as either coastal (where rain and rain on snow are dominant) or interior (where snowmelt is dominant). Forest harvesting generally increases the fraction of precipitation that is available to become streamflow, increases rates of snowmelt, and modifies the runoff pathways by which water flows to the stream channel. Harvesting may potentially decrease the magnitude of hyporheic exchange flow through increases in fine sediment and clogging of bed materials and through changes in channel morphology, although the ecological consequences of these changes are unclear. In small headwater catchments, forest harvesting generally increases annual runoff and peak flows and reduces the severity of low flows, but exceptions have been observed for each effect. Low flows appear to be more sensitive to transpiration from vegetation in the riparian zone than in the rest of the catchment. Although it appears that harvesting increased only the more frequent, geomorphically benign peak flows in several studies, in others the treatment effect increased with return period. Recovery to pre‐harvest conditions appeared to occur within about 10 to 20 years in some coastal catchments but may take many decades in mountainous, snow dominated catchments.     

BANKFULL DISCHARGE RECURRENCE INTERVALS AND REGIONAL HYDRAULIC GEOMETRY RELATIONSHIPS: PATTERNS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST,USA1

ABSTRACT: The model bankfull discharge recurrence interval (annual series) (T_a) in streams has been approximated at a 1.5‐year flow event. This study tests the linkage between regional factors (climate, physiography, and ecoregion) and the frequency of bank‐full discharge events in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Patterns of Ta were found to be significant when stratified by EPA Ecoregion. The mean value for T_a in the PNW is 1.4 years; however, when the data is stratified by ecoregion, the humid areas of western Oregon and Washington have a mean value of 1.2 years, while the dryer areas of Idaho and eastern Oregon and Washington have a mean value of 1.4 to 1.5 years. Among the four factors evaluated, vegetation association and average annual precipitation are the primary factors related to channel form and T_a. Based on the results of the T_a analyses, regional hydraulic geometry relationships of streams were developed for the PNW, which relate variables, such as bank‐full cross‐sectional area, width, depth, and velocity, to bankfull discharge and drainage area. The verification of T_a values, combined with the development of regional hydraulic geometry relationships, provides geographically relevant information that will result in more accurate estimates of hydraulic geometry variables in the PNW.     

CHANGING NEAR‐STREAM LAND USE AND RWER CHANNEL MORPHOLOGY IN THE VENEZUELAN ANDES1

ABSTRACT: The shape of a river channel is linked to surrounding land use through interacting hydrologic and geologic processes. This study analyzes the relationship between the change in near‐stream land use and the shape of the adjacent river channel over time. Three watersheds in the foothills of the Venezuelan Andes that have experienced differing degrees of development were studied to determine river channel width, sinuosity, and position relative to surrounding land use. Change in land use over time was obtained from multiple‐date aerial photographs (1946 and 1980) referenced to 1996 Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) satellite imagery, and verified by field inspection. Measurements of land‐use type and amount and river channel morphology from the two dates were made using geographic information system (GIS) methods. The three watersheds differed in the extent of deforestation, the location of remaining forested land, and how much land‐use change had already occurred by 1946. Change in river channel morphology was greatest at the most deforested sites. Valley shape and channel constraint also had a discernible effect on change in channel morphology. This study introduces a method for analyzing change in coupled terrestrial‐aquatic systems based on multiple‐date, remotely sensed data and GIS analysis of spatial properties. The results document human impacts on river channels through a comparison of multiple watersheds over a 35‐year time interval.     

ISOTOPIC EVALUATION OF Pb OCCURRENCES IN THE RIVERINE ECOSYSTEMS OF THE KANKAKEE WATERSHED,ILLINOIS‐INDIANA1

ABSTRACT: Environmental background levels of Pb were measured in ponds, river waters, sediments, suspended sediments, rocks, and air particulates within the Kankakee watershed during the period of 1995 to 1999. Stable isotopic Pb distinguished airborne Pb and its incorporation into riverine wetland sediments from geogenic Pb measured in river sediments. The provenance of the naturally‐occurring Pb is from carbonate bedrock and contributes comparable concentrations in riverbank sediments (25.9–30.4 mg kg^?1) as Pb found in wetland sediments (18.6–24.8 mg kg^?1). Estimates of anthropogenic Pb contributions from airfall into the Kankakee wetlands were found to be near 0.43–0.71 Bq cm^?2 yr^?1 during 1995 to 1999. While leachable Pb data suggests the uppermost layers of pond sediments were disturbed, ²¹⁰Pb analyses from undisturbed sedimentation suggests Pb‐bearing sediments accumulate approximately 0.46–0.51 cm yr^?1 in the ponds within the riparian zones. Transboundary Pb pollution from aerosols of industrial Pb across the Great Lakes occurs, but Pb isotopy indicates that the Pb concentrations are comparable to natural concentrations of Pb in both waters and sediments within the Kankakee watershed.     

AN ANALYSIS OF REGION‐OF‐INFLUENCE METHODS FOR FLOOD REGIONALIZATION IN THE GULF‐ATLANTIC ROLLING PLAINS1

ABSTRACT: Region‐of‐influence (RoI) approaches for estimating stream flow characteristics at ungaged sites were applied and evaluated in a case study of the 50‐year peak discharge in the Gulf‐Atlantic Rolling Plains of the southeastern United States. Linear regression against basin characteristics was performed for each ungaged site considered based on data from a region of influence containing the n closest gages in predictor variable (PRoI) or geographic (GRoI) space. Augmentation of this count based cutoff by a distance based cutoff also was considered. Prediction errors were evaluated for an independent (split‐sampled) dataset. For the dataset and metrics considered here: (1) for either PRoI or GRoI, optimal results were found when the simpler count based cutoff, rather than the distance augmented cutoff, was used; (2) GRoI produced lower error than PRoI when applied indiscriminately over the entire study region; (3) PRoI performance improved considerably when Rol was restricted to predefined geographic subregions.