CHANNEL FORM AND STREAM ECOSYSTEM MODELS1

A system is proposed to classify running water habitats based on their channel form which can be considered in three different sedimentological settings: a cobble and boulder bed channel, a gravel bed channel, or a sand bed channel. Three physical factors (relief, lithology, and runoff) are selected as state factors that control all other interacting parameters associated with channel form. When these factors are integrated across the conterminous United States, seven distinct stream regions are evident, each representing a most probable succession of channel forms downstream from the headwaters to the mouth. Coupling these different channel profiles with typical biotic community structures usually associated with each of the channel types should result in considerable refinement of the applicability of the River Continuum Concept and other holistic ecosystem models by realizing the nonrandomness of the effects of geo-morphology on stream ecosystems. Thus, this regional perspective of streams should serve to make persons concerned with water resources more aware of the geographical considerations that affect their study areas.     

Hydrologic Model Framework for Water Resources Planning in the Santa Cruz River,Southern Arizona1

Abstract: The authors develop a model framework that includes a set of hydrologic modules as a water resources management and planning tool for the upper Santa Cruz River near the Mexican border, Southern Arizona. The modules consist of: (1) stochastic generation of hourly precipitation scenarios that maintain the characteristics and variability of a 45‐year hourly precipitation record from a nearby rain gauge; (2) conceptual transformation of generated precipitation into daily streamflow using varied infiltration rates and estimates of the basin antecedent moisture conditions; and (3) surface‐water to ground‐water interaction for four downstream microbasins that accounts for alluvial ground‐water recharge, and ET and pumping losses. To maintain the large inter‐annual variability of streamflow as prevails in Southern Arizona, the model framework is constructed to produce three types of seasonal winter and summer categories of streamflow (i.e., wet, medium, or dry). Long‐term (i.e., 100 years) realizations (ensembles) are generated by the above described model framework that reflects two different regimes of inter annual variability. The first regime is that of the historic streamflow gauge record. The second regime is that of the tree ring reconstructed precipitation, which was derived for the study location. Generated flow ensembles for these two regimes are used to evaluate the risk that the regional four ground‐water microbasins decline below a preset storage threshold under different operational water utilization scenarios.     

MODELING THE LONG TERM IMPACTS OF USING RIGID STRUCTURES IN STREAM CHANNEL RESTORATION1

Abstract: Natural channel designs often incorporate rigid instream structures to protect channel banks, provide grade control, promote flow deflection, or otherwise improve channel stability. The long term impact of rigid structures on natural stream processes is relatively unknown. The objective of this study was to use long term alluvial channel modeling to evaluate the effect of rigid structures on channel processes and assess current and future stream channel stability. The study was conducted on Oliver Run, a small stream in Pennsylvania relocated due to highway construction. Field data were collected for one year along the 107 m reach to characterize the stream and provide model input, calibration, and verification data. FLUVIAL-12 was used to evaluate the long term impacts of rigid structures on natural channel adjustment, overall channel stability, and changing form and processes. Based on a consideration of model limitations and results, it was concluded that the presence of rigid structures reduced channel width-to-depth ratios, minimized bed elevation changes due to long term aggradation and degradation, limited lateral channel migration, and increased the mean bed material particle size throughout the reach. Results also showed how alluvial channel modeling can be used to improve the stream restoration design effort.     

Comparison of Aquifer Sustainability Under Groundwater Administrations in Oklahoma and Texas1

Mittelstet, Aaron R., Michael D. Smolen, Garey A. Fox, and Damian C. Adams, 2011. Comparison of Aquifer Sustainability Under Groundwater Administrations in Oklahoma and Texas. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1‐8. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00524.x Abstract: We compared two approaches to administration of groundwater law on a hydrologic model of the North Canadian River, an alluvial aquifer in northwestern Oklahoma. Oklahoma limits pumping rates to retain 50% aquifer saturated thickness after 20 years of groundwater use. The Texas Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District’s (GCD) rules limit pumping to a rate that consumes no more than 50% of saturated thickness in 50 years, with reevaluation and readjustment of permits every 5 years. Using a hydrologic model (MODFLOW), we simulated river‐groundwater interaction and aquifer dynamics under increasing levels of “development” (i.e., increasing groundwater withdrawals). Oklahoma’s approach initially would limit groundwater extraction more than the GCD approach, but the GCD approach would be more protective in the long run. Under Oklahoma rules more than half of aquifer storage would be depleted when development reaches 65%. Reevaluation of permits under the Texas Panhandle GCD approach would severely limit pumping as the 50% level is approached. Both Oklahoma and Texas Panhandle GCD approaches would deplete alluvial base flow at approximately 10% development. Results suggest periodic review of permits could protect aquifer storage and river base flow. Modeling total aquifer storage is more sensitive to recharge rate and aquifer hydraulic conductivity than to specific yield, while river leakage is most sensitive to aquifer hydraulic conductivity followed by specific yield.     

DESIGN FOR A STABLE CHANNEL IN COARSE ALLUVIUM FOR RIPARIAN ZONE RESTORATION1

Geomorphic, hydraulic and hydrologic principles are applied in the design of a stable stream channel for a badly disturbed portion of Badger Creek, Colorado, and its associated riparian and meadow complexes. The objective is to shorten the period of time required for a channel in coarse alluvium to recover from an impacted morphologic state to a regime condition representative of current watershed conditions. Channel geometry measurements describe the stream channel and the normal bankfull stage in relatively stable reaches. Critical shear stress equations were used to design a stable channel in noncohesive materials with dimensions which approximate those of less disturbed reaches. Gabion controls, spaced at approximately 300 m intervals, are recommended to help reduce the chance of lateral migration of the newly constructed channel. Controls are designed to allow for some vertical adjustment of the channel bed following increased bank stability due to revegetation. The flood plain is designed to dissipate flood flow energy and discourage multiple flood channels. The channel has approximately a 90 percent chance of remaining stable the first two years following construction, the time estimated for increased stability to occur due to revegetation.     

浅层地震技术在九江-黄梅长江冲积平原第四纪研究中的应用

在九江—黄梅长江冲积平原第四纪研究中运用浅层地震技术,于江西九江港口镇—湖北黄梅县新开镇段实测一条物探剖面,经过对横波反射、瑞雷面波、横波折射、电测深等物探资料的分析,结合区域地质、钻探记录进行综合研究,确定了5个地震波组,发现一组第四系断层,划分了四个主要地震地质层(Ⅱ—Ⅳ),为长江两岸第四纪沉积环境演化提供新材料。     

珠江三角洲冲积平原土壤重金属元素含量和来源解析

利用全国地球化学基准计划在珠江三角洲地区的22个点位上采集的44件冲积平原土壤样品,分析了As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Hg、Ni、Pb、Zn等8个重金属元素的含量特征,并利用多元统计分析方法和铅同位素示踪技术研究了重金属元素的来源.结果表明,珠三角地区冲积平原土壤8个重金属元素含量均高于全国土壤背景值,Hg在表层土壤中显著富集,As、Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn在表层土壤的含量略高于深层土壤中含量,Cr、Ni在表层土壤和深层土壤中含量相当.因子分析结果显示,土壤Cu、Cr、Ni主要受地质背景控制,Zn、Cd的高含量既与地质背景有关,也受人类活动影响,As、Pb、Hg的异常则受人为活动影响较严重.富集因子法得出8个重金属元素受人类活动影响程度大小排序为：Hg > As > Cd > Cu > Pb > Zn > Cr > Ni,当深层土壤某元素有外源输入时,会导致其富集因子偏低.铅同位素示踪结果显示,表层土壤铅含量与²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb呈显著的负相关关系,根据二元混合模型推测表层土壤中有超过30%的外源铅输入.综合来看,珠三角地区冲积平原土壤Hg、Cd、As、Pb受到较为严重的人为污染.     

沈阳浑河冲洪积扇土壤的重金属空间分布特征及来源

以沈阳市浑河冲洪积扇下游的彰驿站镇为研究区,实测分析了98个土壤表层(0~20 cm)样品中的w(Cr)、w(Cu)、w(Mn)、w(Ni)、w(Pb)、w(Zn)、w(Fe)、w(Hg)、w(As)和w(Cd),运用地统计学空间分析与多元统计源分析相结合的方法,对土壤中各重金属的质量分数、分布特征及其来源进行研究. 结果表明:除w(As)外,其余重金属的质量分数均超过辽宁省土壤中相应重金属的背景值,其中Hg和Cd积累最为显著,w(Hg)和w(Cd)分别是其相应背景值的2.33和5.44倍,对应的采样点中高于背景值的比例均接近100%,呈明显累积趋势. 地统计学空间分析表明,w(Ni)、w(Cr)和w(Fe)受土壤母质、地形等结构性变异主导,其他重金属质量分数主要受人为活动等随机因子的影响,w(Cu)、w(Pb)、w(Zn)、w(Hg)和w(Cd)分布规律比较相似,元素来源较为集中;10种重金属元素的来源可分为3类,其中Cr、Ni、Fe和Mn主要受自然因素的影响,Pb、Zn、Hg和Cd主要受人为因素的影响,而Cu和As受2种因素的协同影响.      

典型暴雨泥石流堆积扇危害范围演变规律

以小江流域蒋家沟、大白泥沟为研究区,利用1987~2014年陆地卫星影像数据,采用面向对象自动解译和人工目视解译相结合的方法,生成两条泥石流沟不同时期堆积扇危害范围数据集产品;结合地形资料,分析不同发育期泥石流堆积扇危害范围变化情况及其影响因素。分析表明:(1)1987~2014年,蒋家沟、大白泥沟泥石流堆积扇危害面积出现退缩趋势。(2)处于壮年期的大白泥沟流域堆积扇退缩幅度小,处于老年期的蒋家沟泥石流堆积扇退缩幅度大,且已趋于稳定。(3)水源、物源和人类活动是蒋家沟、大白泥沟堆积扇危害范围变化的主要影响因素。     

A Statistical Sediment Yield Prediction Model Incorporating the Effect of Fires and Subsequent Storm Events1

Abstract: Alluvial fans are continuously being developed for residential, industrial, commercial, and agricultural uses in southern California. Development and alteration of alluvial fans need to consider the possibility of mud and debris flows from upstream mountain watersheds affected by fires. Accurate prediction of sediment yield (or hyper‐concentrated sediment yield) is essential for the design, operation, and maintenance of debris basins to safeguard properly the general populace. This paper presents a model for the prediction of sediment yields that result from a combination of fire and subsequent storm events. The watersheds used in this analysis are located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in southern California. A multiple regression analysis is first utilized to establish a fundamental statistical relationship for sediment yield as a function of relief ratio, drainage area, maximum 1‐h rainfall intensity and fire factor using 45 years of data (1938‐1983). In addition, a method for multi‐sequence sediment yield prediction under fire conditions was developed and calibrated using 17 years of sediment yield, fire, and precipitation data for the period 1984‐2000. After calibration, this model was verified by applying it to provide a prediction of the sediment yields for the 2001‐2002 fire events in southern California. The findings indicate a strong correlation between the estimated and measured sediment yields. The proposed method for sequence sediment yield prediction following fire events can be a useful tool to schedule cleanout operations for debris basins and to develop an emergency response strategy for the southern California region where plentiful sediment supplies exist and frequent fires occur.