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GISci: Field Basemap Preparation

Existing data sources: USGS NED & DEMs, NHD, Imagery What kinds of data do they each provide? What coordinates do they use? How does this relate to field work, including GPS work?). What goes into a good field map?

Multi-reach study -- Laurel Collins's Wildcat Creek example. Examples of presentation methods: streamline graph, reach map, revetment type, pool sizes & causes, bed D50, LWD, sediment yield.

Rosgen stream classification

Know the requirements for Level 1 and Level 2 classifications, and methods for determining: gradient, W/D ratio, sinuosity, entrenchment. Examples: A3 channel is entrenched, low W/D, with cobble bed, but G3 would be similar but <4% gradient. Remember that bed material part is easy: 1 bedrock, 2 boulder, 3 cobble, 4 gravel, 5 gravel, 6 silt/clay, so the letters are the main challenge. See Key on slide 5 in lecture:

Entrenched:

Low W/D: A (>4%), G (<4%)
high W/D: F

Moderate: B

Slightly entrenched

very low W/D: E
higher W/D: C

Multiple Channels: D braided, DA anastomosing

Good idea: draw a typical cross section/sketch for each.

Other stream classifications

Montgomery-Buffington (see reading): colluvial, braided, pool-riffle, plane-bed, step-pool, cascade, bedrock.

GISci: Sediment Yield and Hydrologic Modeling

Raster datasets created from elevation data: Flow accumulation, Flow Direction, Watersheds. Problems with modeling elevation in stream valleys -- purpose of fill. Creating a stream network, delineating watersheds, snapping pour points, stream ordering, HEC models (flood hydrograph, flood simulation, water surface profiles, scour & deposition, etc., from Army Corps of Engineers HEC).

Sediment Analysis (RUSLE, SEM) -- consider purpose, required datasets, limitations.

SWAT Model Not this time

Soil Water Assessment Tool. Physically based watershed model. USDA ARS – 30 years of development. Combines soil erosion model similar to USLE with hydrologic model/basin delineation. Characteristics:

Employs Hydrologic Response Units: unique combination of soil, landcover, slope class within a subbasin. Within an HRU: Water balance (from precip, interception, irrigation, snowmelt, soil profile, evapotranspiration, lateral flow, aquifer flow; Surface Runoff using curve number; modified USLE; management scenarios.
Plant growth: uses plant database, parameters for each plant; Growth from heat units.
Derives sediment yield in tons/ha from each subbasin, and transported out via main channel.
Important to do Sensitivity Analysis (tweaking inputs to see the results), and Calibration with real sediment / Q data

Applications: Evaluates land management scenarios: land cover change, tillage methods, pesticide use, grazing, point-sources, etc. Model BMPs and estimate TMDLs. Example given of sediment yield from grape cultivation with and without vegetation strips.

Geomorphic & Sediment Characteristics & Multi-reach studies.

Laurel Collins's Wildcat Creek example. Examples of presentation methods: streamline graph, reach map, revetment type, pool sizes & causes, bed D50, LWD, sediment yield.

Salmonid habitat assessment (CDFG): difference & similarities to geomorphic assessment; perspectives. Variety of pool and riffle habitats, runs, glides, etc.

Other Field Methods:

Vertical and horizontal control needs, for plan, cross section and longitudinal profiles &
feet * 0.3048 gives meters.

Watershed Quality

1. Additional Watershed Characteristics: aquifers & basic groundwater characteristics (phreatic & vadose zones, confined & unconfined aquifers, springs and wells), effluent & influent streams, streambed flow; odd watersheds: wetlands and karst -- problems defining divides; conduit flow in karst.

2. Water Quality Parameters: sediment/turbidty (upland and streambank/bed sources, temporal and spatial issues of mass wasting & slopewash, water quality issues), water temperature (sources and concerns), DO & BOD & nutrients/N/P, chemical (pH, solutes, alkalinity), point-source & non-point source. Fish habitat issues: sediment, DO, temperature, especially. Sources and issues concerning toxic organic chemicals, e.g. PCBs, paints, dyes, fuels, solvents, heavy metals, pathogens. Significance of soils as source & sink.

3. Water Quality Assessment: samples and measurements, dissolved vs. sorbed onto sediment, temporal and spatial issues (samping frequency & locations, critical times and locations), protocols. Surrogates such as EC. Continuous datalogging vs. discrete measurement sampling.

4. Bioassessment of Water Quality using benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI), e.g. Harrington. Chemical, physical/habitat, biological parts. Importance of Quality Assurance.

Disturbances:

Examples of and nature of disturbances from agriculture, grazing, forestry, water diversions, channelizatio, recreation, mining, road building, urbanization

Restoration

See the lecture and readings. Some questions to consider: How do agency perspectives, agendas, and regulatory responsibilities influence restoration methods? What are stakeholders, and what are some examples of how their agendas differ? How do we arrive at restoration objectives? What are reference conditions? How does spatial scope apply to assessment and restoration -- examples? Landscape/watershed vs. corridor & reach factors.

Restoration Design

spatial scope: How does corridor width and complexity relate to stream order? Up the watershed: What are some causes of soil loss, and how can these be mitigated/remediated? Gully remediation. Concepts and keywords: gabions, grade control, riprap, microtopography, wetlands, concrete sack; revetments: riprap, concrete, sack, root wad, log, etc. Accidental forest example, and what we can learn from it. Vegetation restoration & bioengineering. Channel design, from Riley, Dunne & Leopold: width, depth, area from regional curves, designing channel meanders:
sinuosity = valley slope / channel slope (S_V / S_C)
channel length L_C = valley length L_V * sinuosity
Vertical stability: bed resistance, critical shear stress & particle size; grade control structures (examples), use of step pool system for grade control. Horizontal stability: bank stabilization (direct and indirect methods), revetments, designs such as Rosgen cross vane. Bioengineering (biotechnical engineering): & revegetation; examples: brush layering, willow stakes, live fascines, brush mattressing. Land use practices.

Not this time:

Watershed Regulatory Environment (Guest Lectures)

Amato: RWQCB. Regulatory authority. Federal Clean Water Act. Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Basin Planning. Beneficial Uses. Erosion control, sediment control. Point vs. non-point source. NPDES & BMPs. TMDL.

Herzberg: federal & state endangered species acts. FishNet 4C programs, goals, NMFS 4(d) rule.

Jones: Region 9 EPA issues and perpectives, watershed group support, restoration project process.

Not this time: Owens-Viani: Restoration methods; Baxter Creek restoration; daylighting issues; Urban Creeks Council. Involving community members, schools.