An Investigation Of The Geomorphology And Flooding Characteristics Of A Small Stream In The Upper Big Walnut Creek Watershed Ohio

Author : Beth Ellen Fry
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 268 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (243 download)

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Download or read book An Investigation of the Geomorphology and Flooding Characteristics of a Small Stream in the Upper Big Walnut Creek Watershed, Ohio written by Beth Ellen Fry and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Abstract: The objectives pertaining of this study were to 1) characterize the geomorphology of the headwaters of Sugar Creek (a tributary of the Upper Big Walnut Creek), 2) evaluate methods for relating recurrence intervals to discharge on the ungaged stream, and 3) to determine the frequency and magnitude of annual out of bank discharge at various locations along the stream. The bankfull discharge characteristics of Sugar Creek were analyzed with a regional curve analysis; the Rosgen Classification System, and an analysis of the threshold particle size. The three methods for estimating recurrence interval discharges of ungaged streams included two uncalibrated landscape models and estimates calibrated with USGS data from a downstream gage. HEC-HMS and HECRAS modeling programs were used to develop discharge recurrence interval relationships for selected locations along Sugar Creek. The frequencies associated with recurrence interval discharges, in times per year, were estimated with a time duration analysis and the average annual volume of overbank flows, as a percent of the total flow, utilized a combination of the generated flow hydrographs and the frequencies associated with recurrence interval discharges. Sugar Creek was a stable system, or in dynamic equilibrium, and had an extensive floodplain with entrenchment ratios ranging from 2 to 18. A calibrated method for estimating recurrence interval discharges was selected and used to estimate the average annual frequency and volume of overbank flows. Among eight locations focused on in the study, 38% experienced bankfull or larger discharges an average of 12 times per year, with about a 0.2-year recurrence interval for the bankfiill discharge. Seventy-five percent of the locations experienced bankfull or larger discharges an average of at least 3 times per year, with about a 0.8-year recurrence interval. Eighty-eight percent the locations, experienced out of bank flows at least 1 time per year, with about a 1.6-year recurrence interval. All of the locations experienced out of bank flows an average of at least 1 time per year, with the 2-year recurrence interval discharge. Out of bank flows ranged from 0.4% to 13% of the average annual flow volume. Based on the results of this study, it was recommended that further research be conducted in the Sugar Creek watershed to quantify the water quality benefits within the floodplain, as well as the benefits of a stable stream.