M Reach (m + reach)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


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

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 6 2006
Sue L. Niezgoda
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. [source]


Buffering an Acidic Stream in New Hampshire with a Silicate Mineral

RESTORATION ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2004
Gene E. Likens
Abstract Ground and pelletized Wollastonite (Wo; CaSiO3) was added to a 50-m reach of an anthropogenically acidified stream within the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, to evaluate its buffering and restoration potential. The Wo was highly effective in raising the pH, acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC), dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and Ca2+ concentrations of the stream water, but during the short duration of the experiment had no discernable effect on the stream biota. After initial, spike-like fluctuations in pH and concentrations of ANC, DIC, and Ca2+, the relatively slow dissolution rates of the Wo dampened extreme concentrations and contributed to relatively long-lasting (4 months) amelioration of streamwater acidity. Changes in concentrations of Ca2+, dissolved Si, ANC, and DIC were inversely related to streamflow. After several high, stream-discharge events, concentrations quickly and consistently returned to pre-event conditions. [source]


The effect of riparian land use on transport hydraulics in agricultural headwater streams located in northeast Ohio, USA

HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 1 2010
Kyle S. Herrman
Abstract This study examined if riparian land use (forested vs agricultural) affects hydraulic transport in headwater streams located in an agriculturally fragmented watershed. We identified paired 50-m reaches (one reach in agricultural land use and the other in forested land use) along three headwater streams in the Upper Sugar Creek Watershed in northeast Ohio, USA (40° 51,42,N, 81° 50,29,W). Using breakthrough curves obtained by Rhodamine WT slug injections and the one-dimensional transport with inflow and storage model (OTIS), hydraulic transport parameters were obtained for each reach on six different occasions (n = 36). Relative transient storage (AS:A) was similar between both reach types (As: A = 0·3 ± 0·1 for both agricultural and forested reaches). Comparing values of Fmed200 to those in the literature indicates that the effect of transient storage was moderately high in the study streams in the Upper Sugar Creek Watershed. Examining travel times revealed that overall residence time (HRT) and residence time in transient storage (TSTO) were both longer in forested reaches (forested HRT = 19·1 ± 11·5 min and TSTO = 4·0 ± 3·8 min; agricultural HRT = 9·3 ± 5·3 min and TSTO = 1·7 ± 1·4 min). We concluded that the effect of transient storage on solute transport was similar between the forested and agricultural reaches but the forested reaches had a greater potential to retain solutes as a result of longer travel times. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Habitat indices for rivers: derivation and applications

AQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue S1 2010
Ian P. Vaughan
Abstract 1.River Habitat Survey (RHS) is the standard riverine hydromorphology survey in the UK and modified versions have been adopted in several other European Countries. It aims to broadly characterize physical features over 500,m reaches, but in so doing records more than 100 variables, often making interpretation and data analysis challenging. In such instances, synoptic treatment of the data, creating simple indices such as Habitat Modification and Habitat Quality Assessment scores, can prove beneficial. 2.The derivation of seven new indices is described, summarizing nearly half of the variables used by RHS and providing a quantitative overall summary of river reaches. 3.Derived using an objective analysis of the RHS database (cf expert judgement), one index describes bedrock/boulder channels, two indices describe bank and riparian vegetation and a further two describe aspects of sediment transport and deposition. Two distinct types of modification,,,bank reinforcement and channel re-sectioning,,,are also quantified. 4.Rigorous testing indicates that the indices are reliable across the complete range of conditions and countries in the UK. 5.The new indices are readily interpreted and while providing a simple overview of a river reach, they are objective and quantitative, lending themselves to a range of management and research applications. They have already been used successfully in quantifying riverine bird habitats and this, along with other applications, is discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]