2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH
6/08/2017 | 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM | USING CONTINUOUS INSTREAM MONITORING DATA TO ESTIMATE SEDIMENT LOADS IN SMALL UNGAGED HEADWATER STREAMS | 306A
USING CONTINUOUS INSTREAM MONITORING DATA TO ESTIMATE SEDIMENT LOADS IN SMALL UNGAGED HEADWATER STREAMS
Suspended sediment is detrimental to aquatic ecosystems and is considered one of the most prevalent stressors causing stream impairment worldwide. Despite the ubiquitous nature of sediment, sediment loading from individual watersheds remains difficult to quantify. The technique of monitoring instream turbidity as a surrogate for suspended sediment concentrations has shown promise for accurately estimating sediment loadings. This method was applied to estimate loads and yields in five small, ungaged watersheds in Pennsylvania. Results showed that the establishment of a turbidity-suspended sediment relationship that covers a wide spectrum of turbidity values coupled with the availability of on-site derived flow records are two key components to successfully using turbidity as a suspended sediment surrogate in small ungaged streams. Land use was correlated with sediment yields and relatively small runoff events contributed significantly to monthly loads. Using continuous instream turbidity to estimate sediment loads is efficient and can be applied as soon as rating curves and turbidity relationships are established. The application of this method could improve management activities, including tracking stream restoration, identifying hot spots, or documenting impacts of land use changes.
- C28 Land-Water Interfaces
- C36 Water Resource Management
- C27 Landuse and Non-Point source Impacts
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Presenters/Authors
Luanne Steffy
(), Susquehanna River Basin Commission, lsteffy@srbc.net;
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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Nonfinancial -
Matthew Shank
(), Susquehanna River Basin Commission, mshank@srbc.net;
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
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Nonfinancial -