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Floodplain Management SESSION 6. Stream Systems on Dynamic Earth Stream Mechanics Prepared By Donald R. Reichmuth, PhD. Stream Mechanics Framework. Objectives: 1 How floodplains first evolved after glacial retreat. 2 Basic concepts of sediment transport.
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Floodplain ManagementSESSION 6 Stream Systems on Dynamic Earth Stream Mechanics Prepared By Donald R. Reichmuth, PhD.
Stream Mechanics Framework Objectives: 1 How floodplains first evolved after glacial retreat. 2 Basic concepts of sediment transport. 3 Stream patterns develop in bedrock areas and in alluvial valleys. 4 Streams are shaped by peak flows, stream gradient and sediment supply. 5 Gravity systems transport water and sediment. 6 Secondary currents and stream features that are formed by their action. 7 In-channel obstructions cause random energy dissipation. 8 Stream mechanics within the context case study floodplains
Post Glacial RetreatStarting 15,000 Ago • River Systems Reorganize • Glacial Sediment Sources Diminish • Sea Level Raises 400 Ft. • Climate Warms & Becomes Dryer • Isostatic Rebound Begins • Homo Sapiens Colonize The Americas • Megafauna Become Extinct
OhioRiverIce Marginal FormationUtilizesPreglacialStream Sections
Long Term Regional TrendsPost-Glacial Above 400 Ft. Elev. Sediment Deficient Downcutting Prevails 20 To 400 Ft. Elev. Influenced By Sea Level Change Valley Filling Dominant Below 20 Ft. Elev. Tectonic Behavior Controls Channels Impacted By Sinking Or Uplift
Paleo-Floodplain DevelopmentImpacts of Extinct Keystone Species
Paleo-Indian HuntersAttacking A Huge Bison latifronsWith The Help of Domesticated Dogs
Giant Beaver (Castoroides ohioensis)Became Extinct 10,000 Years AgoEstimated Weight -- 218 kg.Estimated Length -- 2.5 metersSize Relative To Modern Beavers Shown
Pre-Columbus Floodplain DevelopmentFloodplain Stabilization Efforts Of Beaver
LowerMississippiRiverSystem AggradingLevees Widespread Local Dams Stop Sediment MovementChannel Change Likely
MississippiRiverDelta EvolutionFuture ShiftTo TheAtchafalayaRiver Basin Likely
Stream Flow Analysis 1st Level – Flow Downhill Gravity Controls 2nd Level – Secondary Currents Bed Friction Controls 3rd Level – Random Eddies Obstructions Control
Gravity SystemsPotential Energy(Height)Converts ToKinetic Energy(Velocity)OrFriction Loss
Channel FeaturesDetermined By Secondary Currents Vertically Stable (Meandering) Streams: Meander Shape Thread (Thalweg) Location Erosion/Deposition Pattern Bar Shape Mid-Channel Undertow Depositional (Braided) Streams: Mid-Channel Island Formation