GEOMORPHIC APPLICATIONS

OF STREAMFLOW-GAGE INFORMATION

Kyle E. Juracek

U.S. Geological Survey

4821 Quail Crest Place

Lawrence, Kansas 66049-3839

kjuracek@usgs.gov

Faith A. Fitzpatrick

U.S. Geological Survey

8505 Research Way

Middleton, Wisconsin 53562-3581

fafitzpa@usgs.gov

In the United States, several thousand U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamflow gages provide what is typically the only combined source of long-term continuous streamflow, sediment, and channel-geometry data. Applications of USGS streamflow-gage information in fluvial geomorphic research include: (1) relation of flow to channel characteristics, (2) estimation of rates of geomorphic processes, (3) documentation and explanation of channel changes (morphology and elevation), (4) reconstruction of historical channel conditions, and (5) estimation of future channel changes. Specifically, previous applications have included studies of channel geometry, channel characteristics at bankfull stage, sediment transport, and channel response to disturbance. New applications may include studies to determine the geomorphic effectiveness of large floods and in-stream habitat change in response to disturbance. Moreover, new applications may be realized with the increasing availability of unit-value (hourly or more frequent) data as well as new measurement technologies such as the acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). Depending on the application, various spatial, temporal, and data limitations may render some streamflow-gage information of little or no use. For example, the gage may not be ideally located, or the period of record may be inadequate. Yet, it is frequently the case that such information is of considerable value in enabling or enhancing geomorphic investigations. In this presentation, the geomorphic content of USGS streamflow-gage information is reviewed, previous and new applications in fluvial geomorphic research are described, and possible limitations are discussed.