Skip to main content

Substrate Particle Size Data for Kalamazoo River Reference Reach upstream of Plainwell, Michigan, 2022

Dates

Publication Date
Date Collected
2022-08-04

Citation

Vaughan, A.A., Fitzpatrick, F.A., Strange, J.M., Roland, C.J., and Broerman, H.M., 2023, Geomorphic Reference Reach Data for the Kalamazoo River Basin, Michigan Area of Concern (ver. 2.0, October 2024): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P96JBHF4.

Summary

In August, 2022, pebble counts were conducted in a reference reach of the Kalamazoo River upstream of Plainwell, Michigan (MI) to characterize the substrate size within the reach. These data were collected to accompany elevation data collected for the reference reach in October, 2021. A reach composite pebble count was conducted, consisting of 101 samples collected along 34 transects spanning the entire 500 m reach. Sample locations spanned multiple geomorphic unit types, including riffles, pools, and run/glides. Additionally, a separate 100-sample pebble count was conducted in a riffle near the head of the reference reach. The riffle data were collected in the same location as a 2010 survey and pebble count, allowing comparison over [...]

Contacts

Attached Files

Click on title to download individual files attached to this item.

Plainwell_ReachComposite_PebbleCount_8-4-22.csv 10.6 KB text/csv
Plainwell_Riffle_PebbleCount_8-4-22.csv 7.83 KB text/csv

Purpose

This dataset was collected to characterize the geomorphology of a reference reach that is representative of less-disturbed conditions in the Plainwell-Allegan stretch of the Kalamazoo River. The goal of the reference reach analysis is to inform river restoration designs and evaluations associated with dam removal projects by developing channel criteria that meet stakeholders' priorities for hydrologic connectivity, channel stability, and fish passage within the river/floodplain system. Sediment size data are important for understanding geomorphic processes and history within a river system. Substrate size controls the mobility of sediment under different flow conditions and can be used to estimate the critical shear stress at which the sediment particles will be entrained and transported. Substrate composition is a reflection of the hydraulic forces and sediment supply within a stream reach, so analysis of spatial and temporal patterns and layering in substrate size can give an indication of changing geomorphic conditions and sedimentation history. The reach composite pebble count was collected to characterize spatial variability in substrate size in the reference reach. The riffle cross-section pebble count was collected because riffles tend to be the most sensitive geomorphic setting to changes in sediment supply conditions and most reflective of sediment in active transport through a reach. Additionally, because the riffle was sampled for substrate size and topography in 2010, analysis of change over time at this location is possible.

Item Actions

View Item as ...

Save Item as ...

View Item...