BAE & MSU WATER Seminar: Channel-Forming Discharges, Dynamic Equilibrium and Why Watershed Changes Cause Channel Systems to Fail

Why is a stream is located where it is?
Why are streams crooked?
Why do streams vary in depth, width, and sinuosity?

Answering these questions enables us to develop technologies and practices to protect, enhance, ecosystems. create dynamic equilibrium. Natural streams have a main channels that carry water and sediment discharges, as predicted by the channel-forming discharge, and are connected to an active floodplain. Watershed or channel modification activities that increase flow velocity, the magnitude and frequency of high discharges, or alter the supply and/or transport pp y p of sediment often result in down-cutting and/or widening of the main channel. Connectivity to the floodplain is reduced and failure often occurs. This seminar will provide an overview of stream and watershed factors and processes that are a key to understanding and sustaining dynamic equilibrium.

Dr. Ward has 28 years of international experience in watershed hydrology, stream geomorphology, reservoir sedimentation, water quality, and the development and implementation of techniques to prevent or control adverse impacts of land use changes on water resources and streams.

Contacts: Steve Miller, mill1229@msu.edu and Dawn Reinhold, reinhold@egr.msu.edu