Techniques for Studying the Physical Effects of Commercial Navigation Traffic on Aquatic Habitats
Abstract
The physical effects of commercial navigation traffic that can be studied in the field include: (a) resuspension and lateral transport of sediment; (b) sedimentation rates at specific habitats; (c) scour and disruption of substrates caused by tow passage; (d) altered velocity regimen including increased turbulence and reversal of flows; (e) pressure fluctuations, shear force, wave heights, wave wash, and drawdown; (f) changes in water quality parameters; and (g) wave generation. Studies on the physical effects of commercial traffic should be designed to obtain background data and physical effects data as a vessel passes. Background data collection should include ambient velocity and sediment concentration at the site for low, medium, and high flow conditions; hydraulic, hydrologic, and morphometric characteristics of the site; historical characteristics of the site including sedimentation patterns; wind and wave characteristics; bed and bank material characteristics; basic water quality parameters and other site-specific characteristics such as presence or absence of side channels, backwaters, or tributaries. Information collected as a vessel passes should include several parameters. Keywords: Navigation, Commerce, Sediment transport, Habitats, Aquatic biology, Waves, Water quality, Waterways.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA229834
Entities
People
- Andrew C. Miller
- Barry S. Payne
- Nani G. Bhowmik