Techniques for Measuring Substrate Embeddedness
Abstract
The degree to which fine sediments surround coarse substrates on the surface of a streambed is referred to as embeddedness. Although the term and its measurement were initially developed to address habitat space for juvenile steelhead trout, embeddedness measures have been used to assess fish spawning and macroinvertebrate habitat, as well as substrate mobility. Embeddedness is used as a water quality indicator in some areas. No publication provides a comprehensive description of embeddedness, and the sampling methodology is far from standardized. This technical note represents a compendium of embeddedness measurement techniques, compiled from journal papers, agency reports, and personal files of those involved in the development of the techniques and their applications. This technical note also documents the definitions and usage of the term "embeddedness," describes the development of embeddedness measurement techniques, provides guidelines for the application of measurement techniques, and summarizes the existing literature. The information presented here is derived from a study by Sylte (2002) and accompanies an assessment of the methods reported by Sylte and Fischenich (in preparation).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA434902
Entities
People
- Craig J. Fischenich
- Traci Sylte
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center