Coupling of Hydrologic/Hydraulic Models and Aerial Photographs Through Time, Rio Grande Near Albuquerque, New Mexico: Report Documentary 2007 Work
Abstract
This phase of the study investigated the relation of average and peak flows in the Rio Grande to changes in channel, sand bar, and island widths as measured on historical aerial photographs taken from 1972 to 2006. The study reach lies between Bernalillo Bridge and the Isleta Diversion Dam, with a focus on the river between the North and South Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) Diversion Channels. Digitized and georeferenced photographs were analyzed using a geographic information system (GIS), with particular attention paid to quantifying potential measurement error and its propagation through estimates of channel areas and bank erosion rates. Average active channel widths decreased from 169 +/- 5 m in 1972 to 130 +/- 5 m in 2006. Narrowing concentrated in the upper study reach and in areas where the 1972 channel was relatively wide. Variability in channel width also decreased over the study period. Decreases in channel width and area coincide with periods of low flows, although the area changes are associated with large errors. Island areas have increased since 1972, although islands per se were also lost during the later study period by bank attachment. Bank erosion estimates have large associated errors. Erosion rates appear to be generally decreasing over time, but accelerated during the 2005 high flows.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA529438
Entities
People
- Benjamin Swanson
- Grant Meyer
- Julie Coonrod
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center