Mississippi River Hydrodynamic and Delta Management Study (MRHDM) - Geomorphic Assessment
Abstract
This report documents the geomorphic assessment component of the Mississippi River Hydrodynamic and Delta Management Feasibility Study. The overall objectives of the geomorphic assessment were to utilize all available data to document the historical trends in hydrology, sedimentation, and channel geometry in the lower Mississippi River and to summarize the local changes observed at locations where repetitive datasets exist and at key reaches determined during the study. The assessment focused on, but was not limited to, the river reach downstream of the Old River Control Complex and the time period from 1960 to the present (2013). The geomorphic assessment tasks included data compilation, geometric data analysis, gage and discharge analysis, dredge record analysis, sediment data analysis, development of an events timeline, and integration of results. Geomorphic reaches were defined, and the morphologic trends during different time periods were evaluated. The geomorphic assessment highlighted the importance of considering spatial and temporal variability when assessing morphological trends. Morphological trends on the Lower Mississippi River typically occur over decadal timescales. Consequently, there is considerable uncertainty with assessments that only cover short time periods. Therefore, investigators must be cautious when assuming that short term recent trends will predict future conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA606456
Entities
People
- Charles D. Little Jr.
- David S. Biedenharn
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center