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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Tucson, Arizona » SWRC » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #158984
Title: SIMULATING CHANNEL GEOMORPHIC CHANGE IN SEMI-ARID WATERSHEDS 1561

Author
item SEMMENS, D. - UNIVRSITY OF ARIZONA
item Goodrich, David - Dave
item OSTERKAMP, W. - USGS

Submitted to: First Interagency Conference on Research in the Watersheds
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2003
Publication Date: 9/1/2003
Citation: Proc. 1st Interagency Conf. on Research in the Watersheds, Oct. 27-30, 2003, Benson, AZ., p. 434.

Interpretive Summary: An event-based distributed simulation model for geomorphic change in semi-arid watersheds has been developed for use on intermediate-scale watersheds. The model incorporates the general KINEROS design, including rainfall, infiltration, erosion, and sediment transport, with a new variable parameter Muskingum diffusion model for stream channel routing, and a geomorphic model for computing changes in channel geometry using the concept of stream power minimization. The model is also been adapted to run continuously, and track cumulative geomorphic change resulting from a series of rainfall-runoff events. Testing of the geomorphic model has been carried out on the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed in southeastern Arizona. Detailed rainfall records and repeat measurements of channel geometry were used to develop several multiple-year input data sets for separate calibration and validation of the model. The model is designed to address the need for evaluating distributed management impacts on sediment fluxes through and within large ephemeral channel networks typical of semi-flow arid environments. It thereby permits the assessment of local impacts as they relate to the larger watershed system, as well as cumulative regional impacts on the channel network. The model is also useful for the assessment of channel stability, and the classification of watersheds in terms of their susceptibility to channel destabilization, riparian habitat degradation, and increased sediment yields. These new assessment capabilities are currently in the process of being added to the Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment Tool (AGWA).

Technical Abstract: An event-based distributed simulation model for geomorphic change in semi-arid watersheds has been developed for use on intermediate-scale watersheds. The model incorporates the general KINEROS design, including rainfall, infiltration, erosion, and sediment transport, with a new variable parameter Muskingum diffusion model for stream channel routing, and a geomorphic model for computing changes in channel geometry using the concept of stream power minimization. The model is also been adapted to run continuously, and track cumulative geomorphic change resulting from a series of rainfall-runoff events. Testing of the geomorphic model has been carried out on the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed in southeastern Arizona. Detailed rainfall records and repeat measurements of channel geometry were used to develop several multiple-year input data sets for separate calibration and validation of the model. The model is designed to address the need for evaluating distributed management impacts on sediment fluxes through and within large ephemeral channel networks typical of semi-flow arid environments. It thereby permits the assessment of local impacts as they relate to the larger watershed system, as well as cumulative regional impacts on the channel network. The model is also useful for the assessment of channel stability, and the classification of watersheds in terms of their susceptibility to channel destabilization, riparian habitat degradation, and increased sediment yields. These new assessment capabilities are currently in the process of being added to the Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment Tool (AGWA).