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Research Project: Science and Technologies for Improving Soil and Water Resources in Agricultural Watersheds

Location: Watershed Physical Processes Research

Title: Depositional patterns and sedimentation rates associated with longitudinal training walls (LTWs) in the Grand River, Michigan (USA)

Author
item KONSOER, KORY - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
item SIDDIQUE, SUMAIYA - LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
item Langendoen, Eddy
item Ursic, Michael - Mick
item WAMPLER, PETER - GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
item Ferguson, Jacob

Submitted to: Geological Society of America Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/23/2023
Publication Date: 10/15/2023
Citation: Konsoer, K., Siddique, S., Langendoen, E.J., Ursic, M.E., Wampler, P., Ferguson, J.A. 2023. Depositional patterns and sedimentation rates associated with longitudinal training walls (LTWs) in the Grand River, Michigan (USA). Geological Society of America Meeting. In GSA Connects 2023 Abstracts, Pittsburgh, PA, October 15-18, 2023.

Interpretive Summary: Abstract Only.

Technical Abstract: Longitudinal training walls (LTWs) are engineered structures built within river channels that are oriented approximately parallel to the primary flow direction. The bifurcation creates a primary navigation channel that captures the majority of the water discharge, which can lead to sedimentation and overall channel narrowing within the secondary channel, the primary channel is used for improving navigability. Grand River in Michigan is such a river where LTWs were installed during the 1890’s as an effort to maintain navigation. As the river drains into Lake Michigan, the lower portions of the river experience a backwater effect leading to potential spatial variations in the geomorphic response of the river to these structures. This study examines the depositional patterns and rates of sedimentation within regions directly impacted by the LTWs to help elucidate the effects of LTWs on long term deposition rates. Eight sediment cores were collected from different regions behind LTW structures using a 4-inch vibracore setup. The cores were then logged and sampled at regular intervals for radiometric dating using gamma spectrometry for detection of 210Pb and 137Cs. The findings from this study provide insights into the importance of spatial distribution of the walls on sediment deposition and channel narrowing which will help to ongoing river restoration and management projects, more specifically, related to the decision making of dam removal and dredging projects that have been proposed for the river.