Bad River Geomorphology/ Streamflow Trends
Project Number: 9KO32
Project Chief: Faith A. Fitzpatrick
Project Topics: geomorphology
Cooperators: Bad River Tribe
Period of Project: May 2001–December 2004
Faith Fitzpatrick, USGS, discussing study samples and findings with
Problem
A historical perspective of changes in the geomorphic and hydrologic conditions of the Bad River watershed is needed. Previous sediment load studies conducted by the USGS identified the Bad River as having the highest sediment load of all tributaries to Lake Superior. A large, highly valued coastal wetland complex exists at the mouth of the river and is threatened by excessive sediment.
It is not known how accelerated erosion and deposition affect the main stem of the Bad River through the Bad River Indian Reservation and through the wetland at the mouth of the Bad River.
Objectives
The main objectives of this study are to understand the historical and modern impacts of land cover on streamflow, sedimentation and erosion rates, and geomorphic conditions in the Bad River and some of its key tributaries.
Approach
The approach involved two phases of work. The first phase was a reconnaissance study that included: (1) gathering available GIS coverages and defining watershed characteristics of major subbasins of the Bad River, (2) examining the streamflow record at U.S. Geological Survey gaging station for historical variations, (3) conducting field reconnaissance trips to identify hot spots of erosion/sedimentation, and (4) conducting a literature search of any publications or studies done on the Bad River Basin related to streamflow, sedimentation, erosion and historical land uses. The second phase involved establishing valley transects and collecting cores at key locations along the Bad River and Marengo River with erosion and sedimentation problems. These data will be used to establish long-term rates of erosion and sedimentation throughout the watershed.
Progress
Coring and cross section surveying were conducted. Data analysis and report writing were continued. A poster for the study was presented at the Institute of Lake Superior Geology annual meeting in May 2004 in Duluth, Minnesota. Laboratory analysis of particle size and radiocarbon were performed.
Plans
The first draft of a USGS Scientific Investigations Report (SIR) will be completed. A valley transect on the upper Marengo River will be established in August.
Publications and Reports
A USGS Scientific Investigations Report will be published in 2005.
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