Historical channel narrowing along the Rio Grande near Albuquerque, New Mexico in response to peak discharge reductions and engineering: magnitude and uncertainty of change from air photo measurements

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

SWANSON, B.J.

Dep. of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Univ. New Mexico, Albuquerque, Etats-Unis

MEYER, G.A.

Dep. of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Univ. New Mexico, Albuquerque, Etats-Unis

COONROD, J.E.

Dep. of Civil Engineering, Univ. New mexico, Albuquerque, Etats-Unis

Description :
In response to potential risks to infrastructure and ecological integrity, recent (1985–2008) adjustment was investigated and historic (1918–1985) changes in Rio Grande channel planform through the Albuquerque area were reviewed, especially in relation to changes in annual peak discharge and river engineering measures. Using a GIS, channel characteristics were digitized from georeferenced photographs and analyzed with particular attention to quantifying potential measurement error and its propagation. Narrowing was concentrated at tributary inputs and in the upstream part of the reach, where bedload trapping by Cochiti Dam has caused degradation. Bank protection structures and dense vegetation limit bank erosion in the reach, but erosion is significant where expanding islands, incision, and increased meandering force water against banks.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Earth surface processes and landforms, issn : 0197-9337, 2011, vol. 36, n°. 7, p. 885-900, nombre de pages : 16, Références bibliographiques : 2 p.

Date :
2011

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley

Langue :
Anglais