Downstream effects of urbanization on stillwater Creek, Oklahoma

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

KANG, R.S.

Dep. of Geography, Western Illinois Univ., Macomb, Etats-Unis

STORM, D.E.

Dep. of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, Etats-Unis

MARSTON, R.A.

Dep. of Geography, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan, Etats-Unis

Description :
This project evaluates the effects of urbanization on Stillwater Creek, located in central Oklahoma. The upper section of this basin is predominantly rural, while the downstream section is experiencing urban expansion. Statistical analysis of downstream trends revealed no significant change in the majority of response variables between upstream and downstream sections. However, local conditions (i.e,. riparian trees, cohesive bank materials, occasional woody debris jams, and entrenched nature) in this basin counter the possible effects of urbanization on channel morphology. Increasing urbanization was expected to reduce the sources of woody debris to stream channel and affect channel morphology. However, Stillwater Creek had thick riparian corridors dominated by trees, which helped protect stream banks. A downstream parabolic channel cross-sectional shape also helped explain why this stream channel did not change radically due to urbanization.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Physical geography, issn : 0272-3646, 2010, vol. 31, n°. 2, p. 186-201, nombre de pages : 16, Références bibliographiques : 3 p.

Date :
2010

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Abingdon, Taylor and Francis

Langue :
Anglais