Factors influencing storm-generated suspended-sediment concentrations and loads in four basins of contrasting land use, humid-tropical Puerto Rico

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

GELLIS, A.C.

U.S. Geological Survey, Maryland Water Science Center, Baltimore, Etats-Unis

Description :
The significant characteristics controlling the variability in storm-generated suspended-sediment loads and concentrations were analyzed for 4 basins of differing land use (forest, pasture, cropland, and urbanizing) in humid-tropical Puerto Rico. A model of sediment availability and hysteresis was developed. Statistical analysis involved stepwise regression on factor scores. The explanatory variables were attributes of flow, hydrograph peaks, and rainfall, categorized into 5 flow periods. Sediment availability in the study basins is related to land use and underlying geology. The supply of sediment and its location in the watershed have a strong influence on how current and previous storm events, and flow and rainfall between storm events, affect sediment loads and concentrations.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2013, vol. 104, p. 39-57, nombre de pages : 19, Références bibliographiques : 94 ref.

Date :
2013

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena

Langue :
Anglais