Channel Cross-Section Analysis in Alhambra Creek
Mason MC. 2002. Channel Cross-Section Analysis in Alhambra Creek. Contra Costa Resource Conservation District
Land use in the Alhambra Creek Watershed, located in Contra Costa County, California, has changed over the past 50 years in some areas from cropland and rangeland to residential subdivisions and urban development. The effects of urbanization on watershed hydrology and stream geomorphology have been extensively explored. Streams in urban watersheds tend to increase in cross-sectional area, as changes in runoff-generating mechanisms result in larger peak flows than in non-urban watersheds. These geomorphic changes can have serious detrimental effects on both the quality of aquatic habitat and the stability of infrastructure and bridges. This study investigates historical channel changes in Alhambra Creek, focusing on the question of whether or not channel incision and expansion has occurred due to hydrologic changes since the 1950s. Ten channel cross-sections were resurveyed and compared to data from 1955, 1962, and 1971.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Mason, Maureen
- Date of Issue
- 2002
- Publisher
- Contra Costa Resource Conservation District
- Units
- JOMU
- Keywords
- Alhambra, Geomorphology, hydrology, streamflow, water quality, Watershed