Effects of large organic debris on channel morphology and sediment storage in selected tributaries of Redwood Creek, Northwestern California
Keller EA, Macdonald A, Tally T, Merritt NJ. 1995. Effects of large organic debris on channel morphology and sediment storage in selected tributaries of Redwood Creek, Northwestern California. Pages P1-P29. In Nolan KM, Kelsey HM, Marron DC. Geomorphic Processes and Aquatic Habitat in the Redwood Creek Basin, Northwestern California. U.S Geological Survey. Menlo Park, CA. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Professional Paper. 1454
Effects of large trees and other organic debris in stream channels include influencing channel form and affecting habitat for anadromous fish. The 1985 paper discusses variables determining the amount of debris found within a reach in forests of coastal redwoods; the number of mature redwoods within 50 m. of the channel is a major factor. The role of organic debris is made more complex through long residence times and by such effects as creation of pools, sediment storage sites, and steepening the gradient. Unless the large organic debris blocks passage of anadromous fish, it is beneficial to them, and removal is likely to release stored sediment. Study streams are in the Redwood Creek basin, and management implications are based on observations in this area. Illustrations include a large number of maps and drawings showing Redwood Creek and its tributaries (morphologic maps, long profiles, sketch map of channel changes, and others).
- Type
- Published Report Section
- Authors
- Keller, Edward; Macdonald, Anne; Tally, Taz; Merritt, Nancy
- Units
- REDW
- Keywords
- Anadromous Fish, Channel Morphology, Debris, Geomorphology, Habitats, Physical Sciences, Presence (Biodiversity), Redwood Creek Basin, Redwood Forest, River Channel, Rivers, sediment storage, Streams, Taxa Links To References