Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Geomorphology Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Geomorphology

Geomorphic Disturbance And Anthropogenic Modifications In Big Barren Creek, Mark Twain National Forest, Southeast Missouri, Rachael A. Bradley Aug 2017

Geomorphic Disturbance And Anthropogenic Modifications In Big Barren Creek, Mark Twain National Forest, Southeast Missouri, Rachael A. Bradley

MSU Graduate Theses

This study investigates the influence of human disturbance on channel conditions in Big Barren Creek. The Big Barren watershed drains 191 km2 of the Ozark Highlands in southeast Missouri. Several segments of the creek have been channelized by levee construction and gravel mining. Approximately 27.2 km of the main stem of Barren Creek were assessed for 13 photo-years ranging from 1939 to 2014. Geomorphic classifications using channel conditions in aerial photographs and field observations were used to evaluate patterns of disturbance. While 52% of the creek is managed by private landowners, 81% of disturbed length occurs on private lands. Further, …


Geomorphic Characteristics And Sediment Transport In Natural And Channelized Reaches Of Big Barren Creek, Southeast Missouri, Matthew S. Thies May 2017

Geomorphic Characteristics And Sediment Transport In Natural And Channelized Reaches Of Big Barren Creek, Southeast Missouri, Matthew S. Thies

MSU Graduate Theses

Channelization, levee construction, and gravel mining are land management practices that are used for flood control. However, they often alter the balance between sediment supply and available sediment transporting power in streams, causing channel instability. Streams can respond to instability through channel incision and sediment aggradation which can degrade riparian habitat, increase flood risks, and cause property damage. These problems have been observed along segments of Big Barren Creek, which drains 190 km² of the Missouri Ozarks in Mark Twain National Forest. Field assessment and modeling methods were used to evaluate the spatial distribution of channel instability along the upper …