Geomorphic Responses to Stream Channel Restoration at Minebank Run, Baltimore County, Maryland
Geomorphic Responses to Stream Channel Restoration at Minebank Run, MD
Investigating hydrodynamics and geomorphology before and after restoration to determine effects of sediment processes
Urban streams frequently undergo severe incision and erosion due to flashy streamflows caused by impervious surfaces in the watershed. The study was designed to investigate the hydrodynamics and geomorphology of a selected reach of Minebank Run before and after stream restoration, in order to determine the effect that stream restoration had on sediment processes in the stream.
Between water years 2002 and 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability collaborated to study the effects of restoration on sediment processes in a selected study reach of Minebank Run, a small urban stream in Baltimore County, Maryland that was restored during 2004 and 2005.
Objectives
To determine the impacts of stream restoration on the physical processes affecting the stream channel and its underlying and adjacent sediments. The study was designed to investigate the hydrodynamics and geomorphology of a selected reach of Minebank Run before and after stream restoration.
ApproachThe pre-restoration dimension, pattern, profile, and composition of the stream channel at Minebank Run were quantified, and changes over time caused by storms and flooding were assessed. Changes in cross-sectional area, bed elevation, lateral migration of the stream channel, rate of bank retreat, and grain-size distribution were measured throughout the study reach.
Similar post-restoration characterizations of the dimension, pattern, profile, and composition of the stream channel were done and compared to the pre-restoration conditions to assess the natural response to stream channel restoration. Much of the post-restoration geomorphic variability that was observed was primarily due to alternating patterns of sediment storage and removal, and shifting of the channel thalweg, in contrast to channel degradation and widening, and lateral erosion from receding cut banks observed during the pre-restoration monitoring.
Streamflow data from station 0158397967, Minebank Run near Glen Arm, MD, and from a continuous record precipitation gage in the watershed, were used to relate storm events to documented changes in geomorphology of the stream channel during the study period.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Geomorphic responses to stream channel restoration at Minebank Run, Baltimore County, Maryland, 2002-08
Pre-Restoration Geomorphic Characteristics of Minebank Run, Baltimore County, Maryland, 2002-04
Watershed characteristics and pre-restoration surface-water hydrology of Minebank Run, Baltimore County, Maryland, water years 2002-04
Below are partners associated with this project.
Urban streams frequently undergo severe incision and erosion due to flashy streamflows caused by impervious surfaces in the watershed. The study was designed to investigate the hydrodynamics and geomorphology of a selected reach of Minebank Run before and after stream restoration, in order to determine the effect that stream restoration had on sediment processes in the stream.
Between water years 2002 and 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability collaborated to study the effects of restoration on sediment processes in a selected study reach of Minebank Run, a small urban stream in Baltimore County, Maryland that was restored during 2004 and 2005.
Objectives
To determine the impacts of stream restoration on the physical processes affecting the stream channel and its underlying and adjacent sediments. The study was designed to investigate the hydrodynamics and geomorphology of a selected reach of Minebank Run before and after stream restoration.
ApproachThe pre-restoration dimension, pattern, profile, and composition of the stream channel at Minebank Run were quantified, and changes over time caused by storms and flooding were assessed. Changes in cross-sectional area, bed elevation, lateral migration of the stream channel, rate of bank retreat, and grain-size distribution were measured throughout the study reach.
Similar post-restoration characterizations of the dimension, pattern, profile, and composition of the stream channel were done and compared to the pre-restoration conditions to assess the natural response to stream channel restoration. Much of the post-restoration geomorphic variability that was observed was primarily due to alternating patterns of sediment storage and removal, and shifting of the channel thalweg, in contrast to channel degradation and widening, and lateral erosion from receding cut banks observed during the pre-restoration monitoring.
Streamflow data from station 0158397967, Minebank Run near Glen Arm, MD, and from a continuous record precipitation gage in the watershed, were used to relate storm events to documented changes in geomorphology of the stream channel during the study period.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Geomorphic responses to stream channel restoration at Minebank Run, Baltimore County, Maryland, 2002-08
Pre-Restoration Geomorphic Characteristics of Minebank Run, Baltimore County, Maryland, 2002-04
Watershed characteristics and pre-restoration surface-water hydrology of Minebank Run, Baltimore County, Maryland, water years 2002-04
Below are partners associated with this project.