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Delmarva Peninsula Stream Health and Habitat Assessments in Maryland and Delaware (2022)

June 23, 2023

U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists completed a data collection campaign from the 25th of April to the 10th of June in 2022, using various methods to record geomorphic and habitat indicators throughout 30 streams on the Delmarva Peninsula. Field methods included GNSS surveys, gravelometer-based pebble count readings, visual assessments, and riparian analyses. This metadata record contains all raw observations from the campaign as well as numerous summary metrics to be used in model development. Those "model-ready" data can be found in Delmarva_Model_Deliverable.csv in the parent item, while the two child items containing raw in-channel observations and raw survey data.

Attached to this release is a data dictionary containing general information about Delmarva_Model_Deliverable.csv. This information can be found in the SummaryMetrics_Dictionary.csv file.

The various data collected in this data release fall into the following categories describing both reach average and heterogeneity:
- Study Information
     - Internal site ID
- Riparian Statistics
     - Riparian assessment score
     - Riparian canopy cover
     - Riparian active width
- Bank Statistics
     - Eroding percent
     - Dendro lateral retreat rate
     - Bank vegetation
     - Modified BEHI score
     - Total to bankfull ratio
     - Bank substrate
     - Bank angle
     - Total bank height
     - Legacy sediment depth
- In-Channel Statistics
     - Wetted width
     - Bankfull width
     - Bankfull height
     - Pebble count
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - Embeddedness
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - Fine sediment
          - Average depth
          - Heterogeneity metrics
          - Loss on ignition at 950C
          - Loss on ignition at 550C
     - Water depth
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - Flow type
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - In-channel canopy cover
     - Vegetation coverage
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - Fish habitat coverage
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - Woody debris
- Survey Metrics
     - Thalweg sinuosity
     - Longitudinal roughness
     - Water surface slope
     - Cross section
          - Bankfull area
          - Total channel area
          - Total to bankfull area ratio
          - Cross sectional roughness
          - Wetted perimeter

Additionally, the following child items can be found attached to this data release:
- Delmarva Peninsula Raw Habitat and Riparian Assessment Data (2022): All field forms collected by technicians from the Habitat Assessment field teams.
- Delmarva Peninsula Stream Survey (2022): All coordinate data from surveying campaign collected by Habitat Assessment field teams.

Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Publication Year 2023
Title Delmarva Peninsula Stream Health and Habitat Assessments in Maryland and Delaware (2022)
DOI 10.5066/P97UX2LO
Authors Tristan G Mohs, Matthew J Cashman, Gregory Noe
Product Type Data Release
Record Source USGS Digital Object Identifier Catalog
USGS Organization MD-DE-DC Water Science Center