Relation of sediment yield to climatic and physical characteristics in the Missouri River basin

Data from 64 stream-sediment stations and reservoirs in the plains area and from 15 stream-sediment stations in the mountainous area were analyzed to determine the relation of sediment yield to basin characteristics. Data from each sediment station and reservoir represented at least 7 years of sediment discharge in the plains area or 4 years of sediment discharge in the mountainous area. Results of the analysis show the approximate relations of sediment yield to basin characteristics in the plains area, but data for the mountainous area are insufficient to show any significant relation.

In the plains area the sediment yield was most closely related to contributing drainage area, mean streamflow, average thickness of loess, and average land slope. A regression equation, using these characteristics, estimates sediment yields with a standard error of +142 percent and -59 percent. The relation of sediment yield to size of drainage area was consistent with the relation found earlier for the upper Mississippi River basin.