Sediment dynamics and implications for management: State of the science from long‐term research in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA
June 21, 2020
This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge of sediment dynamics using insights from long‐term research conducted in the watershed draining to the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the U.S., to inform management actions to restore the estuary and its watershed. The sediment dynamics of the Chesapeake are typical of many impaired watersheds and estuaries around the world, and this synthesis is intended to be relevant and transferable to other sediment‐impaired systems. The watershed's sediment sources, transport, delivery, and impacts are discussed with implications for effectively implementing best management practices (BMPs) to mitigate sediment issues. This synthesis revealed three key issues to consider when planning actions to reduce sediment loading: Scale, time, and land use. Geology and historical land use generated a template that current land use and climate, in addition to management, are acting upon to control sediment delivery. Important sediment sources in the Chesapeake include the Piedmont physiographic region, urban, and agricultural land use, and streambank erosion of headwater streams, whereas floodplain trapping is important along larger streams and rivers. Implementation of BMPs is widespread and is predicted to lead to decreased sediment loading; however, reworking of legacy sediment stored in stream valleys, with potentially long residence times in storage, can delay and complicate detection of the effects of BMPs on sediment loads. In conclusion, the improved understanding of sediment sources, storage areas, and transport lag times reviewed here can help target choices of BMP types and locations to better manage sediment problems—for both local streams and receiving waters.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2020 |
---|---|
Title | Sediment dynamics and implications for management: State of the science from long‐term research in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA |
DOI | 10.1002/wat2.1454 |
Authors | Gregory Noe, Matthew J. Cashman, Katherine Skalak, Allen C. Gellis, Kristina G. Hopkins, Doug L. Moyer, James S. Webber, Adam J. Benthem, Kelly O. Maloney, John W. Brakebill, Andrew J. Sekellick, Michael J. Langland, Qian Zhang, Gary W. Shenk, Jennifer L. Keisman, Cliff R. Hupp |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | WIREs Water |
Index ID | 70210743 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Florence Bascom Geoscience Center |
Related
Allen C Gellis, Ph.D. (Former Employee)
Research Hydrologist
Research Hydrologist
Kristina Hopkins
Supervisory Research Physical Scientist
Supervisory Research Physical Scientist
Email
Douglas L. Moyer
Associate Director for Studies
Associate Director for Studies
Email
Phone
Ext
101
James Webber
Chesapeake Bay Associate Coordinator
Chesapeake Bay Associate Coordinator
Email
Phone
Ext
108
Adam Benthem
National Map Liaison ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT
National Map Liaison ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT
Email
Phone
John Brakebill (Former Employee)
Deputy Director, Integrated Modeling and Prediction Division
Deputy Director, Integrated Modeling and Prediction Division
Andrew Sekellick
Physical Scientist
Physical Scientist
Email
Phone
Jeni Keisman, Ph.D.
Chief, Hydrologic Impacts Branch
Chief, Hydrologic Impacts Branch
Email
Related
Allen C Gellis, Ph.D. (Former Employee)
Research Hydrologist
Research Hydrologist
Kristina Hopkins
Supervisory Research Physical Scientist
Supervisory Research Physical Scientist
Email
Douglas L. Moyer
Associate Director for Studies
Associate Director for Studies
Email
Phone
Ext
101
James Webber
Chesapeake Bay Associate Coordinator
Chesapeake Bay Associate Coordinator
Email
Phone
Ext
108
Adam Benthem
National Map Liaison ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT
National Map Liaison ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT
Email
Phone
John Brakebill (Former Employee)
Deputy Director, Integrated Modeling and Prediction Division
Deputy Director, Integrated Modeling and Prediction Division
Andrew Sekellick
Physical Scientist
Physical Scientist
Email
Phone
Jeni Keisman, Ph.D.
Chief, Hydrologic Impacts Branch
Chief, Hydrologic Impacts Branch
Email