Caroline Elliott
Carrie is a Geologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.
She has worked for the U.S. Geological Survey since 2002 in the River Studies Branch at the Columbia Environmental Research Center in Columbia, Missouri. Her work with the River Studies Branch has addressed physical habitat on large rivers at multiple spatial scales using a variety field, GIS, and remote-sensing tools. Carrie works on a variety of interdisciplinary projects related to river corridor habitat dynamics and geomorphology including hydroacoustic mapping and landscape-scale habitat classification.
Education and Certifications
M.S. in Geology, Utah State University, 2002
B.A. in Geology with a concentration in Natural History, Carleton College, 1998
Science and Products
Increasing understanding of large river dynamics through an open-source bedform toolbox
A Python package to measure bedform morphometrics from high-resolution bathymetric data.
Adult Pallid Sturgeon Reproductive Ecology
CERC fish biologists study migrations, reproductive cues, and spawning behaviors of reproductive wild and hatchery-origin pallid sturgeon (HOPS) in the Missouri River Basin.
River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics
River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics research seeks to improve the scientific basis for ecological restoration of large rivers. Emphasis is placed on understanding how hydrologic and geomorphic characteristics combine to create dynamic habitats for native and exotic fauna and flora.
Geomorphic Trends and Dynamics, Missouri National Recreational River
The two mainstem Missouri River segments of the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) represent some of the least altered channel form and most complex physical habitat on the Missouri River. The 39-mile segment is located in an inter-reservoir reach between Fort Randall Dam and Lewis and Clark Lake and the 59-mile segment is located below Gavins Point Dam, the downstream-most water control...
Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project (CSRP)
The Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project (CSRP) is a multidisciplinary project conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri River Recovery Program–Integrated Science Program. CERC scientists are working with river scientists and managers to develop methods, baseline information, and research approaches that are critical contributions to recovery success of the...
Pallid Sturgeon Habitat Dynamics
CERC scientists apply advanced measurement and modeling approaches to quantifying habitats in large rivers. Our research has been applied to improving the understanding of the reproductive ecology of the endangered pallid sturgeon ( Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Missouri River.
Upper Missouri River Velocity Data in Support of Fort Peck Test Flow larval release, June 2024 Upper Missouri River Velocity Data in Support of Fort Peck Test Flow larval release, June 2024
Flows at Fort Peck Dam, Montana, were modified in 2024 to include additions of warm epilimnetic reservoir releases over the spillway of the dam as part of a series of flow tests to improve habitat conditions in the Upper Missouri River for pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). We measured velocity and discharge on June 22 and June 23 in the Upper Missouri River and Fort Peck Dam...
Pallid Sturgeon Habitat Surveys in the Tongue River 2023-2024 Pallid Sturgeon Habitat Surveys in the Tongue River 2023-2024
Endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) spawning habitats were mapped on the Tongue River near Miles, City Montana June in 2023 and 2024. Data quantify the physical characteristics of the river channel and flow; depth, velocity and habitat assessments using single-beam sonar, acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) in 2023 and single-beam sonar in 2024. Real-time kinematic...
Flow, turbulence, and bathymetric measurements of the Missouri River at Searcys Bend, near Huntsdale, Missouri September 16, 2021 Flow, turbulence, and bathymetric measurements of the Missouri River at Searcys Bend, near Huntsdale, Missouri September 16, 2021
This dataset includes measurements of flow, turbulence, and bathymetry generated from multibeam bathymetry for a short reach of the Missouri River at Searcys Bend (SB) near Huntsdale, Missouri. Flow and turbulence were characterized using a Signature 1000 mounted on an anchored moving boat and an Aquadopp mounted on a tripod near the bed. Repeat bathymetric measurements were made in...
Field Data and Models of the Missouri River at Sheepnose Bend, near Lexington, Missouri, 2019-2021 Field Data and Models of the Missouri River at Sheepnose Bend, near Lexington, Missouri, 2019-2021
This project includes field data and data supporting models of the Missouri River at Sheepnose (SN) bend, near Lexington, Missouri. Field datasets include a topobathymetric digital elevation model (DEM) for a 10-km reach of the Missouri River, repeat surveys of channel bathymetry from 2019-2021, water surface elevation profiles, velocity data collected with acoustic Dopper current...
Channel geometry, banklines and floodplain inundation over a range of discharges in two segments of the Missouri National Recreational River, South Dakota and Nebraska, 1955-2018 Channel geometry, banklines and floodplain inundation over a range of discharges in two segments of the Missouri National Recreational River, South Dakota and Nebraska, 1955-2018
These datasets describe channel adjustments over a 60-year period to dams in the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR), South Dakota and Nebraska. Datasets include a channel geometry analysis from cross-sections, banklines digitized and interpreted to predict future bank erosion sites from aerial photography, and models of floodplain inundation over a range of discharges. There are...
Pallid Sturgeon Spawning Habitat in the Lower Missouri River Pallid Sturgeon Spawning Habitat in the Lower Missouri River
Lack of reproduction has been hypothesized to be a factor in the decline of the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) through much of its range. Spawning habitat and behavior have only recently been documented on the Lower Missouri River, which comprises over 1,300 river kilometers of undammed river. This data consists of habitat measurements for ten pallid sturgeon spawning events from...
Filter Total Items: 35
Ecological inferences on invasive carp survival using hydrodynamics and egg drift models Ecological inferences on invasive carp survival using hydrodynamics and egg drift models
Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), silver carp (H. molitrix), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), are invasive species in North America. However, they hold significant economic importance as food sources in China. The drifting stage of carp eggs has received great attention because egg survival rate is strongly affected by river...
Authors
Ruichen Xu, Duane Chapman, Caroline M. Elliott, Bruce Call, Robert B. Jacobson, Binbin Yang
Bedform distributions and dynamics in a large, channelized river: Implications for benthic ecological processes Bedform distributions and dynamics in a large, channelized river: Implications for benthic ecological processes
Sand bedforms are fundamental habitat elements for benthic fish in large, sand-bedded rivers and are hypothesized to provide flow refugia, food transport, and ecological disturbance. We explored bedform distributions and dynamics in the Lower Missouri River, Missouri, with the objective of understanding the implications of these features for benthic fish habitat, particularly for the...
Authors
Caroline M. Elliott, R. B. Jacobson, Bruce Call, Maura O Roberts
Geomorphic classification framework for assessing reproductive ecology of Scaphirhynchus albus (pallid sturgeon), Fort Peck segment, Upper Missouri River, Montana and North Dakota Geomorphic classification framework for assessing reproductive ecology of Scaphirhynchus albus (pallid sturgeon), Fort Peck segment, Upper Missouri River, Montana and North Dakota
The segment of the Upper Missouri River between Fort Peck Dam and the headwaters of Lake Sakakawea is home to a population of the endangered Scaphirhynchus albus (pallid sturgeon). Lack of population growth (recruitment failure) has been attributed to inadequate dispersal distance of larvae between spawning locations and the headwaters of Lake Sakakawea, where conventional wisdom holds...
Authors
Robert B. Jacobson, Caroline M. Elliott, Edward Bulliner
Turbulence near a sandbar island in the lower Missouri River Turbulence near a sandbar island in the lower Missouri River
River turbulence is spatially variable due to interactions between morphology of rivers and physical mechanics of flowing water. Understanding the variation of turbulence in rivers is important for characterizing transport processes of soluble and particulate materials in these systems. We present an exploratory effort to understand ecologically relevant flow patterns using measurements...
Authors
Geng Li, Caroline M. Elliott, Bruce Call, Brandon James Sansom, R. B. Jacobson, Bin Wang
Spatiotemporal patterns and environmental drivers of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) abundance along the Missouri River, USA Spatiotemporal patterns and environmental drivers of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) abundance along the Missouri River, USA
Context: Changes in disturbance regimes, including reductions in flooding and geomorphic dynamism from dam construction and flow regulation, have facilitated invasion by eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.), an upland tree species, in the understory of floodplain forests along the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR). Objectives: Our aim was to determine the spatiotemporal...
Authors
Nadeesha D. Illeperuma, Mark D. Dixon, Caroline M. Elliott, Kimberly I. Magnuson, Miyuraj H H. Withanage, James E. Vogelmann
Evaluations of Lagrangian egg drift models: From a laboratory flume to large channelized rivers Evaluations of Lagrangian egg drift models: From a laboratory flume to large channelized rivers
To help better interpret computational models in predicting drift of carp eggs in rivers, we present a series of model assessments for the longitudinal egg dispersion. Two three-dimensional Lagrangian particle tracking models, SDrift and FluEgg, are evaluated in a series of channels with increasing complexity. The model evaluation demonstrates that both models are able to accommodate...
Authors
Geng Li, Caroline M. Elliott, Bruce Call, Duane Chapman, Robert B. Jacobson, Bin Wang
Science and Products
Increasing understanding of large river dynamics through an open-source bedform toolbox
A Python package to measure bedform morphometrics from high-resolution bathymetric data.
Adult Pallid Sturgeon Reproductive Ecology
CERC fish biologists study migrations, reproductive cues, and spawning behaviors of reproductive wild and hatchery-origin pallid sturgeon (HOPS) in the Missouri River Basin.
River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics
River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics research seeks to improve the scientific basis for ecological restoration of large rivers. Emphasis is placed on understanding how hydrologic and geomorphic characteristics combine to create dynamic habitats for native and exotic fauna and flora.
Geomorphic Trends and Dynamics, Missouri National Recreational River
The two mainstem Missouri River segments of the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) represent some of the least altered channel form and most complex physical habitat on the Missouri River. The 39-mile segment is located in an inter-reservoir reach between Fort Randall Dam and Lewis and Clark Lake and the 59-mile segment is located below Gavins Point Dam, the downstream-most water control...
Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project (CSRP)
The Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project (CSRP) is a multidisciplinary project conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri River Recovery Program–Integrated Science Program. CERC scientists are working with river scientists and managers to develop methods, baseline information, and research approaches that are critical contributions to recovery success of the...
Pallid Sturgeon Habitat Dynamics
CERC scientists apply advanced measurement and modeling approaches to quantifying habitats in large rivers. Our research has been applied to improving the understanding of the reproductive ecology of the endangered pallid sturgeon ( Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Missouri River.
Upper Missouri River Velocity Data in Support of Fort Peck Test Flow larval release, June 2024 Upper Missouri River Velocity Data in Support of Fort Peck Test Flow larval release, June 2024
Flows at Fort Peck Dam, Montana, were modified in 2024 to include additions of warm epilimnetic reservoir releases over the spillway of the dam as part of a series of flow tests to improve habitat conditions in the Upper Missouri River for pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). We measured velocity and discharge on June 22 and June 23 in the Upper Missouri River and Fort Peck Dam...
Pallid Sturgeon Habitat Surveys in the Tongue River 2023-2024 Pallid Sturgeon Habitat Surveys in the Tongue River 2023-2024
Endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) spawning habitats were mapped on the Tongue River near Miles, City Montana June in 2023 and 2024. Data quantify the physical characteristics of the river channel and flow; depth, velocity and habitat assessments using single-beam sonar, acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) in 2023 and single-beam sonar in 2024. Real-time kinematic...
Flow, turbulence, and bathymetric measurements of the Missouri River at Searcys Bend, near Huntsdale, Missouri September 16, 2021 Flow, turbulence, and bathymetric measurements of the Missouri River at Searcys Bend, near Huntsdale, Missouri September 16, 2021
This dataset includes measurements of flow, turbulence, and bathymetry generated from multibeam bathymetry for a short reach of the Missouri River at Searcys Bend (SB) near Huntsdale, Missouri. Flow and turbulence were characterized using a Signature 1000 mounted on an anchored moving boat and an Aquadopp mounted on a tripod near the bed. Repeat bathymetric measurements were made in...
Field Data and Models of the Missouri River at Sheepnose Bend, near Lexington, Missouri, 2019-2021 Field Data and Models of the Missouri River at Sheepnose Bend, near Lexington, Missouri, 2019-2021
This project includes field data and data supporting models of the Missouri River at Sheepnose (SN) bend, near Lexington, Missouri. Field datasets include a topobathymetric digital elevation model (DEM) for a 10-km reach of the Missouri River, repeat surveys of channel bathymetry from 2019-2021, water surface elevation profiles, velocity data collected with acoustic Dopper current...
Channel geometry, banklines and floodplain inundation over a range of discharges in two segments of the Missouri National Recreational River, South Dakota and Nebraska, 1955-2018 Channel geometry, banklines and floodplain inundation over a range of discharges in two segments of the Missouri National Recreational River, South Dakota and Nebraska, 1955-2018
These datasets describe channel adjustments over a 60-year period to dams in the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR), South Dakota and Nebraska. Datasets include a channel geometry analysis from cross-sections, banklines digitized and interpreted to predict future bank erosion sites from aerial photography, and models of floodplain inundation over a range of discharges. There are...
Pallid Sturgeon Spawning Habitat in the Lower Missouri River Pallid Sturgeon Spawning Habitat in the Lower Missouri River
Lack of reproduction has been hypothesized to be a factor in the decline of the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) through much of its range. Spawning habitat and behavior have only recently been documented on the Lower Missouri River, which comprises over 1,300 river kilometers of undammed river. This data consists of habitat measurements for ten pallid sturgeon spawning events from...
Filter Total Items: 35
Ecological inferences on invasive carp survival using hydrodynamics and egg drift models Ecological inferences on invasive carp survival using hydrodynamics and egg drift models
Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), silver carp (H. molitrix), black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), are invasive species in North America. However, they hold significant economic importance as food sources in China. The drifting stage of carp eggs has received great attention because egg survival rate is strongly affected by river...
Authors
Ruichen Xu, Duane Chapman, Caroline M. Elliott, Bruce Call, Robert B. Jacobson, Binbin Yang
Bedform distributions and dynamics in a large, channelized river: Implications for benthic ecological processes Bedform distributions and dynamics in a large, channelized river: Implications for benthic ecological processes
Sand bedforms are fundamental habitat elements for benthic fish in large, sand-bedded rivers and are hypothesized to provide flow refugia, food transport, and ecological disturbance. We explored bedform distributions and dynamics in the Lower Missouri River, Missouri, with the objective of understanding the implications of these features for benthic fish habitat, particularly for the...
Authors
Caroline M. Elliott, R. B. Jacobson, Bruce Call, Maura O Roberts
Geomorphic classification framework for assessing reproductive ecology of Scaphirhynchus albus (pallid sturgeon), Fort Peck segment, Upper Missouri River, Montana and North Dakota Geomorphic classification framework for assessing reproductive ecology of Scaphirhynchus albus (pallid sturgeon), Fort Peck segment, Upper Missouri River, Montana and North Dakota
The segment of the Upper Missouri River between Fort Peck Dam and the headwaters of Lake Sakakawea is home to a population of the endangered Scaphirhynchus albus (pallid sturgeon). Lack of population growth (recruitment failure) has been attributed to inadequate dispersal distance of larvae between spawning locations and the headwaters of Lake Sakakawea, where conventional wisdom holds...
Authors
Robert B. Jacobson, Caroline M. Elliott, Edward Bulliner
Turbulence near a sandbar island in the lower Missouri River Turbulence near a sandbar island in the lower Missouri River
River turbulence is spatially variable due to interactions between morphology of rivers and physical mechanics of flowing water. Understanding the variation of turbulence in rivers is important for characterizing transport processes of soluble and particulate materials in these systems. We present an exploratory effort to understand ecologically relevant flow patterns using measurements...
Authors
Geng Li, Caroline M. Elliott, Bruce Call, Brandon James Sansom, R. B. Jacobson, Bin Wang
Spatiotemporal patterns and environmental drivers of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) abundance along the Missouri River, USA Spatiotemporal patterns and environmental drivers of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) abundance along the Missouri River, USA
Context: Changes in disturbance regimes, including reductions in flooding and geomorphic dynamism from dam construction and flow regulation, have facilitated invasion by eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.), an upland tree species, in the understory of floodplain forests along the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR). Objectives: Our aim was to determine the spatiotemporal...
Authors
Nadeesha D. Illeperuma, Mark D. Dixon, Caroline M. Elliott, Kimberly I. Magnuson, Miyuraj H H. Withanage, James E. Vogelmann
Evaluations of Lagrangian egg drift models: From a laboratory flume to large channelized rivers Evaluations of Lagrangian egg drift models: From a laboratory flume to large channelized rivers
To help better interpret computational models in predicting drift of carp eggs in rivers, we present a series of model assessments for the longitudinal egg dispersion. Two three-dimensional Lagrangian particle tracking models, SDrift and FluEgg, are evaluated in a series of channels with increasing complexity. The model evaluation demonstrates that both models are able to accommodate...
Authors
Geng Li, Caroline M. Elliott, Bruce Call, Duane Chapman, Robert B. Jacobson, Bin Wang