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Ronald Griffiths

Ron Griffiths is a hydrologist with the Southwest Biological Science Center.

Science and Products

Brown, sediment-laden water of the Paria River mixes with the clear water of the Colorado River

River Sediment Dynamics

Sediment controls the physical habitat of river ecosystems. Changes in the amount and areal distribution of different sediment types cause changes in river-channel form and river habitat. The amount and type of sediment suspended in the water column determines water clarity. Understanding sediment transport and the conditions under which sediment is deposited or eroded from the various...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Southwest Biological Science Center
River Sediment Dynamics

River Sediment Dynamics

Sediment controls the physical habitat of river ecosystems. Changes in the amount and areal distribution of different sediment types cause changes in river-channel form and river habitat. The amount and type of sediment suspended in the water column determines water clarity. Understanding sediment transport and the conditions under which sediment is deposited or eroded from the various...
Learn More
Sediment sampling and surrogates

Sediment Acoustics

The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes the need to provide sediment acoustic training and to develop standardized techniques and practices.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Sediment Acoustics

Sediment Acoustics

The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes the need to provide sediment acoustic training and to develop standardized techniques and practices.
Learn More

Channel and floodplain cross-section and bed-elevation data for the Green River in Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah Channel and floodplain cross-section and bed-elevation data for the Green River in Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah

These data were compiled to determine the rate and magnitude of channel-planform change, and the topographic change of the channel and floodplain in Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks within Dinosaur National Monument between the 1990s and 2019. The objective(s) of our study were to analyze geomorphic change within Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks to determine the magnitude and style of...
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Surveyed coordinates and elevations in a 2020 resurvey of previously established cross sections on the Green River between Jensen and Ouray, Utah Surveyed coordinates and elevations in a 2020 resurvey of previously established cross sections on the Green River between Jensen and Ouray, Utah

These data were compiled for/to National Park Service and Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. Objective(s) of our study were to resurvey previously established cross sections on the Green River, Utah, in, and upstream, from Ouray National Wildlife Refuge to document changes in channel width, depth, and cross-sectional area. These data represent the 2020 resurvey...
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Surveyed coordinates and elevations in a 2017 resurvey of previously established cross sections on the Little Snake and Yampa rivers in Lily and Deerlodge parks, Colorado Surveyed coordinates and elevations in a 2017 resurvey of previously established cross sections on the Little Snake and Yampa rivers in Lily and Deerlodge parks, Colorado

These data were compiled for the National Park Service and Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. Objective(s) of our study were to resurvey previously established cross sections on the Yampa and Little Snake rivers in the Deerlodge Park area to document changes in channel width, depth, and cross-sectional area. A secondary purpose of this study was to document the...
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Surveyed peak-stage elevations, coordinates, and indicator data of strandlines from large floods on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Surveyed peak-stage elevations, coordinates, and indicator data of strandlines from large floods on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

These data provide a comprehensive survey of peak-stage indicators along the Colorado River corridor between river mile (RM) 0 and RM 87 (see Figure 1 in the associated USGS-SIR). In 2008, the locations of peak-stage indicators in three short reaches downstream from RM 87 were measured using a handheld GPS unit (see Appendix 1 in the associated USGS-SIR). Total-station measurements were...
By
Southwest Biological Science Center
Filter Total Items: 32

Controls on sediment transport and storage in the Little Snake, Yampa, and Green Rivers in the vicinities of Dinosaur National Monument and Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado and Utah, with implications for fish habitat in the middle Green River Controls on sediment transport and storage in the Little Snake, Yampa, and Green Rivers in the vicinities of Dinosaur National Monument and Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado and Utah, with implications for fish habitat in the middle Green River

The transport of sand and finer sediment in the Yampa and Green river network is typically in disequilibrium with the local sediment supply because of the partial decoupling of the sources of water and sediment: most of the water is supplied farther upstream than most of the sediment. This decoupling leads to sand being transported in the main-stem rivers as elongating sand waves...
Authors
David J. Topping, Ronald E. Griffiths, Joel A. Unema, David J. Dean
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Channel and floodplain cross-section and bed-elevation analyses of the Green River in Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah Channel and floodplain cross-section and bed-elevation analyses of the Green River in Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah

This report by the U.S. Geological Survey focuses on describing geomorphic changes in the alluvial segments of the Green River within Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks of Dinosaur National Monument, between the 1990s and 2019. Substantial channel change occurred within these meandering alluvial segments following the construction and closure of Flaming Gorge Dam in 1962. Geomorphic...
Authors
David J. Dean, Paul E. Grams, Shannon Leigh Sartain, Christy M. Leonard, Ronald E. Griffiths, Joel A. Unema, David J. Topping, John C. Schmidt
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Changes in sand storage in the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park from July 2017 through June 2020 Changes in sand storage in the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park from July 2017 through June 2020

Changes in the quantity of sand stored within river segments can affect aquatic and riparian habitat, archeological resources, and recreation. Since summer to fall of 2002, gaging stations on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park and on its major tributaries and selected lesser tributaries have measured the mass of sand transported past each station, which allows for changes...
Authors
Ronald E. Griffiths, David J. Topping, Joel A. Unema
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Arizona Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center: Proceedings of the fiscal year 2023 annual reporting meeting to the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program U.S. Geological Survey Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center: Proceedings of the fiscal year 2023 annual reporting meeting to the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program

This proceedings is prepared for the USBR and Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (GCDAMP) to account for work conducted and products delivered in FY 2023 by SBSC's Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC) and to inform the Technical Work Group of science conducted by GCMRC and its cooperators in support of the GCDAMP. It includes a summary of accomplishments...
Authors
Andrew Alan Schultz, Gregory Mark Anderson, David J. Topping, Ronald E. Griffiths, David J. Dean, Paul E. Grams, Keith Kohl, Gerard Lewis Salter, Matthew A. Kaplinski, Katherine Chapman, Erich R. Mueller, Emily C. Palmquist, Bradley J. Butterfield, Joel B. Sankey, Bridget R. Deemer, Charles B. Yackulic, Lindsay Erika Hansen, Drew Elliot Eppehimer, Theodore Kennedy, Anya Metcalfe, Jeffrey Muehlbauer, Morgan Ford, Michael J. Dodrill, Maria C. Dzul, Pilar Rinker, Michael J. Pillow, David Ward, Josh Korman, Molly A.H. Webb, James A. Crossman, Eric J Frye, David L. Rogowski, Kimberley Dibble, Lucas Bair, Joshua Abbott, Thomas M. Gushue, Erica Paige Byerley, Joseph E Thomas, Thomas A. Sabol, Bryce Anthony Mihalevich
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Resurvey of cross sections on the Yampa and Little Snake Rivers in Lily and Deerlodge Parks, Colorado Resurvey of cross sections on the Yampa and Little Snake Rivers in Lily and Deerlodge Parks, Colorado

Resurveys of seven geomorphologic cross sections located in the Lily Park and Deerlodge Park, Colorado, reaches of the Yampa and Little Snake Rivers were conducted in October 2017. These cross sections extend from Lily Park, at the confluence of the two rivers, to Deerlodge Park within Dinosaur National Monument. Four cross sections were first surveyed in 1983 and then resurveyed in 1997...
Authors
Ronald E. Griffiths, David J. Topping, Christina Leonard, Joel A. Unema
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Arizona Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center

State of the science and decision support for measuring suspended sediment with acoustic instrumentation State of the science and decision support for measuring suspended sediment with acoustic instrumentation

Acoustic instrumentation can be used to provide time-series and discrete estimates of suspended-sediment concentration, load, and sediment particle sizes in fluvial systems, which are essential for creating informed solutions to many sediment-related environmental, engineering, and land management concerns. Historically, scientists have developed relations between suspended sediment
Authors
Molly S. Wood, Joel T. Groten, Timothy D. Straub, Dan R.W. Haught, Ronald E. Griffiths, Justin A. Boldt, Zulimar Lucena, Jeb E. Brown, Steven E. Suttles, Patrick J. Dickhudt
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Idaho Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center
SBSC’s Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center Adds Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Dish to Historic Grand Canyon Sediment Gaging Station

SBSC’s Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center Adds Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Dish to Historic Grand Canyon Sediment Gaging Station

Low earth orbit (LEO) satellite telemetry is an emerging technology that shows promise for improving both USGS scientist and stakeholder access to...

Read Article

Science and Products

Brown, sediment-laden water of the Paria River mixes with the clear water of the Colorado River

River Sediment Dynamics

Sediment controls the physical habitat of river ecosystems. Changes in the amount and areal distribution of different sediment types cause changes in river-channel form and river habitat. The amount and type of sediment suspended in the water column determines water clarity. Understanding sediment transport and the conditions under which sediment is deposited or eroded from the various...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Southwest Biological Science Center
River Sediment Dynamics

River Sediment Dynamics

Sediment controls the physical habitat of river ecosystems. Changes in the amount and areal distribution of different sediment types cause changes in river-channel form and river habitat. The amount and type of sediment suspended in the water column determines water clarity. Understanding sediment transport and the conditions under which sediment is deposited or eroded from the various...
Learn More
Sediment sampling and surrogates

Sediment Acoustics

The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes the need to provide sediment acoustic training and to develop standardized techniques and practices.
By
Water Resources Mission Area
Sediment Acoustics

Sediment Acoustics

The U.S. Geological Survey recognizes the need to provide sediment acoustic training and to develop standardized techniques and practices.
Learn More

Channel and floodplain cross-section and bed-elevation data for the Green River in Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah Channel and floodplain cross-section and bed-elevation data for the Green River in Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah

These data were compiled to determine the rate and magnitude of channel-planform change, and the topographic change of the channel and floodplain in Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks within Dinosaur National Monument between the 1990s and 2019. The objective(s) of our study were to analyze geomorphic change within Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks to determine the magnitude and style of...
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Surveyed coordinates and elevations in a 2020 resurvey of previously established cross sections on the Green River between Jensen and Ouray, Utah Surveyed coordinates and elevations in a 2020 resurvey of previously established cross sections on the Green River between Jensen and Ouray, Utah

These data were compiled for/to National Park Service and Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. Objective(s) of our study were to resurvey previously established cross sections on the Green River, Utah, in, and upstream, from Ouray National Wildlife Refuge to document changes in channel width, depth, and cross-sectional area. These data represent the 2020 resurvey...
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Surveyed coordinates and elevations in a 2017 resurvey of previously established cross sections on the Little Snake and Yampa rivers in Lily and Deerlodge parks, Colorado Surveyed coordinates and elevations in a 2017 resurvey of previously established cross sections on the Little Snake and Yampa rivers in Lily and Deerlodge parks, Colorado

These data were compiled for the National Park Service and Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. Objective(s) of our study were to resurvey previously established cross sections on the Yampa and Little Snake rivers in the Deerlodge Park area to document changes in channel width, depth, and cross-sectional area. A secondary purpose of this study was to document the...
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Surveyed peak-stage elevations, coordinates, and indicator data of strandlines from large floods on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Surveyed peak-stage elevations, coordinates, and indicator data of strandlines from large floods on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

These data provide a comprehensive survey of peak-stage indicators along the Colorado River corridor between river mile (RM) 0 and RM 87 (see Figure 1 in the associated USGS-SIR). In 2008, the locations of peak-stage indicators in three short reaches downstream from RM 87 were measured using a handheld GPS unit (see Appendix 1 in the associated USGS-SIR). Total-station measurements were...
By
Southwest Biological Science Center
Filter Total Items: 32

Controls on sediment transport and storage in the Little Snake, Yampa, and Green Rivers in the vicinities of Dinosaur National Monument and Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado and Utah, with implications for fish habitat in the middle Green River Controls on sediment transport and storage in the Little Snake, Yampa, and Green Rivers in the vicinities of Dinosaur National Monument and Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado and Utah, with implications for fish habitat in the middle Green River

The transport of sand and finer sediment in the Yampa and Green river network is typically in disequilibrium with the local sediment supply because of the partial decoupling of the sources of water and sediment: most of the water is supplied farther upstream than most of the sediment. This decoupling leads to sand being transported in the main-stem rivers as elongating sand waves...
Authors
David J. Topping, Ronald E. Griffiths, Joel A. Unema, David J. Dean
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Channel and floodplain cross-section and bed-elevation analyses of the Green River in Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah Channel and floodplain cross-section and bed-elevation analyses of the Green River in Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks, Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah

This report by the U.S. Geological Survey focuses on describing geomorphic changes in the alluvial segments of the Green River within Echo, Island, and Rainbow Parks of Dinosaur National Monument, between the 1990s and 2019. Substantial channel change occurred within these meandering alluvial segments following the construction and closure of Flaming Gorge Dam in 1962. Geomorphic...
Authors
David J. Dean, Paul E. Grams, Shannon Leigh Sartain, Christy M. Leonard, Ronald E. Griffiths, Joel A. Unema, David J. Topping, John C. Schmidt
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Changes in sand storage in the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park from July 2017 through June 2020 Changes in sand storage in the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park from July 2017 through June 2020

Changes in the quantity of sand stored within river segments can affect aquatic and riparian habitat, archeological resources, and recreation. Since summer to fall of 2002, gaging stations on the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park and on its major tributaries and selected lesser tributaries have measured the mass of sand transported past each station, which allows for changes...
Authors
Ronald E. Griffiths, David J. Topping, Joel A. Unema
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Arizona Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center

U.S. Geological Survey Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center: Proceedings of the fiscal year 2023 annual reporting meeting to the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program U.S. Geological Survey Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center: Proceedings of the fiscal year 2023 annual reporting meeting to the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program

This proceedings is prepared for the USBR and Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (GCDAMP) to account for work conducted and products delivered in FY 2023 by SBSC's Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC) and to inform the Technical Work Group of science conducted by GCMRC and its cooperators in support of the GCDAMP. It includes a summary of accomplishments...
Authors
Andrew Alan Schultz, Gregory Mark Anderson, David J. Topping, Ronald E. Griffiths, David J. Dean, Paul E. Grams, Keith Kohl, Gerard Lewis Salter, Matthew A. Kaplinski, Katherine Chapman, Erich R. Mueller, Emily C. Palmquist, Bradley J. Butterfield, Joel B. Sankey, Bridget R. Deemer, Charles B. Yackulic, Lindsay Erika Hansen, Drew Elliot Eppehimer, Theodore Kennedy, Anya Metcalfe, Jeffrey Muehlbauer, Morgan Ford, Michael J. Dodrill, Maria C. Dzul, Pilar Rinker, Michael J. Pillow, David Ward, Josh Korman, Molly A.H. Webb, James A. Crossman, Eric J Frye, David L. Rogowski, Kimberley Dibble, Lucas Bair, Joshua Abbott, Thomas M. Gushue, Erica Paige Byerley, Joseph E Thomas, Thomas A. Sabol, Bryce Anthony Mihalevich
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Resurvey of cross sections on the Yampa and Little Snake Rivers in Lily and Deerlodge Parks, Colorado Resurvey of cross sections on the Yampa and Little Snake Rivers in Lily and Deerlodge Parks, Colorado

Resurveys of seven geomorphologic cross sections located in the Lily Park and Deerlodge Park, Colorado, reaches of the Yampa and Little Snake Rivers were conducted in October 2017. These cross sections extend from Lily Park, at the confluence of the two rivers, to Deerlodge Park within Dinosaur National Monument. Four cross sections were first surveyed in 1983 and then resurveyed in 1997...
Authors
Ronald E. Griffiths, David J. Topping, Christina Leonard, Joel A. Unema
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Arizona Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center

State of the science and decision support for measuring suspended sediment with acoustic instrumentation State of the science and decision support for measuring suspended sediment with acoustic instrumentation

Acoustic instrumentation can be used to provide time-series and discrete estimates of suspended-sediment concentration, load, and sediment particle sizes in fluvial systems, which are essential for creating informed solutions to many sediment-related environmental, engineering, and land management concerns. Historically, scientists have developed relations between suspended sediment
Authors
Molly S. Wood, Joel T. Groten, Timothy D. Straub, Dan R.W. Haught, Ronald E. Griffiths, Justin A. Boldt, Zulimar Lucena, Jeb E. Brown, Steven E. Suttles, Patrick J. Dickhudt
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, California Water Science Center, Idaho Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center
SBSC’s Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center Adds Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Dish to Historic Grand Canyon Sediment Gaging Station

SBSC’s Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center Adds Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Dish to Historic Grand Canyon Sediment Gaging Station

Low earth orbit (LEO) satellite telemetry is an emerging technology that shows promise for improving both USGS scientist and stakeholder access to...

Read Article
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