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Erosion, sediment discharge, and channel morphology in the Upper Chattahoochee River basin, Georgia

Open-File Report 78-576
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr78576

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Abstract

Average annual rates of sheet erosion and sediment discharge were computed for several watersheds in the Upper Chattahoochee River basin in Georgia. Erosion yields ranged from about 900 to 6,000 tons per year per square mile in nine watersheds and were greatest where land use is largely agricultural or transitional. Suspended sediment yields from the same watershed ranged from about 300 to 800 tons per year per square mile and were greatest from urban areas and least from mostly forested watersheds. The impact of suspended sediment on stream quality was evaluated for 14 watersheds. In general, 60 percent or more of the total annual discharge of trace metals and phosphorus was contributed by suspended sediment. Yields of trace metals and nutrients in suspension were consistently greater in urban watersheds. Turbidity in basin streams increased geometrically with increasing concentrations of suspended sediment. (Woodard-USGS)

Suggested Citation

Faye, R.E., Carey, W., Stamer, J., Kleckner, R., 1978, Erosion, sediment discharge, and channel morphology in the Upper Chattahoochee River basin, Georgia: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 78-576, xi, 179 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr78576.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Erosion, sediment discharge, and channel morphology in the Upper Chattahoochee River basin, Georgia
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 78-576
DOI 10.3133/ofr78576
Year Published 1978
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Geological Survey,
Contributing office(s) South Atlantic Water Science Center
Description xi, 179 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Country United States
State Georgia
Other Geospatial Upper Chattahoochee river basin
Additional publication details