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Method for estimating potential wetland extent by utilizing streamflow statistics and flood-inundation mapping techniques: Pilot study for land along the Wabash River near Terre Haute, Indiana

Scientific Investigations Report 2012-5175
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20125175

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Abstract

Potential wetland extents were estimated for a 14-mile reach of the Wabash River near Terre Haute, Indiana. This pilot study was completed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The study showed that potential wetland extents can be estimated by analyzing streamflow statistics with the available streamgage data, calculating the approximate water-surface elevation along the river, and generating maps by use of flood-inundation mapping techniques. Planning successful restorations for Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) easements requires a determination of areas that show evidence of being in a zone prone to sustained or frequent flooding. Zone determinations of this type are used by WRP planners to define the actively inundated area and make decisions on restoration-practice installation. According to WRP planning guidelines, a site needs to show evidence of being in an "inundation zone" that is prone to sustained or frequent flooding for a period of 7 consecutive days at least once every 2 years on average in order to meet the planning criteria for determining a wetland for a restoration in agricultural land. By calculating the annual highest 7-consecutive-day mean discharge with a 2-year recurrence interval (7MQ2) at a streamgage on the basis of available streamflow data, one can determine the water-surface elevation corresponding to the calculated flow that defines the estimated inundation zone along the river. By using the estimated water-surface elevation ("inundation elevation") along the river, an approximate extent of potential wetland for a restoration in agricultural land can be mapped. As part of the pilot study, a set of maps representing the estimated potential wetland extents was generated in a geographic information system (GIS) application by combining (1) a digital water-surface plane representing the surface of inundation elevation that sloped in the downstream direction of flow and (2) land-surface elevation data. These map products from the pilot study will aid the NRCS and its partners with the onsite inundation-zone verification in agricultural land for a potential restoration and will assist in determining at what elevation to plant hardwood trees for increased survivability on ground above frequently flooded terraces.

Suggested Citation

Kim, M.H., Ritz, C.T., Arvin, D.V., 2012, Method for estimating potential wetland extent by utilizing streamflow statistics and flood-inundation mapping techniques: Pilot study for land along the Wabash River near Terre Haute, Indiana: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012-5175, Report: vi, 15 p.; Figures A1-1, A1-2, A2-1, A2-2, A3-1, A3-2: 17 x 12 inches, https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20125175.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Method for estimating potential wetland extent by utilizing streamflow statistics and flood-inundation mapping techniques: Pilot study for land along the Wabash River near Terre Haute, Indiana
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2012-5175
DOI 10.3133/sir20125175
Year Published 2012
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Indiana Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 15 p.; Figures A1-1, A1-2, A2-1, A2-2, A3-1, A3-2: 17 x 12 inches
Country United States
State Indiana
City Terre Haute
Other Geospatial Wabash River
Datum North American Datum of 1983
Projection Transverse Mercator projection
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details