Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/1805
Title: Coupling of hydrologic/hydraulic models and aerial photographs through time, Rio Grande near Albuquerque, New Mexico: report documentary 2007 work
Authors: University of New Mexico. Civil Engineering Research Facility
Swanson, Benjamin
Meyer, Grant A.
Coonrod, Julie
Keywords: Aerial Photography
Arid Regions
Channel Erosion
Channel Morphology
GIS
Streambank Erosion
Urban Flood Demonstration Program
Publisher: Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: ERDC/CHL CR ; 10-2.
Description: contract report
ABSTRACT: This phase of the study investigated the relation of average and peak flows in the Rio Grande to changes in channel, sand bar, and island widths as measured on historical aerial photographs taken from 1972 to 2006. The study reach lies between Bernalillo Bridge and the Isleta Diversion Dam, with a focus on the river between the North and South Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) Diversion Channels. Digitized and georeferenced photographs were analyzed using a geographic information system (GIS), with particular attention paid to quantifying potential measurement error and its propagation through estimates of channel areas and bank erosion rates. Average active channel widths decreased from 169 ± 5 m in 1972 to 130 ± 5 m in 2006. Narrowing concentrated in the upper study reach and in areas where the 1972 channel was relatively wide. Variability in channel width also decreased over the study period. Decreases in channel width and area coincide with periods of low flows, although the area changes are associated with large errors. Island areas have increased since 1972, although islands per se were also lost during the later study period by bank attachment. Bank erosion estimates have large associated errors. Erosion rates appear to be generally decreasing over time, but accelerated during the 2005 high flows.
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/1805
Appears in Collections:Contract Report

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