PROGRAMS AND PLANS--Dendrogeomorphic Techniques
In Reply Refer To: August 14, 1991
WGS-Mail Stop 415
OFFICE OF SURFACE WATER TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 91.10
SUBJECT: PROGRAMS AND PLANS--Dendrogeomorphic Techniques
Dendrogeomorphic techniques have provided useful approaches to
several successful cooperatively-funded projects in the Southeast
and Northeast Regions. Dendrogeomorphic techniques refers to the
use of tree-ring or dendrochronologic investigations in the inter-
pretation of geomorphic form and process. Sediment deposition, in
particular, and in many cases erosion are processes especially
suitable for dendrogeomorphic investigations.
The attached list of salient papers describes the use and
illustrates potential applications of dendrogeomorphic analysis.
Substantial information has been obtained using these techniques to
measure bank-accretion rates, flood-plain deposition, sedimentation
in wetlands, hill-slope erosion, and debris-flow frequency and
deposition. Dendrogeomorphic techniques in wetlands are
particularly useful, in that no other methodology may provide
detailed information on spatial and temporal aspects of sediment
deposition. The techniques are simple and relatively easy to
conduct and have been documented in papers listed in the attachment.
Copies of the publications may be obtained (preferably) from the
publication outlet indicated in the references, from the author, or
from the Office of Surface Water.
Currently Hupp's NRP/NR project is involved in studies that
use dendrogeomorpic analysis in combination with sediment chemistry
to investigate the transport and storage of nonpoint-source
pollution. Tom Yanosky is studying the timing and uptake of trace
elements in fluvial environments by use of an element analysis of
wood tissue. Although element analysis is still in the basic
research phase, it promises to provide information about sediment
chemistry, shallow ground-water contamination, and saltwater
encroachment.
Charles W. Boning
Chief, Office of Surface Water
Attachment
WRD DISTRIBUTION: A, B, S, FO, PO
REFERENCES
Bazemore, D.E. and Hupp, C.R., 1991, Bottomland sedimentation near
highway crossings: 5th Federal Interagency Sedimentation
Conference, v. 1, sec. 4, Proceedings, p. 48-54.
Hupp, C.R., 1987, Determination of bank widening and accretion
rates along modified West Tennessee streams: U.S. Department
of Energy Conference-8608144.
______1988, Plant ecological aspects of flood geomorphology and
paleoflood history: in Baker and others (eds.) Flood
Geomorphology, John Wiley and Sons Inc., p. 335-356.
Hupp, C.R. and Simon, Andrew, 1986, Vegetation and bank-slope
development: 4th Federal Interagency Sedimentation Conference,
v. 2, Proceedings, p. 83-91.
Hupp, C.R, Osterkamp, W.R., and Thornton, J.L, 1987,
Dendrogeomorphic evidence and dating of recent debris flows on
Mount Shasta, northern California: U. S. Geological Survey
Professional Paper 1396-B.
Hupp, C.R. and Carey, W.P., 1990, Dendrogeomorphic approach to
estimating slope retreat, Maxey Flats, Kentucky: Geology, v.
18, p. 658-661.
Hupp, C.R. and Morris, E.E., 1990, A dendrogeomorphic approach to
measurement of sedimentation in a forested wetland, Black
Swamp, Arkansas: Wetlands, v. 10, p. 107-124.
Hupp, C.R. and Bazemore, D.E., 1991, Dendrogeomorphic analysis of
wetland sedimentation: 5th Federal Interagency Sedimentation
Conference, v. 1, sec. 4, Proceedings, p. 40-47.
Hupp, C.R. and Simon, Andrew, 1991, Bank accretion and the
development of vegetated deposition surfaces along modified
alluvial channels: Geomorphology, v. 4, (in press).
Sigafoos, R.S., 1964, Botanical evidence of floods and floodplain
deposition: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 485-A.
Wilson, K.V., Jr., Turnipseed, D.P., 1990, Channel and bank
stability of Wolf Creek and a tributary at U.S. Highway 45 near
Wheeler, Prentiss County, Mississippi: U.S. Geological Survey
Open-File Report 90-110.