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Upper Mississippi River System Hydrogeomorphic Change Conceptual Model and Hierarchical Classification

Open-File Report 2024-1051
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
By: , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20241051

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Abstract

Understanding the geomorphic processes and causes for long-term hydrogeomorphic changes along the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) is necessary for scientific studies ranging from habitat needs assessments, sediment transport, and nutrient processing, and making sound management decisions and prioritizing ecological restoration activities. From 2018 through 2020 the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers led a series of calls and meetings, and a workshop to develop a draft UMRS hydrogeomorphic change conceptual model and hierarchical classification scheme. This project was funded through an Upper Mississippi River Restoration 2018 science in support of restoration proposal entitled, “Conceptual Model and Hierarchical Classification of Hydrogeomorphic Settings in the Upper Mississippi River System.” This report documents the background leading up to and the major findings from the workshop. The resulting conceptual model focuses on the drivers and boundary conditions that affect the major hydrogeomorphic processes along the valley corridor using a continuum of spatial and temporal scales and resolutions. The draft hierarchical classification was based on three existing and three new nested geospatial datasets that ultimately can be used to characterize hydrogeomorphic settings that span the UMRS valley corridor. The conceptual model and hierarchical classification will help characterize recent (mid-1990s through mid-2010s) decadal-scale processes and sources for potential hydrogeomorphic change that span a range of spatial scales from watershed hydrology and sediment sources to channel hydraulics and sediment transport.

Suggested Citation

Fitzpatrick, F.A., Rogala, J.T., Hendrickson, J.S., Sawyer, L., Stone, J., Erwin, S., Brauer, E.J., and Vaughan, A.A., 2024, Upper Mississippi River System hydrogeomorphic change conceptual model and hierarchical classification: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2024–1051, 24 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20241051.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Previous Studies and Existing Geospatial Data
  • Conceptual Model Development for Upper Mississippi River System Hydrogeomorphic Change
  • Components of a Hydrogeomorphic Change Hierarchical Classification System
  • Application of Draft Conceptual Model and Hierarchical Classification System to Pool 8
  • Future Needs for Classification, Mapping, and Visualization
  • Summary
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Participants of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Geomorphic Characterization Workshop, November 14–15, 2018
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Upper Mississippi River System hydrogeomorphic change conceptual model and hierarchical classification
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2024-1051
DOI 10.3133/ofr20241051
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Description vi, 24 p.
Country United States
State Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Other Geospatial Upper Mississippi River System
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details