Fox River Watershed Investigation - Publication Details

Report Type: fulltext    Format: Paper Copy    

Abstract:
Sediment in Illinois streams is recognized as the number one pollution problem in the surface waters of the state. Data from 63 suspended sediment measuring stations and 24 lake sedimentation surveys were used to develop methods of estimating the annual sediment load at any point along any stream in Illinois. Because of the short (less than 3 years)period of record for suspended sediment stations in Illinois, several longer-term records from other midwestern states were investigated for changes in sediment-water relationships with time and increasing record length. Each instream sediment data set was analyzed to produce annual and period-of-record regression equaitons relating daily sediment load to daily water discharge. Seasonal anlyses were also performed for stations with three or more years of data. Three Mississippi River and two Illinois River stations were also investigated. General analyses included sediment transport by floods, estimation of long-term average annual sediment loads, and multiple regression anlysis. Eleven Sediment Yield Areas (SYAs) were delineated on the basis of physiographic divisions, watershed boundaries, geomorphic parameters, and annual sediment loads. For each SYA a regression equaition was developed relating average annual sediment load and drainage area. Multiple regression equaitons were also developed for each SYA relating annual sediment load to drainage area, main stem length, and basin relief ratio. These parameters were selected from the 7 most important geomorphic and hydraulic parameters included in the multiple regression analysis. The recommended methods for determining average annual sediment loads in Illinois streams are presented in concise format for quick reference. Examples outline the use of the equations.

Data Record Period: 1981-1983
Data Record Notes: USGS

Model Types: Statistical

Data Sources: USGS

Features: River/Stream, Sediment

Parameters: Suspended sediment

Sites - IEPA Station(USGS Station): (5551200), DT06(5550000), DT38(5551540), DT46(5552500)