Sediment Transfer through the Fluvial System
(Proceedings of a symposium held in Moscow, August 2004). IAHS Publ. 288, 2004, 170–178Relative effects of fluvial processes and historical land use on channel morphology in three sub-basins, Napa River basin, California, USA
SARAH A. PEARCE & ROBIN M. GROSSINGER
San Francisco Estuary Institute, 7770 Pardee Lane, Oakland, California 94621, USA
Abstract Fluvial geomorphology and historical geomorphology studies were conducted on three sub-basins in the Napa River basin. Despite proximity of the sub-basins, differing physical and climatic settings, land-use histories, and channel modifications have resulted in substantially different sediment sourcing, storage, and transport to the Napa River. We present three examples in which the partnering of field-based fluvial geomorphic data and archival data has fostered a greater understanding of the observed channel morphology and fluvial processes, and how the channel has responded to anthropogenic modifications. Comparatively, sediment sourcing and transport to the Napa River is greatest in Sulphur Creek, followed by Carneros and Soda Creeks, respectively.
Key words
California; channel modification; channel morphology; historical ecology; land use; Napa River; sediment supply