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Degree

Master of Environmental Science, Miami University, Environmental Sciences, 2010.

Abstract

This study quantifies relationships between hydrologic and sediment loading estimates, generated using the AnnAGNPS watershed model, and indices of physical habitat quality (PHQ) in headwater streams within mixed land use headwatersheds of Southwest Ohio. Loading estimates were generated to stream reaches for which PHQ assessments were carried out in the field. Indices of PHQ utilized include the index of Relative Bed Stability (RBS) and the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index/Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI/HHEI). Both RBS and QHEI/HHEI were found to be negatively correlated with sediment loads from hill-slopes. While RBS was found to be positively correlated with surface runoff and negatively correlated with interflow, the relationships between QHEI/HHEI and hydrologic loading were more complex. These results suggest that quantitative prediction of in-stream PHQ based on modeled loading estimates may prove to be useful for informing decision making with regard to restoration and maintenance of biotic integrity in low order streams.

Subject Headings

Agricultural Engineering; Agriculture; Aquatic Sciences; Environmental Engineering; Environmental Management; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Freshwater Ecology; Geographic Information Science; Geomorphology; Hydrologic Sciences; Hydrology; Natural Reso

Keywords

headwater stream; physical habitat; hydrologic loading; sediment loading; watershed model; AnnAGNPS; QHEI; HHEI; RBS

Committee / Advisors

William Renwick, PhD (Committee Chair)
Christopher Nietch, PhD (Advisor)
Andrew Miller, PhD (Committee Member)

Pages

94p.

Document number: miami1292959248
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1292959248

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