Impact of flash floods on channel morphology in Coyote Creek, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Topics: Geomorphology
, Earth Science
, United States
Keywords: Channel, morphology, geomorphology, DEMs, Desert, Flash-Floods, Erosion, Deposition
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 20
Authors:
Eleanor Paula Lazar, University of San Diego
Suzanne Walther, University of San Diego
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Abstract
Flash flooding is a particularly hazardous natural event that has specific implications on desert ecosystems and their unique aquatic invertebrates. Discrete rainfall events stimulate various sediment and soil responses as well as trigger erosion processes. Desert sediments are often more compact, and some sediments may undergo cementation which further lithifies the sediment into dense sedimentary rock. Due to the sediments’ low porosity, rainfall is unable to permeate the ground creating run-off and flash-flood events. Intense hydrological processes such as these greatly influence geomorphic change and impact the development of local morphology. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP) is an arid region that spans the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Through the park, runs the only consistently perennial creek in the park, Coyote Creek, which amplifies during flash flood events and greatly cuts the desert landscape. We measured the magnitude of erosion and deposition in this region using Structure from Motion to create a 3D terrain model during two flood seasons. Then, we differenced the Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) to quantify elevation change and determine areas of high deposition and erosion. There were spatial and temporal changes in sediment aggradation, deposition, bank erosion as well as other physical changes within the flood channel. These findings will benefit Park Rangers who may take preventative measures to mitigate any harmful effects on species and the ecosystem. The resultant DEMs are also the first 3D terrain models in this no-fly region.
Impact of flash floods on channel morphology in Coyote Creek, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Category
Virtual Paper Abstract
Description
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