Abstract
Abstract. We used maximum entropy to model streambank erosion potential (SEP) in a central Appalachian watershed to help prioritize sites for management. Model development included measuring erosion rates, application of a quantitative approach to locate Target Eroding Areas (TEAs), and creation of maps of boundary conditions. We successfully constructed a probability distribution of TEAs using the program Maxent. All model evaluation procedures indicated that the model was an excellent predictor, and that the major environmental variables controlling these processes were streambank slope, soil characteristics, bank position, and underlying geology. A classification scheme with low, moderate, and high levels of SEP derived from logistic model output was able to differentiate sites with low erosion potential from sites with moderate and high erosion potential. A major application of this type of modelling framework is to address uncertainty in stream restoration planning, ultimately helping to bridge the gap between restoration science and practice.
Highlights
A growing number of scientists agree that where we are doing restoration and the scale at which projects are implemented, are critical for effective restoration (Wohl et al, 2005)
Our classification scheme built from logistic model output shows that 96.9% (8.5 km2) of the study extent was below the minimum training presence (MTP), and had low streambank erosion potential (SEP) (Fig. 2)
All model validation procedures indicated that our model performed well and our classification scheme was useful for predicting SEP
Summary
A growing number of scientists agree that where we are doing restoration and the scale at which projects are implemented, are critical for effective restoration (Wohl et al, 2005). We used this probability distribution to create a classification scheme for streambank erosion potential (SEP). We predicted SEP for 113 km of 1st–3rd order streams with median daily flowrates of 2–31 m3/s in the mainstem and 0.04–1.2 m3/s in a representative tributary during the study period (available from the USGS at Modelling streambank erosion potential using maximum entropy in a central Appalachian watershed 123 www.waterdata.usgs.gov).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
