Abstract
AbstractStreambank erosion is a major source of sediment to rivers and it is important to find locations where severely eroding streambanks are occurring in watersheds. In this study, a new approach to mapping eroding streambanks at a regional scale was conducted using high‐resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) elevation data. By calibrating field mapping studies to LiDAR derivative data, the extent of severely eroding streambanks in third‐ to sixth‐order streams and rivers found in Iowa was estimated. Study results suggest that over 35,200 km of streambanks may be severely eroding, or approximately 41% of all third‐ to sixth‐order streambanks. The extent of streambank erosion was not uniform across the state with more erosion occurring in hillier western and southern Iowa compared to flatter and more recently glaciated northern Iowa. Streambank erosion was related to greater bank heights and was more prevalent (as a percent of the total stream length) in larger fifth‐ and sixth‐order rivers. Overall, despite limitations in the study related to the collection and extrapolation of the LiDAR dataset, study results provide new evidence for the magnitude of the streambank erosion problem in Iowa and likely apply to similarly glaciated regions of the United States Midwest.
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 callMore From: JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
