Jaeger, Kris. 2004. Channel-initiation and surface water expression in headwater streams of different lithology. M.S.
Past research has shown a strong correlation between channel-head location
and an inverse source area-slope relationship (Montgomery and Dietrich
1989; Prosser and Abernethy 1996; and Vandekerckhove et al. 2000). Upslope
migration of the channel head can result from changes in land use, such
as timber harvest or intensive cultivation (Prosser and Winchester 1996).
Research has been conducted in a range of lithologies and land uses, which
include select sites subject to grazing and pastures in California, Australia,
and northern Italy; forested sites in California, the southern coast of
Oregon, and northern Italy; and agricultural landscapes in Spain (Montgomery
and Dietrich 1989; Prosser and Abernethy 1996; Bischetti et al. 1998;
Vandekerckhove et al. 2000). To date, however, no known published data
exist for either Washington State or a basalt lithology. Due to the fractured
character of basalt, there is a potential that this inverse source area-slope
relationship at the channel-head would not apply to basalt lithology.
However, if a source area-slope is found to exist, a predictive model
can be developed that identifies the extent of the channel network within
this lithology. The ability to predict the extent of the channel network
provides insight into landform evolution, in addition to short-term applications
in harvest management related to monitoring potential headward migration
of channel heads as a result of timber practices,
including road construction.
The purpose of this project is to identify whether geomorphic variables
exist that determine channel initiation within a basalt 
lithology. Field
measurements using a high resolution (within 3 meters) Global Positioning
System (GPS) device and information taken from a USGS 1:24,000 topographic
map will be used to build a simple digital terrain model such as the one
developed by Dietrich et al. (1992), which predicts, with reasonable resolution,
the channel head location. Channel head locations predicted by the model
will be field tested against a different set of study sites. In addition,
predicted locations will be compared to areas subject to logging roads.
This project is funded by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). All work will be conducted on DNR state lands. Field work will be completed during the fall and winter of 2002-2003 within Capitol State Forest, which is located west of Olympia, Washington. Data analysis and model development will begin during the winter of 2003 and extend through summer 2003.
Above pictures: Abrupt channel head; Waddel Creek, Capitol Forest
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