HR: 10:30h
AN: NB42C-01 INVITED     [Abstracts]
TI: A Reach Scale Comparison of Fluvial Geomorphological Conditions of Freshwater Mussel(Bivalvia: Unionoidea)Beds: Differences Between the Haves and Have Nots
AU: * Peck, A J
EM: Andrew.Peck@astate.edu
AF: Arkansas State University, Department of Biological Sciences P.O. Box 599, State University, AR 72467 United States
AU: Harris, J L
EM: John.Harris@arkansashighways.com
AF: Arkansas State University, Department of Biological Sciences P.O. Box 599, State University, AR 72467 United States
AU: Christian, A D
EM: achristian@astate.edu
AF: Arkansas State University, Department of Biological Sciences P.O. Box 599, State University, AR 72467 United States
AB: The objective of this project was to quantify freshwater mussel physical habitat ranges in the lower White River, Arkansas, a non-wadable, sand-clay-gravel-bed river. Sediment and hydraulic regimes associated with six historic and six current mussel beds were examined over multiple stage events and between two contiguous river regions. The parameters being explored at each site includes velocity profiles, bedload transport, total suspended sediment (TSS), and discharge. Initial multivariate ANOVA analysis of mean transect values indicate statistically significant longitudinal differences for velocity, Froude number, bed velocity, and TSS both within a reach (1 km) and between regions (80 km); transect mean values for bedload collected during moderate flow weren't significantly different. Lateral differences are also of interest as White River mussel beds are typically located on the outside of bendways. Initial analysis of these data indicate the mid-channel section exhibits greater mean velocity, Froude number, and bed velocity than inside and outside channel sections across stages and regions. Lateral analysis of moderate flow bedload indicates outside and inside transport rates are similar, but significantly less than mid-channel rates. These trends are expected to continue throughout the remaining analysis, providing support for the flow refugia concept in the lower White River.
DE: 1824 Geomorphology (1625)
DE: 9901 NABS Student Award - Basic Research
SC: North American Benthological Society [NB]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly