Channelization and levee construction in Illinois: Review and implications for management

Mattingly, Rosanna L.; Herricks, Edwin E.; Johnston, Douglas M.

doi:10.1007/bf02393899

Cited by 78 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Today, most first order streams in Illinois are channelized (Mattingly et al, 1993;Urban and Rhoads, 2003). The upper Embarras River is no exception; much of the total length of the upper part of the river has been straightened and shaped into a trapezoidal channel geometry (Rhoads and Urban, 1997;Urban, 2000;Frothingham, 2001).…”

Section: Study Reach and Channel Changementioning

confidence: 98%

Interaction among mean flow, turbulence, bed morphology, bank failures and channel planform in an evolving compound meander loop

2012

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Section: Study Reach and Channel Changementioning

confidence: 98%

Interaction among mean flow, turbulence, bed morphology, bank failures and channel planform in an evolving compound meander loop

2012

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“…A primary purpose of this channelization, especially in East Central Illinois, is to modify stream channels and to maintain this modified form so that the adjacent low-relief agricultural land, much of which is underlain by drainage tile, can drain efficiently. The concern about adequate drainage has led to channelization of all first-order streams in some watersheds of East Central Illinois (Mattingly et al, 1993). Initial channelization occurred in the late 1800s and early 1900s and involved straightening, deepening, and widening of existing channels as well as the headward extension of channel networks through the construction of numerous small artificial channels (Rhoads and Herricks, 1996).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Depositional response of a headwater stream to channelization, East Central Illinois, USA

Landwehr

Rhoads

2003

River Research & Apps

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Channelization typically modifies the energy regime and sediment transport capacity of rivers, triggering morphologic adjustments. Most past studies of channelization have focused on erosional responses involving channel incision and widening. Depositional adjustments to channelization, although noted in previous work, have not been documented in detail. This study investigates the depositional response of the Spoon River, a headwater agricultural stream in Illinois, USA, to channelization. Historical aerial and ground-based photography show that channelization of the Spoon River in the early 20th century produced a wide, deep trapezoidal drainage channel. Following this channelization, unvegetated alternate and mid-channel bars developed on the bottom of the ditch. Sedimentological analysis of bar stratigraphy indicates that the bars grew through vertical accretion of horizontal sheets of sand-and-gravel bedload and organicrich drapes of fine-grained suspended load. The horizontal sheets of sand and gravel are consistent with the braided conditions shown on historical photographs. Late-stage bar growth appears to have been dominated by progressive overbank deposition of suspended load as indicated by the presence of a thick, fine-grained organic-rich A horizon immediately below the surface of each bar. The development of a soil layer also suggests that the bars are stable-an inference supported by the thick grass cover on the bar surfaces. The net result of the depositional response is the formation of a meandering channel flanked by a discontinuous floodplain on the bottom of the ditch.The construction of a wide ditch relative to original stream size is a key factor promoting a depositional response to channelization. Allowing or actively promoting floodplain elements to form in overwidened ditches may be a viable management option for improving the environmental quality of channelized agricultural streams. The Spoon River has a diverse fish community compared to channelized streams in East Central Illinois that lack a meandering low-flow channel. This morphological configuration apparently enhances geomorphological and ecological variability while sustaining the drainage function of the ditch.

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“…The upper midwest USA accounts for 58% of the corn and 70% of the soybean production in the USA (Kovacic et al, 2006). Thirty-seven percent of all the cropland in the midwest and cornbelt states is tile-drained (Fausey et al, 1995;Zucker & Brown, 1998), leading to significant amounts of channelization; and 25% of the waterways in Illinois have been channelized (Mattingly et al, 1993).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hydrology of channelized and natural headwater streams / Hydrologie de cours d'eau recalibrés et naturels de tête de bassin

King

Smiley

Fausey

2009

Hydrological Sciences Journal

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Understanding hydrology of channelized and natural headwater streams is paramount for maintaining ecosystem function and natural flow regimes. Two channelized and two natural headwater streams located in Upper Big Walnut Creek (UBWC) watershed in Ohio, USA, were instrumented to facilitate measurement, characterization and comparison of hydrology to the accepted paradigm for headwater hydrology. Data were collected at 10-min intervals from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2006. Differences in flow magnitudes (average, low and high) were generally greater (P < 0.05) in the channelized streams. Frequency of zero discharge and out-of-bank discharge was significantly greater in the natural streams. Zero discharge occurred in summer and out-of-bank flows occurred in winter. Rate of change variables indicated that channelized streams respond more quickly to rainfall, have significantly greater peak flows, and have slower recession times. In contrast, natural streams tend to be more "flashy". The findings were generally consistent with the accepted paradigm for headwater hydrology and attributed to stream type, presence of subsurface drainage, potential connection to groundwater, and differences in riparian vegetation. The design and installation of management practices that influence hydrology should consider the potential impacts of altering stream hydrology. Management practices such as water-table management have the potential and show promise in altering the hydrology of channelized streams to resemble the hydrology of natural streams.

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Channelization and levee construction in Illinois: Review and implications for management

Cited by 78 publications

References 19 publications

Interaction among mean flow, turbulence, bed morphology, bank failures and channel planform in an evolving compound meander loop

Interaction among mean flow, turbulence, bed morphology, bank failures and channel planform in an evolving compound meander loop

Depositional response of a headwater stream to channelization, East Central Illinois, USA

Hydrology of channelized and natural headwater streams / Hydrologie de cours d'eau recalibrés et naturels de tête de bassin

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