Mountain Scholar :: Browsing by Author "Colorado State University, publisher"

Browsing by Author "Colorado State University, publisher"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 547

Unknown
2002 municipal response to drought in the Colorado Front Range
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2003) Kenney, Douglas, author; Klein, Roberta, author; Morrison, Adam, author; Colorado State University, publisher
As part of its ongoing efforts to analyze the vulnerability of water resources in Colorado's South Platte River Basin to the impacts of climate variability and regional growth, the Western Water Assessment examined the drought response of nine cities along the Front Range during the summer of 2002. Our hypothesis was that outdoor watering restrictions imposed in response to drought result in less water being consumed than would normally be expected, given climatic conditions and population growth. The study compared water use during summer of 2002 during restrictions to use in 2000 and 2001 when such restrictions were not in place. An additional goal was to compare cities to each other, identifying potential trends between different strategies and different levels of success. Results for each city are tabulated using a standardized methodology, allowing cross-city comparisons. The goal is to help municipal water managers assess and refine drought coping strategies.
Unknown
40th annual AGU hydrology days
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2020) American Geophysical Union, author; Colorado State University, author; Colorado State University, publisher
Includes the schedule and presentation abstracts only. The 40th Annual American Geophysical Union Hydrology Days meeting, held on April 13-14, 2020, provides a unique opportunity for students, faculty, staff and practitioners to engage in wide range of water-related interdisciplinary research topics. In addition to hydrologic systems, the event covers a broad range of water concerns, including agriculture and water rights, sustainability and conservation, climate change and urbanization, economics and policy. Hydrology Days' 40th anniversary builds on CSU legacy of excellence in water-related studies. Program includes abstracts of presentations.
Unknown
A case study of radioactive fallout
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1963-01) Reiter, Elmar R., author; Colorado State University, publisher
During September 1961 a series of balloon ascents made from Flin Flon, Canada, carrying scintillation counters sensitive to gamma radiation, revealed the existence of shallow stable atmospheric layers carrying radioactive debris, presumably from the Russian test series during the same month. The debris layers encountered on September 14 and 15 have been studied in particular. The debris detected over Flin Flon on September 14, 2221 GCT, at 650 mb had undergone strong sinking motion. One may conclude that it came out of the stratosphere shortly prior to September 13, 12 GCT, entering the troposphere through the stable layer underneath the jet core, sometimes referred to as "jet-stream front". Beginning with September 17 a distinct area of radioactive fallout begins to appear at the surface over the eastern United States. Some of this debris seems to be identical with the one detected over Flin Flon, and it apparently was transported by the same jet stream. Part of the fallout is associated with a small collapsing cold dome travelling ahead of this jet stream.
Unknown
A conceptual framework for the use of machine learning for the synthesis of stream discharge - gage height rating curves
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016) Allen, Sarah M., author; Emerman, Steven H., author; Murdock, Thomas H., author; Tulley, Skyler K., author; Colorado State University, publisher
The objective of this research is to use machine learning for the synthesis of stream discharge – gage height rating curves from easily measurable hydrogeologic parameters. A machine learning algorithm would require as input a compilation of relevant hydrogeologic parameters for each gaging station. Since such a compilation does not yet exist, the first step has been to create a conceptual framework that identifies the relevant hydrogeologic parameters that would need to be compiled. Frequent reverse flow or flood waves preclude the existence of a rating curve (unique relationship between gage height and discharge). If a rating curve exists, then a stable channel has a power-law rating curve. Deviations from the power-law curve result from deposition (power-starvation) or scouring (sediment-starvation), which could occur at the high or low range of discharge or both. The eight types of deviation (including no deviation) from the power-law curve can be regarded as eight functional forms of rating curves, which can be represented as lines, parabolas or cubic polynomials on plots of the Z-scores of the logarithms of gage height and discharge. Rating curves can be classified into the eight types based on the hydrogeologic criteria of (1) stream slope (2) relative erodibility of the stream banks (3) distance to the nearest upstream and downstream confluences with relatively significant discharge. USGS gaging stations in Utah were chosen randomly until each of the eight types of rating curves was found. The first example of each type was shown to be consistent with the corresponding hydrogeologic criteria.
Unknown
A data manager looks at the development of the Colorado Water Data Bank
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1973-06) Longenbaugh, R. A. (Robert A.), author; McMillin, Norval E., author; Colorado State University, publisher
Open Access
A distributed kinematic model of upland watersheds
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1977) Rovey, Edward William, author; Woolhiser, David A., 1932-, author; Smith, Roger E., author; Colorado State University, publisher
Unknown
A fully-automated apparatus for the determination of three types of hydraulic conductivity
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2008) Wietsma, T. W., author; Oostrom, M., author; Covert, M. A., author; Queen, T. E., author; Colorado State University, publisher
Knowledge of hydraulic properties, such as hydraulic conductivity and soil moisture retention, is crucial for understanding flow and contaminant transport in the subsurface. Hydraulic properties are often important input parameters for numerical simulation of flow and transport. Unfortunately, acquisition of these properties is usually time consuming and costly because of the manual labor associated with the currently available laboratory techniques. Lately, there has been increased interest in automating hydraulic conductivity laboratory techniques to reduce analysis time and improve data consistency. The newly designed fully automated Hydraulic Conductivity Apparatus (HCA), located in the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, provides enhanced capabilities. The HCA is unique in that it is able to determine hydraulic conductivity with the falling head, constant head, and constant flux methods in a fully automated fashion. This paper demonstrates the new apparatus and presents hydraulic conductivity data for standard laboratory sands.
Unknown
A generalized multiobjective particle swarm optimization solver for spreadsheet models: application to water quality
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2006) Baltar, Alexandre M., author; Fontane, Darrell G., author; Colorado State University, publisher
This paper presents an application of an evolutionary optimization algorithm for multiobjective analysis of selective withdrawal from a thermally stratified reservoir. A multiobjective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is used to find nondominated (Pareto) solutions when minimizing deviations from outflow water quality targets of: (i) temperature; (ii) dissolved oxygen (DO); (iii) total dissolved solids (TDS); and (iv) potential of hydrogen (pH). The decision variables are the flows through each port in the selective withdrawal structure. The MOPSO algorithm, implemented as an add-in for Excel, is able to find nondominated solutions for any combination of the four abovementioned objectives. An interactive graphical method was also developed to display nondominated solutions in such way that the best compromise solutions can be identified for different relative importance given to each objective. The method allows the decision maker to explore the Pareto set and visualize not only the best compromise solution but also sets of solutions that provide similar compromises.
Unknown
A GIS tool to analyze forest road sediment production and stream impacts
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2006) Prasad, Ajay, author; Tarboton, David G., author; Luce, Charles H., author; Black, Thomas A., author; Colorado State University, publisher
A set of GIS tools has been developed (Road Sediment Analysis Model, RSAM) to analyze and quantify the impacts of forest roads on forested watersheds. RSAM is organized into three modules. In the first module sediment production for each road segment is calculated from slope, length, road surface condition and road side drain vegetation. A GPS gathered road condition inventory provides surface and drain conditions, locations of drain points, information on connectivity between drain points and streams, and information on road stream crossings. Slope is obtained from the GIS by overlaying the road path on a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Road sediment production is accumulated at each drain point by adding the sediment production draining to each drain point from different road segments. These drain point sediment loadings are then coupled with a DEM model for surface flow and used as inputs to a weighted flow accumulation function to calculate sediment load inputs to stream segments, also delineated based on the DEM. An option allows accumulation of all sediment produced or only sediment produced from drain points inventoried as connected to the stream. The second module analyzes the impact of forest roads on terrain stability. Terrain stability is assessed by calculating the specific discharge due to road drainage and using this, together with slope, as inputs to an infinite plane slope stability model. In the final module the inventory information on the fish passage status of stream crossings is used to demarcate contiguous clusters of stream habitat and assess the impact of fish passage barriers on the fragmentation of stream habitat. A map showing possible fish habitat clusters is obtained from the analysis. To ensure referential integrity between road segments, drain points and the stream network attributes, and to validate the road inventory dataset a relational database model framework is used. Preprocessing software has been developed to load the road inventory data into this framework and fulfill initial quality control and data validation functions. The sediment production, terrain stability and habitat cluster contiguity analyses then works off data from the relational database.
Open Access
A long-term context for snow water equivalent trends in Rocky Mountain National Park
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2017) Patterson, Glenn G., author; Fassnacht, Steven R., author; Colorado State University, publisher
The seasonal snowpack in Rocky Mountain National Park is critical to the local and downstream water supply and the ecosystem of the park, and is important for winter recreational opportunities. Recent regional studies of trends in observed snow water equivalent (SWE) over the past three and a half decades have illustrated that temperatures are rising. Snow accumulation is decreasing, averaging on the order of a 2 to 4 cm/decade decline with snowmelt tending to be earlier, averaging on the order of 2 to 4 days/decade sooner. To place these SWE trends observed over the past few decades into a longer-term context, multi-century SWE reconstructions were derived from tree-ring widths and examined to determine whether similar multi-decade trends have occurred in the past. Possible SWE trends were examined into the future using projections from the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project-Phase 5 (CMIP5) climate models linked to hydrologic models to identify models that best fit the observed data. From these model projections, possible SWE trends were estimated for the remainder of the 21st century. Results of the paleo-analysis suggest that similar multi-decade declining trends in SWE have occurred in the study area at certain times over the past four centuries. Results of the model projections suggest that recently observed trends (past 3+ decades) are likely to continue over the next eight or so decades.
Open Access
A model of stochastic structure of daily precipitation over an area
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1977) Richardson, Clarence Wade, author; Colorado State University, publisher
Unknown
A physically based approach for the estimation of root-zone soil moisture from surface measurements: application on the AMMA database
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Manfreda, Salvatore, author; Fiorentino, Mauro, author; Samela, Caterina, author; Margiotta, Maria Rosaria, author; Brocca, Luca, author; Moramarco, Tommaso, author; Colorado State University, publisher
In the present work, we present an application of a new formulation for the estimation of the soil moisture in the root zone based on the measured value of soil moisture at the surface. The method has been recently proposed by Manfreda et al. (2012) with the aim to provide a mathematical relationship between surface and root zone soil moisture. It derives from a simplified form of the soil water balance equation and provides a closed form of the relationship between the root zone and the surface soil moisture with a limited number of physically consistent parameters. The approach was used to interpret soil moisture dynamics at the point scale using soil moisture measurements taken from the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) database. These measurements form an excellent database with a significant number of measurements in time and space. Moreover, the measurements provide a detailed description of the soil moisture along the root-zone profile. According to this, we have used the surface soil moisture measurements at 5 cm depth to predict the soil moisture in the lower layer of the soil where the relative saturation is measured at various depths. The method provided good prediction of the averaged soil moisture in the root zone soil layer with the advantage that all parameters are physically consistent.
Open Access
A plan for conversion of stormwater to groundwater recharge on the Utah Valley University main campus, Orem, Utah
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Dastrup, Dylan B., author; Ferreira, Gabriela R., author; Zacharias, Daniel, author; Natter, Daniel H., author; Kellum, Lawrence T., author; Emerman, Steven H., author; Davis, Brandon B., author; Alexander, Michael R., author; Selck, Jeff, author; Colorado State University, publisher
At the present time the vast majority of the stormwater generated on the Main Campus of Utah Valley University is exported to Utah Lake, which is only 1.4 miles from campus. Although there is a large boulder-lined detention pond on campus, it is used only as a holding pond before the stormwater is exported. The objective of this study was to determine what percentage of the average annual stormwater and the stormwater generated by a 100-year 24-hour precipitation event could be retained on campus and used for groundwater recharge by constructing a series of French drains. It was determined that the Main Campus could be divided into 33 watersheds that currently export stormwater (72.8% of the surface area) and 28 additional self-contained watersheds. Using the NRCS Runoff Curve Method, it was determined that the Main Campus exports 0.4998 ac·ft of stormwater annually and would export 23.2969 ac·ft of stormwater following a 100-year 24-hour precipitation event, while the self-contained watersheds capture 0.0330 ac·ft annually and would capture 2.7913 ac·ft following a 100-year 24-hour event. The construction of nine French drains (including subsurface expansion of the existing detention pond with discontinuation of pumping) with a combined surface area of 0.9260 ac would convert to groundwater recharge 0.1402 ac·ft annually (28.1% of current export) and 6.2083 ac·ft following a 100-year 24-hour precipitation event (26.6% of current export). Further reduction of stormwater export could not be accomplished without disruption to current paved areas or other built infrastructure.
Open Access
A preliminary comparison of the economics of two water supply alternatives for the city of Fort Collins
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1975) Lau, Daniel H., author; Colorado State University, publisher
It is the determination of this paper that the Joe Wright Project is more economical than the Installation of Water Meters as a water supply alternative for the city of Fort Collins. Arriving at this conclusion required a brief review of the Joe Wright Project and an investigation of water meters and their effect on water consumption in Fort Collins. This required an examination of such local factors as population, housing and water consumption. It was also necessary to make various projections and assumptions to accomplish this end. This report is intended as a preliminary study of the economics of these projects. The comparisons made here are based solely on a partial (in the sense that many side economic effects of the projects have not been considered) economic analysis. Therefore, financial considerations have been neglected. Specifically, this report compares the cost/AF of water produced or saved by the Joe Wright Project, the Joe Wright Project with one reuse and water meters with three different estimated water use reductions. Based on the analysis completed here, conclusions have been drawn in the hope that they will aid the City in its decision making process.
Open Access
A preliminary study of steam and water flow in venturi tubes
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1960-09) Smith, R. V., author; Wergin, P. C., author; Ferguson, J. H., author; Jacobs, R. B., author; Colorado State University, publisher
This is a report of an exploratory study of low quality steam and water mixtures flowing in a Venturi tube. Analysis of the experimental results indicate the flow pattern may be tending to change from separated, slugging flow at the entrance to annular flow at the throat. Correlations indicate the Venturi may be calibrated for use as a quality meter if the mass flow rate is known.
Open Access
A rational analysis and design procedure for wood joist floor systems
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1974-11) Vanderbilt, M. D., author; Goodman, J. R., author; Criswell, M. E., author; Bodig, J., author; Colorado State University, publisher
Wood joist structural systems in housing and other construction account for a large percentage of the total use of wood, one of man's most important renewable resources. The current method of design of wood systems is based on grossly simplifying assumptions, which can lead to inefficient use and unpredictable performance. In the fall of 1971, an interdisciplinary team of researchers was organized at Colorado State University under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation to develop a rational analysis procedure for wood joist structural systems. The goal of this research was to develop a mathematical model describing the behavior of joist systems and to verify its validity by a series of carefully controlled tests on full-scale structures. This model, now developed and verified, provides the correct engineering basis for developing new, radically improved design procedures for wood joist structural systems. Design methods leading to more efficient use of materials, cost-benefit relationships, and the benefits of upgrading material property assessments can now be studied and quantified. Thus, this investigation has made considerable progress toward the goal of better utilization of a critical natural resource and at the same time, the quantification of a rational analysis method which will lead to design methods which will assure the nation's consumers of reliable, safe, and economical wood joist structural systems.
Unknown
A review of development of the bentonite sedimenting method of sealing irrigation canals
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1959-03) Dirmeyer, R. D., author; Shen, Richard Tsu-Hsun, author; Colorado State University, publisher
Open Access
A review of the 2003 water year in Colorado
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2004) Doesken, Nolan J., author; Gillespie, Michael A., author; Colorado State University, publisher
During water year 2003, Colorado remained in the grasp of a significant drought. Throughout the year drought conditions improved in portions of the state, while other areas experienced worsening drought conditions. Water year precipitation ranged from well below average across southwestern Colorado, to above average in north Central Colorado. Winter snowpack accumulations followed a similar pattern, and were dominated by a single March storm which brought 3 to 5 feet snow to northeastern Colorado. This storm provided most of the drought relief to the state by improving streamflow volumes to near average and allowing water managers to improve reservoir storage volumes. That state experienced a war and dry spring which produced a rapid snowmelt and high peak flows which were short lived. As summer developed streamflow volumes dropped back below average for the remainder of the year. While the 2003 water year brought improved water supplies to much of the state over those of 2002, drought impacts continue to be felt statewide. The water year ended with well below average reservoir storage in all basins of the state, with statewide volumes of 74% of average.
Open Access
A review of the 2004 water year in Colorado
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2005) Doesken, Nolan J., author; Gillespie, Michael A., author; Colorado State University, publisher
Drought concerns prevailed throughout the 2004 water year, as streamflow and soil moisture still lagged behind average following the extreme drought of 2002. The winter months were drier than average over much of Colorado, especially over the northern and central mountains and eastern plains. March 2004 was particularly warm and dry. Fortunately, April precipitation was much above average in some of the areas of Colorado that needed it most. The summer months were unusually cool and damp east of the mountains. War and very dry conditions prevailed in western Colorado until a series of storms in September brought generous moisture to the mountains and western valleys. Overall, 2004 water year precipitation totals were near average for the state as a whole. Streamflow from mountain snowpack was below average, particularly in the Colorado River basin, but good summer precipitation and cooler temperatures stretched water supplies and resulted in a lessening of drought severity in many areas east of the mountains while essentially ending the drought in others.
Open Access
A salinity management strategy for stream-aquifer systems
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1976) Helweg, Otto J., author; Labadie, John W., author; Colorado State University, publisher