Repository logo
 

Channel dynamics in Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona, with emphasis on the effect of invasive plants

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorJaeger, Kristin L., author
dc.contributor.authorWohl, Ellen E., 1962-, advisor
dc.contributor.authorCooper, David J. (David Jonathan), 1952-, committee member
dc.contributor.authorMerritt, David M., committee member
dc.contributor.authorRathburn, Sara L., 1962-, committee member
dc.date.accessioned2007-01-03T04:31:12Z
dc.date.available2007-01-03T04:31:12Z
dc.date.issued2009
dc.descriptionDepartment Head: Sally J. Sutton.
dc.description.abstractThe purpose of this research was to evaluate the relative regional and local-scale influences on historic and contemporary channel change in Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona, USA, with particular emphasis on the invasive, exotic plant species, tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). The stream in Canyon de Chelly is characteristic of sand-bed channels in the arid/semi-arid southwestern US, which exhibit dramatic and complex channel morphology at timescales of decades to centuries. In the last 70 years, the channel has experienced substantial narrowing and incision that is apparently concurrent with widespread establishment of tamarisk and Russian olive. To place this research within a broader context of regional trends in channel change, average rates of erosion (bank widening and bed incision) for stream channels in the southwestern US were statistically compared to southeastern US streams. Likely causes of historic and recent channel change in Canyon de Chelly were evaluated using a combination of a field-surveyed longitudinal profile of the stream channel in Canyon de Chelly, an existing analysis of channel change based on an aerial photograph record, and historical regional climate and land use information. Finally, channel response to the removal of tamarisk and Russian olive by two methods was quantified to determine which of the two methods was more effective at limiting bed incision and promoting bank widening. One method involved cutting the above-ground portion of the plant flush to the ground surface and applying an herbicide (cut-stump method). The second method involved removing the entire plant including the roots using heavy machinery (wholeplant method).
dc.format.mediumdoctoral dissertations
dc.identifier2009_summer_Kristin_Jaeger.pdf
dc.identifierETDF2009100003GEOS
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10217/37549
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relationCatalog record number (MMS ID): 991011879669703361
dc.relationGB565.A7.J345 2009
dc.relation.ispartof2000-2019
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.titleChannel dynamics in Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona, with emphasis on the effect of invasive plants
dc.typeText
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplineGeosciences
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
2009_summer_Kristin_Jaeger.pdf
Size:
4.64 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download

Collections

2000-2019
Theses and Dissertations