Thesis
Measurements of hydraulic conductivity using slug tests in comparison to empirical calculations for two streams in the Pacific Northwest, USA
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2008
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100108
Abstract
Seasonal water shortages caused by natural climate variations coupled with intensified agricultural production and municipal growth demands can be highly detrimental to aquatic habitats. Two streams, Bertrand and Fishtrap Creeks, located in Washington State, Pacific Northwest, USA, are examples of important anadromous fish habitats impacted by seasonal water shortages. This study was aimed at elucidating streambed hydraulic conductivity (K) and the patterns of spatial variation for the aforementioned Bertrand and Fishtrap Creeks. Detailed field investigations were carried out and two approaches were adopted to determine K values. Instream slug tests following the Bouwer and Rice method were performed to obtain K for two depths at multiple sites in each stream. Additionally, samples were taken at the surface and subsurface of the streambed to estimate K using four commonly applied empirical formulas, i.e., the Hazen, Harleman, Krumbien and Monk, and Kozeny-Carmen equations. Comparison of results from the instream slug tests and empirical calculations showed that Hazen and Harleman equations produced results of K similar to those from the slug tests whereas the Krumbien and Monk and the Kozeny-Carmen equation overestimated the K values of the streambed material. For the future, we recommend the slug test method if accuracy and reliability of the K values are desired as in a detailed study, such as modeling surface- and ground-water interaction. If K is not a dominant factor, then the empirical methods would be a more costeffective approach.
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Details
- Title
- Measurements of hydraulic conductivity using slug tests in comparison to empirical calculations for two streams in the Pacific Northwest, USA
- Creators
- Colette R. McKenzie
- Contributors
- Joan Q. Wu (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Biological Systems Engineering, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900525095101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis