Big Cypress/Caddo WatershedGeomorphic ClassificationRyan SmithThe Nature Conservancy of Texas

Utility of River ClassificationUnderstand watershed context of the riverUnderstand normal channel, habitat, and biological characteristicsUnderstand impacts on natural characteristicsSelection of reaches for studies of habitat, water quality, riparian, etc

River StylesBrierly and Fryirs 2000Developed in AustraliaSelected by TCEQ, TPWD, and TWDB for Texas Instream Flows ProgramMeets recommendations of NAS reviewPhysical basisChannel morphologyHierarchical structurePhysiographic/hydrologic settingFloodplain and riparian zone

Stages of a River Styles ProcedureStage 1 Data Compilation (description and mapping) Derive watershed boundary conditions Determine landscape units Assess river character

Stage 2 Data Analysis Define and interpret River Styles Explain contemporary character/behavior Assess river history

Stage 3 Predict future river structure

Stage 4 Prioritize watershed management issues

Stage 5 Identify target conditions for river

River Styles Hierarchy

GIS Data AtlasTNC NFWF grantGIS data atlas for the Caddo Lake watershed West Gulf Coastal Plain aquatic conservation prioritiesConsidering development of data for River Styles Stage 1 analysis of Big Cypress Bayou watershedTNC aquatic ecosystems classificationMany river characteristics calculated in a GISConsider datas usefulness for River StylesConsider developing additional data in the data atlas work

TNC Aquatic Ecosystems ClassificationMapped in 1:100K National Hydrography DatasetVariables: Watershed areaGradientContributing area geologyLongitudinal connectivity

River Styles for Big Cypress Watershed?Undertake a River Styles analysis for Big Cypress Bayou watershed?Value added?Relationship to other studies (e.g., channel cross-sections)?Relationship to characterization, classification of hydrologic regimeWhat are the most important aspects of river characteristics in the area that would need to be included in the development of River Styles here?Watershed characteristics?Landscape, geomorphic unit characteristics?What data are needed?Is TNCs data useful? What else needed?Limitation of geomorphology expertise

River Styles: Australian ExampleNamoi River Basin, New South WalesKilometers0100507525Lower Namoi Sub-basinMiddle Namoi Sub-basinMooki Sub-basinPeel Sub-basinMacdonald/ManillaSub-basin

River Styles: Australian ExampleNamoi River Basin, New South WalesKilometers01005025Legend Landscape UnitsRugged metasedimentsRugged volcanicsUplandsPillaga outwashPillagaMid to lower PeelLowland plainsLiverpool plains

Channel and Valley WidthChannel SlopeValley Cross SectionPlanformUplands Escarpment Base of the Escarpment Rounded Foothills Lowland PlainHead-waterGorgeFanCut & Fill (Incised)Cut & Fill (Intact)Vertically Accreated FloodplainThroughputFloodoutTransferFloodplain Accumulation

River Styles: Australian ExampleKilometers05025Middle NamoiSub-basin

RiffleFloodplainRunPoolBarSecondary ChannelPoolBackwaterTrailing VegetationSubmerged MacrophyteCobblesLarge Woody DebrisBouldersSandLeaf PackRippled flow on cobblesSmooth surface flow on cobblesSmooth surface flow on cobbles/sandBarely perceptible flow on sand/bouldersBarely perceptible flow on sand