Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Decreases in surface permeability in developing basins can lead to increases in stream discharge and subsequent destabilization of the stream channel. To anticipate possible consequences of the seorending Crossroads development, we compared three streams in Williamsburg, Virginia, one of which drains a largely forested catchment and two of which drain predominantly developed basins. Streamflow was monitored from June 2000 to April 2001 to compare peak discharge, lag time and total runoff during storms. For some of the storms, chloride was used as a tracer of water source. Results indicate that the stream in one of the developed catchements had a peak discharge that was higher on average and a lag time that was shorter on average than the stream in the forested catchment. The remaining stream, located in a developed basin, showed markedly lower discharges than the stream in the undeveloped basin, ‘likely due to the presence of a retaining pond constructed in the stream headwaters.
Date Awarded
2001
Department
Geology
Advisor 1
Gregory S. Hancock
Recommended Citation
Greene-Roesel, Ryan, "Quantifying the impact of urban runoff through a comparison of developed and undeveloped stream basins" (2001). Geology Senior Theses. William & Mary. Paper 83.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/geologyseniors/83
