Abstract
The Hatchie River in western Tennessee is one of the few remaining free-flowing streams in the Gulf Coastal Plain. Although there have been no major modifications of the main channel, many of its tributaries have been channelized during the past few decades. Channelization has significantly reduced flooding in the upper sections of the watershed. The straightened and hydrologically more efficient channels, however, speed the flow of water that scours the channel bed. Sediment derived from these unstable channels is transported downstream and into the main channel. An examination of changes in bed elevation indicate that the depth and therefore cross-sectional area ofthe Hatchie River has steadily decreased from the 1950s to the late 1980s, contributing to a higher flood frequency. The channelization of a single tributary probably had little effect on flooding. However, several small drainage projects have incrementally increased sediment delivery into the main channel ofthe Hatchie River and the probability of flooding following major precipitation events. Additional channelization projects within the drainage basin have been planned and, if implemented, will likely cause even greater flooding along the main channel.
Recommended Citation
Nabb, Elizabeth J. and Shankman, David
(1997)
"Hydrogeomorphic Responseof a Coastal Plain Stream toTributary Channelization,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 39:
Iss.
2, Article 3.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol39/iss2/3