Thursday August 29, 2024
USGS via Maven’s Notebook —
A recent study led by scientists at USGS characterizes the magnitude of sediment production in watersheds affected by such events, focusing on the Carmel River watershed on the central California coast.
The study aimed to quantify the sediment generated by wildfire followed by extreme rain and flooding. By measuring the volume of sediment deposited within a reservoir fed by the Carmel River watershed, researchers could assess the rate of sediment export post-fire and flood. Their findings indicated that the sediment production rate following these events was significantly higher than the long-term average for the region.
This surge in sediment poses challenges for water systems and infrastructure. Sediment accumulation in reservoirs reduces their storage capacity, and excessive post-fire sediment runoff can hinder the operation of water systems as well as damage roads and infrastructure. Therefore, understanding sediment dynamics in the wake of wildfire and extreme weather is crucial for effective resource management and infrastructure protection.
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