U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Water-Resources Investigations Report 01-4209

Determination of Channel Change for Selected Streams,
Maricopa County, Arizona

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Prepared in cooperation with
THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OF MARICOPA COUNTY

By J.P. Capesius and T.W. Lehman

ABSTRACT

In Maricopa County, Arizona, 10 sites on seven streams were studied to determine the lateral and vertical change of the channel. Channel change was studied over time scales ranging from individual floods to decades using cross-section surveys, discharge measurements, changes in the point of zero flow, and repeat photography. All of the channels showed some change in cross-section area or hydraulic radius over the time scales studied, but the direction and mag-nitude of change varied considerably from one flow, or series of flows, to another. The documentation of cross-section geometry for streams in Maricopa County for long-term monitoring was begun in this study.

CONTENTS

Abstract
Introduction
Mechanisms of channel change
Methods of determination of channel changes
Results
Summary
Selected references
Cross-section data

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For more information about USGS activities in Arizona, visit the USGS Arizona District home page.