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Published December 11, 2009 | Submitted
Report Open

Evaluation of the utility of sediment data in NASQAN (National Stream Quality Accounting Network)

Abstract

Monthly suspended sediment discharge measurements, made by the USGS as part of the National Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN), are analysed to assess the adequacy in terms of spatial coverage, temporal sampling frequency, accuracy of measurements, as well as in determining the sediment yield in the nation's rivers. It is concluded that the spatial distribution of NASQAN stations is reasonable but necessarily judgemental. The temporal variations of sediment data contain much higher frequencies than monthly. Sampling error is found to be minor when compared with other causes of data scatter which can be substantial. The usefulness of the monthly measurements of sediment transport is enhanced when combined with the daily measurements of water discharge. Increasing the sampling frequency moderately would not materially improve the accuracy of sediment yield determinations.

Additional Information

© 1983 Environmental Quality Laboratory. California Institute of Technology. Report to: U.S. Geological Survey, Contract No. 14-08-0001-17541.

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Submitted - EQLmemo23.pdf

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Created:
August 19, 2023
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January 13, 2024