Hood, W.G., 2007. Scaling tidal channel geometry with marsh island area: A tool for habitat restoration, linked to channel formation process. Water Resources Research, 43(3). [NOTE: The download link for this document leads offsite]

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Hydraulic geometry and related analyses are often used to investigate tidal channel
geometry and evolution and inform marsh restoration. An alternative approach is
presented that avoids calculating tidal prism and allows analysis of additional
channel metrics. It relies on scaling relationships between marsh island
surface area and various metrics of the set of tidal channels draining
each island. In the Skagit Delta marshes (Washington, United States), total channel surface
area and length and surface area of the largest channel draining an island scaled
disproportionately with island area, suggesting restoration of a 100-ha site
would be preferable to restoration of 10 separate 10-ha sites to maximize channel length
and area. A model of channel formation through random island conglomeration
replicated observed scaling patterns, linking channel scaling to blind
channel evolution from river distributaries. Channel size and complexity varied spatially,
with significant deficits in an eroding marsh isolated from river distributaries
and riverine sediments.

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Categories: Peer Reviewed Publications
Tags: 2007.