(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999-03)
Decker, Chris; Keyes, Jennifer; Jackson, C. Rhett; Shelton, Jay; Jackson, Ben
We are sampling physical and biological channel characteristics to assess the effects of dredging sand from two urban streams in DeKalb County. We are comparing physical and biological metrics upstream and downstream of existing operations. In addition, we are studying metrics prior to and after future dredging at another site. Dredging has been found to be deleterious to aquatic habitat conditions in some streams. However, it is possible that dredging may benefit streams that have been subjected to large increases in sediment loading.
(Georgia Institute of Technology, 1999-03)
Mosner, Melinda; Jackson, C. Rhett; Batzer, Darold P.
Piezometric data and soil data are being collected within and around a group of Coastal Plain depressional wetlands located in commercial timber land in Effingham County, GA. The water level data is being used to determine how differences in soil lithology affect the hydroperiods, especially the start and end of dry periods. The data is also being used to compare the hydroperiods among wetlands with differing ages of adjacent tree stands. The pine forests around these wetlands are harvested on a 20-25 year cycle, and the chemistry and understory of these wetlands respond dramatically and immediately to adjacent timber harvest. The role of hydrologic change in these chemical and plant community responses is being investigated as part of this project.