Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4203
This report is available online in pdf format (6 MB): USGS WRIR96-4203 ()
T.R. Dyar and S.J. Alhadeff
U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4203, 150 pages (Published 1997)
Stream-temperature measurements for 198 periodic and 22 daily record stations were analyzed using a harmonic curve-fitting procedure. Statistics of data from 78 selected stations were used to compute a statewide stream-temperature harmonic equation, derived using latitude, drainage area, and altitude for natural streams having drainage areas greater than about 40 square miles. Based on the 1955—84 reference period, the equation may be used to compute long-term natural harmonic stream-temperature coefficients to within an on average of about 0.4 ° C.
Basin-by-basin summaries of observed long-term stream-temperature characteristics are included for selected stations and river reaches, particularly along Georgia's mainstem streams. Changes in the stream- temperature regimen caused by the effects of development, principally impoundments and thermal power plants, are shown by comparing harmonic curves and coefficients from the estimated natural values to the observed modified-condition values.
Abstract
Introduction
Purpose and scope
Previous investigations
Station-identification system
Stream-temperature data
Long-term stream-temperature characteristics
Natural stream-temperature characteristics
Regression analysis
Harmonic mean coefficient
Amplitude coefficient
Phase coefficient
Statewide harmonic equation
Examples of estimating natural stream-temperature characteristics
Panther Creek
West Armuchee Creek
Alcovy River
Altamaha River
Summary of stream-temperature characteristics by river basin
Savannah River basin
Ogeechee River basin
Altamaha River basin
Satilla-St Marys River basins
Suwannee-Ochlockonee River basins
Chattahoochee River basin
Flint River basin
Coosa River basin
Tennessee River basin
Selected references
Tabular data
Graphs showing harmonic stream-temperature curves of observed data and statewide harmonic equation for selected stations, figures 14-211
This report is available online in pdf format (6 MB): USGS WRIR96-4203 ()
To view the PDF document, you need the Adobe Acrobat® Reader installed on your computer. (a free copy of the Acrobat® Reader may be downloaded from Adobe Systems Incorporated.)
Recent USGS publications on Georgia or Georgia Water-Resources Information
For more information, please contact webmaster-ga@usgs.gov .