A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Faith A Fitzpatrick
Faith Fitzpatrick is a research hydrologist at the Upper Midwest Water Science Center.
She has spent much of her career studying geomorphic characteristics and sediment dynamics of rivers related to land use and climate change. Her area of expertise is in historical watershed geomorphology and sediment budgets, specifically identifying natural and human causes for accelerated erosion and sedimentation problems, flooding, habitat degradation, eutrophication, and sources of contaminants. She works closely with water resources and fisheries managers from a variety of agencies in a scientific support role for decision-making. She recently completed an assignment as scientific support coordinator for EPA for the pipeline release of diluted bitumen into the Kalamazoo River Michigan. She is a lecturer in the UW-Madison Geography Department and an instructor for the USGS Training Center.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Physical Geography (Fluvial Geomorphology), Minor in Civil Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin. Dissertation: "Geomorphic and hydrologic responses to vegetation, climate, and
M.S. in Geology, University of Illinois, Illinois. Thesis: "Fluvial geomorphology of two contrasting tributaries of the Vermilion River, east-central Illinois", 1985-1988
B.S. in Geology, Minor in Chemistry, Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, 1981-1985
Science and Products
Assessing River Erosion and Sedimentation in Ecuador
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: Nutrient Evaluations
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: Geomorphology and Sediment Studies Related to Stream and Estuary Rehabilitation
Kalamazoo River AOC Dam Removal Geomorphic/Habitat Assessments – Reference Reach Identification
Hydrogeomorphic Classification and Conceptual Model
Environmental Effects of Agricultural Practices
Fluvial geomorphology studies
Measuring Suspended-Sediment Concentrations, Grain Sizes and Bedload using Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meters and Echologgers in the Lower Chippewa River, Wisconsin
Upper Pecatonica River Wisconsin Buffer Initiative pilot project
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs)
USGS Flood Information
Surge, Wave, and Tide Hydrodynamics (SWaTH) Network
Update DOI example
Kinnickinnic River Geochemistry and Rapid Geomorphic Assessments, Waukesha County, Wisconsin
Geomorphic Habitat Response Units Attributes for the Wisconsin DNR 24k Hydrography Flowline Network in the Milwaukee River Basin, Wisconsin
Geomorphic Reference Reach Data for the Kalamazoo River Basin, Michigan Area of Concern
Topobathymetric Digital Elevation Model (TBDEM) of the Milwaukee River Estuary, MIlwaukee, WI and adjacent terrestrial and Lake Michigan nearshore coastal areas
Fluvial Erosion Hazard Rapid Geomorphic Assessment Data from the Marengo Watershed, Ashland County, Wisconsin
Suspended-sediment, bedload, bed-sediment, and multibeam sonar data in the Chippewa River, WI
Code associated with analysis and modeling of benthic and pelagic inorganic nutrient processing rates at the interface between a river and lake
Black Creek Rapid Geomorphic Assessment, Allen County, Indiana
Historic Lake Superior shorelines near Odanah, Wisconsin (1852 - 2013)
Selected sediment data and results from regression models, modified Einstein Prodecure, and loads estimation for the Nemadji River, 1973-2016
FaSTMECH model water surface elevation and velocities for the Lower Sheboygan River, Wisconsin
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Faith Fitzpatrick taking her Bernese Mountain dog on a hike to check out rock outcrops around southern Wisconsin.
Faith Fitzpatrick taking her Bernese Mountain dog on a hike to check out rock outcrops around southern Wisconsin.
Map of dissolved oxygen and turbidity along the Milwaukee River.
These data are preliminary or provisional and are subject to revision. They are being provided to meet the need for timely best science.
Map of dissolved oxygen and turbidity along the Milwaukee River.
These data are preliminary or provisional and are subject to revision. They are being provided to meet the need for timely best science.
In this photo, USGS scientists Megan Haserodt (Hydrologist) and Jenelle Wempner (Student Intern) install a double ring infiltrometer along a recreated floodplain of Underwood Creek, a tributary to the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In this photo, USGS scientists Megan Haserodt (Hydrologist) and Jenelle Wempner (Student Intern) install a double ring infiltrometer along a recreated floodplain of Underwood Creek, a tributary to the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Bank erosion along an upstream reach of the Kinnickinnic River, October 2018.
Bank erosion along an upstream reach of the Kinnickinnic River, October 2018.
An example stream reach of Underwood Creek’s channel in 2018 after rehabilitation.
An example stream reach of Underwood Creek’s channel in 2018 after rehabilitation.
Milwaukee River Estuary, March 2016
Milwaukee River Estuary, March 2016
Confluence of inner harbor and the Milwaukee River along North Riverwalk Way, leading into downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin in early spring.
Confluence of inner harbor and the Milwaukee River along North Riverwalk Way, leading into downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin in early spring.
Sediment budget of a Maumee River headwater tributary: How streambank erosion, streambed-sediment storage, and streambed-sediment source inform our understanding of legacy phosphorus
Stream corridor sources of suspended sediment and sediment-bound phosphorus from an urban tributary to the Great Lakes
A conceptual workflow for projecting future riverine and coastal flood hazards to support the federal flood risk management standard
Building a library of source samples for sediment fingerprinting – Potential and proof of concept
Stream corridor and upland sources of fluvial sediment and phosphorus from a mixed urban-agricultural tributary to the Great Lakes
FluOil: A novel tool for modeling the transport of oil-particle aggregates in inland waterways
The use of continuous sediment-transport measurements to improve sand-load estimates in a large sand-bedded river: The Lower Chippewa River, WI
Geomorphic responses of fluvial systems to climate change: A habitat perspective
Benthic and planktonic inorganic nutrient processing rates at the interface between a river and lake
Sediment characteristics of northwestern Wisconsin’s Nemadji River, 1973–2016
The formation, transport, and breakup of submerged oil-particle aggregates in Great Lakes riverine environments
Recent planform changes in the Upper Mississippi River
Science and Products
- Science
Filter Total Items: 33
Assessing River Erosion and Sedimentation in Ecuador
In cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USGS is helping Ecuadorian government officials from the Electric Corporation of Ecuador (CELEC) develop strategies for managing sediment and erosion in the Río Coca basin after the 2020 collapse of the 144-meter-tall San Rafael waterfall.MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: Nutrient Evaluations
Eutrophication and harmful algal blooms (HABs) are becoming an increasing concern in the Great Lakes. Although there is a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for phosphorus in the Milwaukee Estuary, abundance/biovolume of potential HAB-producing cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin presence in Milwaukee-area rivers and the estuary are largely unknown. USGS evaluations of nutrients in the MMSD Watercourse...MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: Geomorphology and Sediment Studies Related to Stream and Estuary Rehabilitation
Geomorphology and habitat studies related to stream and estuary rehabilitation consist of three subproject areas: evaluating the efficacy of fish passage restoration efforts (across multiple watersheds), a targeted assessment of fish passage in the Underwood Creek watershed, and characterization of the Milwaukee River estuary.Kalamazoo River AOC Dam Removal Geomorphic/Habitat Assessments – Reference Reach Identification
The Kalamazoo River Area of Concern (AOC) has multiple dams in various stages of removal, at which restoration work will be completed in the coming years. Hydrogeomorphic data from relatively undisturbed river reaches are commonly used to inform the design parameters of river restoration projects. Reference reaches are selected to have similar prevailing boundary conditions as target restoration...Hydrogeomorphic Classification and Conceptual Model
The overall objective of this study is to develop a hydrogeomorphic based conceptual model and hierarchical classification system for the UMRS. This model and classification system will build off the existing classification systems for the UMRS with a new aspect of potential for geomorphic change.Environmental Effects of Agricultural Practices
As agricultural land in the Minnesota River Basin is retired, tile drains are removed or broken and riparian corridors are planted to reduce runoff. Early studies saw decreased sediment and nitrogen and improved biological indicators but no significant changes in phosphorus. This project continues to investigate the linkages between riparian buffer extent, age, and continuity; stream water; and...Fluvial geomorphology studies
Fluvial geomorphology studies provide an understanding of the physical processes responsible for shaping the character of streams and their riparian zones across both glaciatied and unglaciated regions of Wisconsin and the midwestern U.S.Measuring Suspended-Sediment Concentrations, Grain Sizes and Bedload using Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meters and Echologgers in the Lower Chippewa River, Wisconsin
Sediment from the Chippewa River deposits in the Mississippi River navigation channel, sometimes disrupting commercial barge traffic and resulting in expensive and ecologically disruptive dredging operations. The USGS is using new applications of hydroacoustic technologies to better understand sediment transport in the Chippewa River and associated effects on commercial navigation.Upper Pecatonica River Wisconsin Buffer Initiative pilot project
The Upper Pecatonica River pilot project is testing targeted water-quality improvement strategies in small agricultural watersheds. The USGS is contributing by monitoring phosphorus and sediment at the watershed outlets, quantifying in-stream sources and sinks of phosphorus and sediment, and developing innovative approaches for quantifying sediment-related stream impairments and TMDLs.Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs)
Rapid Deployment Gages (RDGs) are fully-functional streamgages designed to be deployed quickly and temporarily to measure and transmit stream stage data in emergency situations.USGS Flood Information
The USGS collects flood data and conducts targeted flood science to help Federal, State, and local agencies, decision makers, and the public before, during, and after a flood. Our efforts provide situational awareness, drive predictive models, inform infrastructure design and operation, undergird floodplain mapping, assist flood constituent/load quantification, and facilitate flood impact...Surge, Wave, and Tide Hydrodynamics (SWaTH) Network
During large coastal storms, the storm surge and waves are the main cause of destruction and landscape change, transporting saline water, sediment, and debris inland. The USGS, in collaboration with stakeholders, has constructed a national Surge, Wave, and Tide Hydrodynamics (SWaTH) Network for the Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, and Central Pacific. SWaTH monitors and documents the height, extent, and... - Data
Filter Total Items: 15
Update DOI example
An extreme flood in 2016 caused widespread culvert blockages and road failures across northern Wisconsin, including extensive damage along steep tributaries and ravines in the Marengo River watershed. Along with the flooding, there were fluvial erosion hazards (FEH) associated with a large amount of erosion in headwater areas. Of special concern were FEHs associated with gullying, loss of wetlandKinnickinnic River Geochemistry and Rapid Geomorphic Assessments, Waukesha County, Wisconsin
From September 2019 to October 2020 a stream sediment budget and sediment fingerprinting integrated study was conducted to quantify upland and stream corridor sources of suspended sediment and sediment-bound phosphorus using the Sediment Source Assessment Tool (SedSAT) methods with a suite of trace elements. Upland source samples were collected at 45 randomly selected sites in the watershed. PassiGeomorphic Habitat Response Units Attributes for the Wisconsin DNR 24k Hydrography Flowline Network in the Milwaukee River Basin, Wisconsin
This date release was produced as part of the Milwaukee Area Watercourse Corridor Study in partnership with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) to monitor and assess stream water quality within studies of aquatic communities, geomorphology and habitat, water and sediment, and streamflow. This dataset contains two vector datasets of stream geomorphic characteristics, pre-settlementGeomorphic Reference Reach Data for the Kalamazoo River Basin, Michigan Area of Concern
The Kalamazoo River Area of Concern (AOC) in Michigan has multiple dams in various stages of removal. Following dam removal, river restoration activities will occur in impacted reaches. Hydrogeomorphic data from relatively undisturbed and hydraulically stable river reaches are commonly used to inform the design parameters of river restoration projects. Reference reaches should be selected that opeTopobathymetric Digital Elevation Model (TBDEM) of the Milwaukee River Estuary, MIlwaukee, WI and adjacent terrestrial and Lake Michigan nearshore coastal areas
This topobathymetric digital elevation model (TBDEM) mosaic represents the topography and bathymetry for the Milwaukee River Estuary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and adjacent terrestrial and Lake Michigan nearshore coastal areas. The TBDEM was produced in support of modeling and for developing a physical habitat framework to help with understanding the effects from multidirectional currents and seicheFluvial Erosion Hazard Rapid Geomorphic Assessment Data from the Marengo Watershed, Ashland County, Wisconsin
An extreme flood in 2016 caused widespread culvert blockages and road failures across northern Wisconsin, including extensive damage along steep tributaries and ravines in the Marengo River watershed. Along with the flooding, there were fluvial erosion hazards (FEH) associated with a large amount of erosion in headwater areas. Of special concern were FEHs associated with gullying, loss of wetlandSuspended-sediment, bedload, bed-sediment, and multibeam sonar data in the Chippewa River, WI
These data were compiled for analyses of sediment transport within the Chippewa River, WI. Objective(s) of our study were to determine sand loads contributed by the Chippewa River to the Mississippi River. These data include physical suspended-sediment samples, acoustical suspended-sediment measurements, acoustical suspended-sediment loads, quasi-continuous measurements of bed-elevation, multibeamCode associated with analysis and modeling of benthic and pelagic inorganic nutrient processing rates at the interface between a river and lake
In this data release the authors have code and 'data' that are used to model how sediment flux and water column processing of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), ammonium (NH4/NHX) and nitrate (NOX). The file 'README.md' contains background information on how to access and use the data and code files.Black Creek Rapid Geomorphic Assessment, Allen County, Indiana
The Maumee River network contributes a significant amount of total phosphorus (P), including both sediment-bound P (sed-P) and dissolved reactive P (DRP, also known as orthophosphate). Most headwater streams of the Maumee River are predominantly agricultural in land use, interspersed with rural communities. Implementation of best management practices on agricultural operations has worked to limitHistoric Lake Superior shorelines near Odanah, Wisconsin (1852 - 2013)
This USGS data release presents historic shorelines of Lake Superior near Odanah, Wisconsin encompassing the delta complex of the Bad River from 1852 to 2013 compiled in a Geographic Information System. The coverage of the shorelines starts approximately 8 km northeast of Ashland and extends for about 40 km to approximately 3 km east of the Bad River mouth. The shorelines were derived from land suSelected sediment data and results from regression models, modified Einstein Prodecure, and loads estimation for the Nemadji River, 1973-2016
This data set includes new and historical sediment data collected at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamgage on the Nemadji River near South Superior, Wisconsin (station number 04024430) from 1973 through 2016. The data were used in a comparison study of stream sediment collection and laboratory techniques for characterizing suspended sediment, bedload, and total sediment loads. Data resultsFaSTMECH model water surface elevation and velocities for the Lower Sheboygan River, Wisconsin
In 2011-12, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a study of the and hydrogeomorphic history and hydrodynamic characteristics of the lower 5 kilometers of the Sheboygan River, a tributary to Lake Michigan in eastern Wisconsin. The hydrogeomorphic history and stability of an ecologically important island complex in the Sheboygan River, the Wildwood Islands, was studied to determine the potential eff - Multimedia
Hypothetical Coastal Floodplain Diagram (with caption)Hypothetical Coastal Floodplain Diagram (with caption)
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Hypothetical Riverine Floodplain Diagram (with caption)Hypothetical Riverine Floodplain Diagram (with caption)A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Hypothetical Riverine Floodplain DiagramA cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical river showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Hypothetical Coastal Floodplain DiagramA cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
A cross-sectional view of a hypothetical coastline showing one possible arrangement of the three Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain elevations (Climate-Informed Science Approach, the Freeboard Value Approach, and the 0.2% Annual-Chance Flood Approach) above the current Base Flood Elevation, i.e., the 1% annual-chance flood elevation.
Faith Fitzpatrick hiking with her Bernese Mountain DogFaith Fitzpatrick hiking with her Bernese Mountain DogFaith Fitzpatrick taking her Bernese Mountain dog on a hike to check out rock outcrops around southern Wisconsin.
Faith Fitzpatrick taking her Bernese Mountain dog on a hike to check out rock outcrops around southern Wisconsin.
Map dissolved oxygen and turbidity Milwaukee RiverMap dissolved oxygen and turbidity Milwaukee RiverMap of dissolved oxygen and turbidity along the Milwaukee River.
These data are preliminary or provisional and are subject to revision. They are being provided to meet the need for timely best science.
Map of dissolved oxygen and turbidity along the Milwaukee River.
These data are preliminary or provisional and are subject to revision. They are being provided to meet the need for timely best science.
USGS scientists install a double ring infiltrometerUSGS scientists install a double ring infiltrometerIn this photo, USGS scientists Megan Haserodt (Hydrologist) and Jenelle Wempner (Student Intern) install a double ring infiltrometer along a recreated floodplain of Underwood Creek, a tributary to the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In this photo, USGS scientists Megan Haserodt (Hydrologist) and Jenelle Wempner (Student Intern) install a double ring infiltrometer along a recreated floodplain of Underwood Creek, a tributary to the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Bank erosion along an upstream reach of the Kinnickinnic RiverBank erosion along an upstream reach of the Kinnickinnic RiverBank erosion along an upstream reach of the Kinnickinnic River, October 2018.
Bank erosion along an upstream reach of the Kinnickinnic River, October 2018.
Stream reach of Underwood Creek channel after rehabilitationStream reach of Underwood Creek channel after rehabilitationAn example stream reach of Underwood Creek’s channel in 2018 after rehabilitation.
An example stream reach of Underwood Creek’s channel in 2018 after rehabilitation.
Milwaukee River Estuary, March 2016Milwaukee River Estuary, March 2016
Milwaukee River Estuary, March 2016
Riverwalk along Milwaukee River, WisconsinConfluence of inner harbor and the Milwaukee River along North Riverwalk Way, leading into downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin in early spring.
Confluence of inner harbor and the Milwaukee River along North Riverwalk Way, leading into downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin in early spring.
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 81
Sediment budget of a Maumee River headwater tributary: How streambank erosion, streambed-sediment storage, and streambed-sediment source inform our understanding of legacy phosphorus
ObjectiveWe described source and phosphorus (P) retention potential of soft, fine-grained, streambed sediment and associated phosphorus (sed-P) during summer low-flow conditions. Combining in-channel, sed-P storage with relative age provided context on relevance to western Lake Erie Basin management goals.MethodsIn 2019, rapid geomorphic assessment (30 reaches) compared streambed-sediment storageAuthorsTanja N. Williamson, Faith Fitzpatrick, Rebecca Kreiling, James Blount, Diana L. KarwanStream corridor sources of suspended sediment and sediment-bound phosphorus from an urban tributary to the Great Lakes
Potential sources of suspended sediment and sediment-bound phosphorus (sedP) were studied in the Kinnickinnic River (51 square kilometers), a heavily urbanized tributary to Lake Michigan (90% urban land use) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The river is 60% concrete lined channels, with few unlined reaches. From September 2019 through August 2020, an integrated study of sediment budget and sediment fingerAuthorsJames Blount, Leah Lenoch, Faith FitzpatrickA conceptual workflow for projecting future riverine and coastal flood hazards to support the federal flood risk management standard
In 2021, the reinstatement of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) required federally funded projects to recognize potential increases in flood hazards over their service lives due to climate change or local anthropogenic perturbations. Recognizing that the state of the science had advanced since the implementation guidelines for this standard were published in 2015 (WRC, 2015, AppenAuthorsJory Seth Hecht, Douglas C. Marcy, Jacquelyn R. Overbeck, Lauren Schmied, Faith Fitzpatrick, Nicole E.M. Kinsman, Maria G. Honeycutt, Robert R. Mason,, Joseph Krolak, William C. Veatch, Julia G. Prokopec, Harvie Pollard, Allen C. Gellis, Daniel Sharar-Salgado, Edward Clark, Christopher P. WeaverBuilding a library of source samples for sediment fingerprinting – Potential and proof of concept
PurposeSediment fingerprinting of fluvial targets has proven useful to guide conservation management and prioritize sediment sources for Federal and State supported programs in the United States. However, the collection and analysis of source samples can make these studies unaffordable, especially when needed for multiple drainage basins. We investigate the potential use of source samples from a bAuthorsTanja N. Williamson, Faith Fitzpatrick, Rebecca KreilingStream corridor and upland sources of fluvial sediment and phosphorus from a mixed urban-agricultural tributary to the Great Lakes
Like many impaired Great Lakes tributaries, Apple Creek, Wisconsin (119 km2) has Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) targets for reducing suspended sediment and total phosphorus by 51.2 % and 64.2 %, respectively. From August 2017 - October 2018, a stream sediment budget and fingerprinting integrated study was conducted to quantify upland and stream corridor sources of suspended sediment and sediment-AuthorsJames Blount, Leah Kammel, Faith FitzpatrickFluOil: A novel tool for modeling the transport of oil-particle aggregates in inland waterways
Spilled oil in inland waterways can aggregate with mineral and organic particles to form oil-particle aggregates (OPAs). OPAs can be transported in suspension or deposited to the bed. Modeling the fate and transport of OPAs can provide useful information for making mitigation decisions. A novel open-source tool, FluOil, is developed to predict where OPAs may deposit and when they arrive in affecteAuthorsYilan Li, Zhenduo Zhu, David T. Soong, Hamed Khorasani, Shu Wang, Faith A. Fitzpatrick, Marcelo H. GarciaThe use of continuous sediment-transport measurements to improve sand-load estimates in a large sand-bedded river: The Lower Chippewa River, WI
Accurately determining sediment loads is necessary for managing river environments but is difficult because multiple processes can lead to large discharge-independent changes in sediment transport. Thus, estimations of sediment load using discharge–sediment rating curves fit to sparse or historical sediment-transport measurements can be inaccurate, necessitating alternative approaches to reduce unAuthorsDavid Dean, David Topping, D. D. Buscombe, Joel T. Groten, Jeffrey R. Ziegeweid, Faith A. Fitzpatrick, John (William) Lund, Erin Nicole CoenenGeomorphic responses of fluvial systems to climate change: A habitat perspective
Fluvial systems provide a variety of habitats that support thousands of species including many that are threatened or endangered. Moreover, these habitats, which range from aquatic and riparian to floodplain, are important for the variety of ecosystem services they provide. In addition to water temperature and streamflow change, geomorphic change is important and warrants consideration as one of tAuthorsKyle E. Juracek, Faith A. FitzpatrickBenthic and planktonic inorganic nutrient processing rates at the interface between a river and lake
The interface between lotic and lentic ecosystems is often a zone of intense metabolic activity, as primary production in streams and rivers can be light limited whereas nutrients often limit primary production in lake ecosystems. Our objective was to model the influence that rivermouths (the lotic-lentic interface) could have on the loads of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and dissolved inorganAuthorsJames H. Larson, Mary Anne Evans, Faith A. Fitzpatrick, Paul C. Frost, Marguerite A. Xenopoulos, William F. James, Paul ReneauSediment characteristics of northwestern Wisconsin’s Nemadji River, 1973–2016
In 2015–16, a comparison study of stream sediment collection techniques was done for a U.S. Geological Survey streamgage on the Nemadji River near South Superior, Wisconsin (U.S. Geological Survey station number 04024430) to provide an adjustment factor for comparing suspended-sediment rating curves for two historical periods 1973–86 and 2006–16. During 1973–1986, the U.S. Geological Survey used tAuthorsFaith A. FitzpatrickThe formation, transport, and breakup of submerged oil-particle aggregates in Great Lakes riverine environments
The formation, transport, and resuspension of oil-particle aggregates (OPA) in freshwater environments are of much interest to oil spill responders and scientists, especially as transportation of light and heavy crude oils has substantially increased across river corridors and coasts in the Great Lakes Basin. The persistent sheening from accumulated OPA along 60 km of the Kalamazoo River in MichigAuthorsJohn Berens, Michel C. Boufadel, Faith A. Fitzpatrick, Marcelo H. Garcia, Jacob S. Hassan, Earl Hayter, Lori Jones, Susan Mravik, David WatermanRecent planform changes in the Upper Mississippi River
Geomorphic changes in the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) have long been a concern of river agencies charged with maintaining and restoring river habitat (GREAT 1980; Jackson et al. 1981; USFWS 1992). Large meandering alluvial rivers like the UMR are expected to constantly change and adjust their fluvial landforms within their riparian corridors as a result of the natural interaction of hydrologic pAuthorsJames T. Rogala, Faith A. Fitzpatrick, Jon S. Hendrickson - News