| The impact of urbanization on stream flow and resulting erosion can be profound. Such erosional effects of can be seen on Wilson Creek within the Heard Natural Science Museum in McKinney, Texas. This study works to develop a methodology for high-precision quantification of streambank erosion, investigating the application of several laser scanning tools, which can supplant traditional bank survey methods. The acquired data was used to create 3D models of the streambank, which were compared to previous models of the same area to determine the volume loss/gain in the area. The study area experienced downcutting of nearly a meter, accompanied by lateral bank migration of similar magnitude between 1999 and 2009 for a total volume loss of 0.13m3/m 2/year over a reach length of 60 meters. Bankfull flooding in 2008 eroded 0.24m3/m2/year, indicating the episodic nature of erosion in this area. |
