| Streams of the coastal plain were inventoried and surveyed for large woody material (LWM) in relationship with fluvial geomorphic characteristics. This empirical data was used to identify wood density based on stream channel hydraulic geometry (i.e., width, depth, and cross sectional area) and the relationship to bankfull discharge and watershed area. Drainage area and stream bankfull width were determined to be correlated with total volume and number of pieces of LWM, providing predictive capability for the natural abundance of LWM in streams of the coastal plain. Following its restoration, Anderson Branch was inventoried for in-stream LWM and monitored for stability. Minimal variability observed in the dimension, pattern, and profile of the stream channel was attributed to the proper placement and density of LWM. Streams of the coastal plain were also surveyed for the contribution of sandbed formations and woody material to channel roughness. The protrusion height of sandbed formations and woody material were determined to be a better estimate of Manning's n than bed material size, providing improved guidance in restoration practices as well as a more accurate method of predicting bankfull discharge in the event a gage/and or regional curve is unavailable. |
