Project Proposal

Matt Porter

Elizabeth Caprotti

Kromma Kill Geomorphology

Introduction:

           

Hydrologic responses in river basins have drastically changed due to increased urbanization.  Impervious surfaces go along hand in hand with urbanization and are everywhere due to urban sprawl.  Impervious surfaces affect the way hydrological systems work by channeling large quantities into one area instead of letting the earth naturally absorb the water during a storm.  Detention ponds were created in order to catch storm water in order for it to be released in controlled amounts to prevent on-site peak flows. With the increase of urbanization impervious surfaces are being built all the time.  This means that the hydrological systems are constantly changing as well due to the increased runoff from impervious surfaces. 

Methods:

           

Some of the data involving the streams in the Kromma Kill will be given to us by our professor (Dr.Meierdiercks) since this her area of expertise.  Other layers such as roads, base map, impervious, and pervious surfaces will be able to be found in places such as the NYS GIS Clearinghouse online.  This data will allow us to analyze the flow path of the runoff water created by impervious surfaces.   Meeting will be held throughout the semester with our advisor (Dr.Meierdiercks) in order to make sure we are completing the requirements as well as answer any questions we may have along the way.
We will be computing the drainage densities (pipe, road, surface channel) of the Siena-New Hall Subwatershed. In addition, stormwater management pond density will be calculated. The width function (drainage area ratio, length area ratio, and biurfication ratio) will be utilized as well to analyze the distribution of travel distances within the watershed. Horton's ratio will be used if time permits. All of these computations are useful in determining flood response. This is especially relevant to the Siena Subwatershed which has been speculated to be the cause of downstream flooding. This flooding affects many stakeholders in the Menands area. 

Objectives:

           

            The objectives of this project is to use data regarding storm water management and map the flow of the water along with the effects is has on the hydrological system.  The effects of the storm water on the geomorphic landforms Kromma Kill watershed will be studied in this project.   Drainage densities will be calculated and the results will be displayed on the final poster.       

Work Plan:

February:

·         2/24 Create blog site

·         2/24 Create project proposal draft

March:

·         3/3 final draft of project proposal

·         3/5 begin gathering data layer

·         3/25 start spatially analyzing the data

April:

·         4/20 start creating final poster

·         4/25 meet with client to finalize map

May:

·         5/3 have poster completed

Data Sources:

·         ArcMap ESRI

·         NYS GIS Clearinghouse

·         USGS Clearinghouse

Data Layers:
Kromma Kill Base map
Wetlands
Stream channels
Impervious surfaces
Pipes
Roads

Deliverables:

  Print a large poster that will be on display in the Environmental Commons at Siena College as well as a final report on our findings.