In-channel sediment and mining-metal storage in Rush Creek, Buffalo National River, Arkansas
Topics:
Keywords: fluvial geomorphology, Ozark Highlands, protected lands, sediment storage, mining contamination
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract
Authors:
Jacob J Lacki, Missouri State University
Samuel Aogo, Missouri State University
Matthew H Connolly, University of Central Arkansas
Robert T Pavlowsky, Missouri State University
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Abstract
Rush Creek is a tributary of the Buffalo National River in Northern Arkansas. Zinc mining occurred along lower Rush Creek on present-day National Park lands from the 1890s to 1930s with sporadic mining into the 1960s. Little is known about the concentrations and storages of Zn in Rush Creek. This study assesses the volume of sediment storage among bench, bar, and bed deposits in Rush Creek. In addition, the longitudinal trends of Zn mass storage from mining sources, in comparison to background contributions, was also quantified. Zinc concentrations in sediments tend to peak in the channel below two mining sites on Rush Creek and in a downstream sedimentation zone near the confluence with Buffalo River. Sediment storage is limited in reaches with higher channel slope and narrower valleys. Channel obstacles including bedrock blocks and low road crossings and bar deposition along bends and in wider channels is associated with increased channel storage. The main processes affecting sediment and metal storage trends will be described.
In-channel sediment and mining-metal storage in Rush Creek, Buffalo National River, Arkansas
Category
Poster Abstract
