Basin-Level Habitat Characteristics of Selected Streams in Central Nebraska
By Ronald B. Zelt
ABSTRACT:
The goal of stream habitat characterization is to use identified
relations between habitat and other physical, chemical, or biological
factors in interpreting water-quality conditions. Basin-level
characterization of habitat is one component of the spatially
hierarchical approach to stream habitat description adopted by the
U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment
Program. The Central Nebraska Basins study unit is about 78,000 km² in
area and includes the Loup and Elkhorn River Basins as well as basins
of smaller tributaries to the Platte River. Stream-basin habitat
characteristics associated with nine fixed-sampling stations were
computed from conventional and digital map data. Geographic
information systems software was the principal analytical tool
used. Basin characterizations generally were limited to only that part
of each stream basin contained within the study unit. Habitat
characteristics analyzed included basin size and shape, elevation,
relief, drainage network characteristics, geology, physiography,
soils, land use and cover, climate, runoff, and streamflow
characteristics. The report presents a tabular summary of the
basin-level habitat characteristics determined for the nine selected
stream basins.
DESCRIPTORS: Basins, Habitats, Characteristics, Platte River, Nebraska
CITATION:
R.B. Zelt, 1996, Basin-level habitat characteristics of selected streams in Central
Nebraska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 96-36, 25 p..
For additional information Copies of the report can be
write to: purchased from:
District Chief U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Geological Survey, WRD Branch of Information Services
406 Federal Building Box 25286
100 Centennial Mall, North Denver Federal Center
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 Denver, CO 80225-0286