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Analysis of Suspended-Sediment Concentrations and Discharges at Four Long-Term Sediment Stations in Central and Southern Illinois, 1975–92 Water Years

Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4204
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Army of Engineers
By:
https://doi.org/10.3133/wri964204

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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, have jointly operated four sediment stations in central and southern Illinois since May 1975—Illinois River at Valley City, Kaskaskia River at Cooks Mills, Kaskaskia River near Venedy Station, and Big Muddy River at Murphysboro. A comprehensive analysis of the historical data from these sediment stations was done to determine changes in the concentrations or amounts of suspended sediment transported in the streams.

Generally, the highest suspended-sediment concentrations were found in the Illinois River at Valley City (the station with the largest drainage area), and the lowest concentrations were in the Kaskaskia River at Cooks Mills (the station with the smallest drainage area). Suspended-sediment concentrations were typically high in the spring and summer (March through August) and low in the fall or winter (September through February). The seasonal Kendall test for trends indicated a statistically significant downward trend in suspended-sediment concentrations at three of the sediment stations, including a downward trend of 5.50 milligrams per liter per year in the Illinois River at Valley City.

Median suspended-sediment discharges at the four sediment stations ranged from 47.1 to 3,260 tons per day and corresponded to the size of the drainage areas. The largest median suspended sediment yield, 0.12 tons per square mile per day, was in the Illinois River at Valley City. Suspended-sediment discharges during the spring were larger than during other seasons. The seasonal Kendall test for trends indicated a statistically significant downward trend in suspended sediment discharges at two of the sediment stations (Kaskaskia River at Cooks Mills and Big Muddy River at Murphysboro).

Suggested Citation

Terrio, P.J., 1996, Analysis of suspended-sediment concentrations and discharges at four long-term sediment stations in central and southern Illinois, 1975–92 water years: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 96–4204, 23 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri964204.

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Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Data-Base Compilation
  • Results of Data Analysis
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Analysis of suspended-sediment concentrations and discharges at four long-term sediment stations in central and southern Illinois, 1975–92 water years
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 96-4204
DOI 10.3133/wri964204
Year Published 1996
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Illinois Water Science Center
Description iv, 23 p.
Country United States
State Illinois
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