Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Summer 2018
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Resource Management
Committee Chair
Karl D. Lillquist
Second Committee Member
Lisa Ely
Third Committee Member
Patrick M. Lubinski
Abstract
Along the Columbia River, hundreds of miles of transportation infrastructure and over sixty hydroelectric dams have been constructed. This altered a rich cultural landscape with evidence of 10,000 years of continuous occupation. Researchers have attempted to understand the impacts of anthropogenic factors on the Columbia River, focusing on the riverine environment. However, the effect of transportation and hydroelectricity developments to eolian landforms on the floodplains and adjoining slopes have not been studied. Focusing on 2,800 acres near Celilo Falls, this study 1) establishes a baseline condition of eolian landforms from 1805 to 1900; 2) conducts an air photo increment analysis from 1930 to 2015; and 3) compares the role of hydroelectricity and transportation with that of agriculture, built environment, temperature, and precipitation in the observed landform responses. Baseline data suggests from 1805 to 1900 large pointbars were sediment sources for barchan dunes, lee dunes, linear dunes, and sandsheets. Airphoto increment analysis indicates from 1930 to 1956, an overall increase in total eolian landform area occurred and reversed after the construction of The Dalles Dam in 1957. The dam eliminated the primary sediment source for dunes, suggesting hydroelectricity was the primary factor in overall eolian landform decline. Transportation development, although an influential factor in the observed distribution of eolian landform area, was not the primary factor. Other factors showed important information related to eolian processes. The built environment was linked to growth of linear dunes with a ρ of 0.8424, which suggests easterly winds are important to their formation. Precipitation was linked to eolian deposition as lee dunes with a ρ of 0.8061, suggesting it activated sediments for eolian transport. An alternating trend between a fluvial- and eolian-dominant environment may exist between anchor dunes, sandsheets, and lee dunes. Further research is suggested to quantify the role of hydroelectricity and transportation in shaping eolian landforms and transportation.
Recommended Citation
Oliver, Noah I., "Geomorphic Consequences of Hydroelectricity and Transportation Development near Celilo Falls, Lower Mid-Columbia River, Washington" (2018). All Master's Theses. 1015.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/1015
Language
English
Included in
Archaeological Anthropology Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Geographic Information Sciences Commons, Geology Commons, Geomorphology Commons, Human Geography Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Nature and Society Relations Commons, Physical and Environmental Geography Commons, Spatial Science Commons, Water Resource Management Commons