Stream-Temperature Characteristics in Georgia

U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4203, 150 pages

ABSTRACT

Stream-temperature measurements for 198 periodic and 22 daily record stations were analyzed using a harmonic curve-fitting procedure. Statistics of data from 78 selected stations were used to compute a statewide stream-temperature harmonic equation, derived using latitude, drainage area, and altitude for natural streams having drainage areas greater than about 40 square miles. Based on the 1955-84 reference period, the equation may be used to compute long-term natural harmonic stream-temperature coefficients to within an on average of about 0.4° C.

Basin-by-basin summaries of observed long-term stream-temperature characteristics are included for selected stations and river reaches, particularly along Georgia's mainstem streams. Changes in the stream- temperature regimen caused by the effects of development, principally impoundments and thermal power plants, are shown by comparing harmonic curves and coefficients from the estimated natural values to the observed modified-condition values.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose and scope

Previous investigations

Station-identification system

Stream-temperature data

Long-term stream-temperature characteristics

Natural stream-temperature characteristics

Regression analysis

Harmonic mean coefficient

Amplitude coefficient

Phase coefficient

Statewide harmonic equation

Examples of estimating natural stream-temperature characteristics

Panther Creek

West Armuchee Creek

Alcovy River

Altamaha River

Summary of stream-temperature characteristics by river basin

Savannah River basin

Ogeechee River basin

Altamaha River basin

Satilla-St Marys River basins

Suwannee-Ochlockonee River basins

Chattahoochee River basin

Flint River basin

Coosa River basin

Tennessee River basin

Selected references

Tabular data

Graphs showing harmonic stream-temperature curves of observed data and statewide harmonic equation for selected stations, figures 14-211

The full report is available in pdf format: Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4203 (5.4 MB)
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