Field Observations

Lower Logan River

In this screen capture from Google Earth Pro, is a portion of the lower Logan River. This far into the valley the Logan River is considered part of the Lowland Plain. We can see significant sediment storage, which is caused due to slower flows and pools. The Logan River also meanders and bends much more than we would see in the catchment zone. Without sharp hillslopes and confining edges, a river can freely change its shape and flow patterns.

The rivers floodplain (blanket) is much larger than would be seen within Logan Canyon. To the west, the floodplain is cut off by a levee built around the canal. The lateral linkages of this section of the Logan River are well connected. We can see multiple point and lateral bars, which are also a form of barrier called a sediment slug.

We can see flux boundary conditions such as flow/sediment interactions resulting in sediment transfer or deposition and the result of bars, riffles, and pools. The flow also results in a change in floodplains in some areas, depending on the amount of sediment deposition.