Random Forest models to estimate bankfull and low flow channel widths and depths across the conterminous United States.

ABSTRACT: Channel dimensions (width and depth) at varying flows influence a host of instream ecological processes, as well as habitat and biotic features; they are a major consideration in stream habitat restoration and instream flow assessments. Models of widths and depths are often used to assess climate change vulnerability, develop endangered species recovery plans, and model water quality. However, development and application of such models require specific skillsets and resources. To facilitate acquisition of such estimates, we created a dataset of modeled channel dimensions for perennial stream segments across the conterminous U.S. We used random forest models to predict wetted width, thalweg depth, bankfull width, and bankfull depth from several thousand field measurements of the National Ri

SUBMITTER: Doyle JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10631553 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature