Date of Award

Spring 2023

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Earth Sciences

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Anne Lightbody

Second Advisor

Michael Palace

Third Advisor

Joseph Licciardi

Abstract

Analyzing river channel change can be important for the development and protection of infrastructure located within floodplains and on the riverbanks. Historical aerial images were delineated and evaluated to estimate river channel change in the Ammonoosuc River in New Hampshire and the Dog River in Vermont. Previous field assessments were connected to the change estimates to determine factors correlated to river channel change. Flood frequency was also assessed for the rivers to determine if flooding impacts river channel change, with a specific focus on flooding caused by Hurricane Irene. The river channel change resulting from Hurricane Irene was significantly higher than other periods, hinting at the episodic nature of river channel change. This methodology provides a mechanism for planners to monitor river channel change cheaply with easily obtainable data.

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