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ASSESSING THE ACCURACY OF PALEOHYDROLOGIC INDICATORS, HARPERS FERRY, WEST VIRGINIA 1
Author(s) -
Fanok Susan Fuertsch,
Wohl Ellen E.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
jawra journal of the american water resources association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.957
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1752-1688
pISSN - 1093-474X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-1688.1997.tb04127.x
Subject(s) - flood myth , chronology , historical record , hydrology (agriculture) , geography , archaeology , dendrochronology , stage (stratigraphy) , environmental science , physical geography , geology , history , paleontology , geotechnical engineering , memoir , art history
Gaging stations established in 1895 at Millville, West Virginia and in 1882 at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia record flows ranging from a maximum of 6,509 m 3 s ‐1 to a minimum of 2 m 3 s ‐1 . Historical and botanical indicators were used to extend the systematic flood record of the Shenandoah River for a study reach approximately 7.5‐km long. The long systematic record at the site provides a good opportunity to assess the accuracy of these sources of paleoflood information. Habitation of the area by settlers of European descent began in 1733, and historical flood records extend from 1748. Qualitative historical records from different sources were compared to yield the most complete flood history. The correlation between the various sources was extremely high. Botanical flood evidence preserved as adventitious sprouts, tree scars, and ring anomalies were documented in 37 trees. A flood chronology established from these data extended from 1896 to 1955. Botanical indicators provided an accurate, although incomplete, flood chronology. The ability to determine accurate flood stages from paleohydrologic indicators varied. Historical data yielded relatively accurate stages to within 1–2 m; only minimum values of flood stage could be obtained from botanical indicators. These results illustrate some of the strengths and weaknesses of paleohydrologic investigations in the eastern United States.