Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Geology

First Advisor

Dr. Jaakko Putkonen

Abstract

River channels are dynamic landforms that play an important role in understanding the alluvial changes occurring within this area. The evolution of the Red River of the North within the shallow alluvial valley was investigated within a 60 river mile area north and south of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Despite considerable research along the Red River of the North, near St. Jean Baptiste, Manitoba, little is known about the historical channel dynamics within the defined study area. A series of 31 measurements were taken using three separate methods to document the path of lateral channel migration along areas of this highly sinuous, low-gradient river. Specifically, historical aerial photographs, cross sectional elevation based models, and PLAT maps were used to determine how the river channel has laterally migrated over the past 142 years. Locations of the measurements were dependent upon availability of data within each specified method, as measurements were only taken from where movement could be seen and documented. Results from these methods indicate that the channel has undergone noticeable changes in some regions of the river. The maximum migration distance of this river found using cross sectional data is 1455.42 meters, and is seen by reoccurring oxbows and scars throughout the broad flat valley. Utilizing all three methods within the study area, it is found that rates are averaging between 0.01 and 0.38 meters/year. This shows a maximum distance of lateral migration of 54.4 meters over the span of 142 years, and implies that the low energy, mud-dominated river is undergoing long-term, lateral migration at a low rate. Overall, these results provide important context for assessing whether similar patterns and rates of channel migration exist throughout the Red River of the North. Viewing these low rates found throughout the study area shows no potential risk or harm to the city’s infrastructure within the next 100 years.

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