Using a Geographic Information System to determine the relation between stream quality and geology in the Roberts Creek watershed, Clayton County, Iowa

Stephen J. Kalkhoff

doi:10.1111/j.1752-1688.1993.tb03261.x

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Using a Geographic Information System to determine the relation between stream quality and geology in the Roberts Creek watershed, Clayton County, Iowa

Stephen J. Kalkhoff

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Abstract

A geographic information system (GIS) was used to determine the relation between the stream-water quality and underlying geology in Roberts Creek watershed, Clayton County, Iowa, for base-flow conditions during the spring and summer of 1988–90. Geologic, stream, basin and subbasin boundaries, and water-quality sampling-site coverages were created by digitizing available maps. A contour coverage was created from digital line-graph data. The areal extent of geologic units subcropping in each subbasin was quantified with GIS, and the results then were output and joined with the discharge and water-quality data for statistical analyses. Illustrations showing the geology of the study area and the results of the study were prepared using GIS. By using GIS and a statistical software package, a weak but statistically significant relation was found between the water temperature, pH, and nitrogen concentrations in Roberts Creek and the underlying geology during base-flow conditions.

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Journal of the American Water Resources Association Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 42.6437° to 43.0817° latitude; -91.606° to -90.896° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Stephen J. Kalkhoff. 2007-06-08. Using a Geographic Information System to determine the relation between stream quality and geology in the Roberts Creek watershed, Clayton County, Iowa. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1688.1993.tb03261.x

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