USGS-NAWQA: WRIR 98-4052 RHAB: Stream habitat evaluation of wadeable streams
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Official Method Name
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Revised Methods for Characterizing Stream Habitat in the National Water-Quality Assessment Program |
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Current Revision
| 1998 |
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Media
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WATER (Waterbody type - Wadeable stream) |
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Instrumentation
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Field Equipment |
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Method Subcategory
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Physical |
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Method Source
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Citation
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Fitzpatrick, F.A., Waite, I.R., D'Arconte, P.J., Meador, M.R., Maupin, M.A., Gurtz, M.E., 1998, Revised methods for characterizing stream habitat in the National Water-Quality Assessment program: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 98-4052, 67p. |
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Protocol
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NAWQA Habitat Protocols (1998) - Revised Methods for Characterizing Stream Habitat in the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program |
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Brief Method Summary
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The goal of stream habitat characterization is to relate habitat to other physical, chemical, and biological factors that describe water-quality conditions. To accomplish this goal, environmental settings are described at sites selected for water-quality assessment. This habitat protocol contains updated methods for evaluating habitat in NAWQA Study Units. Report sections include: Abstract Introduction Summary of revisions to original protocol Habitat-sampling design Basin characterization Segment characterization Reach characterization Data management Data analysis Data-application examples Summary References cited Field forms |
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Scope and Application
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Stream habitat is characterized in the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program as part of an integrated physical, chemical, and biological assessment of the Nation's water quality. The goal of stream habitat characterization is to relate habitat to other physical, chemical, and biological factors that describe water-quality conditions. To accomplish this goal, environmental settings are described at sites selected for water-quality assessment. In addition, spatial and temporal patterns in habitat are examined at local, regional, and national scales. This habitat protocol contains updated methods for evaluating habitat in NAWQA Study Units. Revisions are based on lessons learned after 6 years of applying the original NAWQA habitat protocol to NAWQA Study Unit ecological surveys. Similar to the original protocol, these revised methods for evaluating stream habitat are based on a spatially hierarchical framework that incorporates habitat data at basin, segment, reach, and microhabitat scales. This framework provides a basis for national consistency in collection techniques while allowing flexibility in habitat assessment within individual Study Units. Procedures are described for collecting habitat data at basin and segment scales; these procedures include use of geographic information system data bases, topographic maps, and aerial photographs. Data collected at the reach scale include channel, bank, and riparian characteristics. |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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Interferences
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Quality Control Requirements
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Sample Handling
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Maximum Holding Time
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Relative Cost
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Less than $50 |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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