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Hydrodynamic Investigation of Upper Mississippi River Freshwater Mussel Habitats
Book chapter

Hydrodynamic Investigation of Upper Mississippi River Freshwater Mussel Habitats

Andrew McCo, Nathan Young and Larry Weber
Impacts of Global Climate Change, pp.1-12
2005
DOI: 10.1061/40792(173)585

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Abstract

Human activities in the Upper Mississippi River Basin have caused a significant decline in freshwater mussel populations. One contributing factor is the construction of navigation dams and river training structures on the main stem of the Upper Mississippi. These structures have resulted in the slowing and redirection of flow through the braided channel system severely impacting mussel habitats. Ongoing research at IIHR — Hydroscience and Engineering is seeking to develop a more complete understanding of the hydrodynamics within mussel habitats in hopes of providing information useful in the preservation and restoration of imperiled Upper Mississippi River mussel populations. Freshwater mussel habitats in Pool 16 of the Upper Mississippi River are being studied using a combination of field data collection and numerical simulation. Field data are being used to characterize the physical habitat of Upper Mississippi freshwater mussels. Bathymetric, velocity, substrate, and mussel dispersal data are being collected to quantify physical variables influencing habitat quality. Bathymetric and velocity data are being used to generate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of flow in Pool 16. These models will provide information about the entire flow field in the river reach and will allow for simulation of historical high and low flows that may be an important factor in structuring the dispersal of freshwater mussels.
Hydrodynamics Aquatic habitats Mississippi River Fresh water

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