The wolf river has many geological effects, such as channelization, liquefaction, and river entrenchment. These effects include increased river velocity, as well as discharge capacity due to straightening, a nick point migrating upstream, tributary entrenchment, floodplain dissection, and increased susceptibility to earthquake liquefaction. Now lets take A deepdive into each of these effects.
Earthquakes
The New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811-1812 significantly impacted Collierville, Tennessee, particularly the Wolf River. These earthquakes, with epicenters near New Madrid, Missouri, caused widespread liquefaction along the Wolf River floodplain, including in areas as far east as Collierville. This earthquake had magnitude of about 7.0 to 8.5 and an after shoick of about 7.4
channelization
Channelization is the straightening and deepening of the river channel, mainly in the lower reaches. This has led to increased waterflow and erosion in the river. This has resulted in the river becoming wider, deeper, and steeper. The increased flow has also contributed to the entrenchment of the river, meaning it has carved deeper into the riverbed. Sorces show that this area has been channelized to control flooding and to drain the wetlands for agriculture purposes, another sign of past agriculture presents is that many of the nearby trees are younger.
Nick point ( A sharp change in a rivers bed elevation.) & Entrenchment
A nick point has formed and migrated upstream after channelization, causing further erosion and entrenchment. Tributaries to the channelized Wolf River have also become entrenched.
Floodplain dissection
The riverbanks have lowerd and the floodplain has been dissected due to increased erosion.
Liquefaction (where saturated soil looses strength during an earthquake)
The wolf rivers floodplain is mainly composed of sand, which makes it susceptible to liquefaction. Studies have identified sand dikes in the Wolf River banks, which are interpreted as evidence of past liquefaction from the 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes, sorces indacate that this area has experienced liquefaction. The Wolf Rivers flood plains is considered to be more susceptible to liquefaction than other flood plains in Shelby County.
Other effects
Channelization has also led to habitat destruction, increased bridge and pipeline repair costs, and potentially increased earthquake risk due to building near the floodplain.
To claim this earth cache, take a pic to location and include it in your log.
Now answer these question and send them to me via in app messaging
1. looking at the water, how deep do you think it is? choose one
A. shallow (1-3 ft)
B. moderate (3-5 ft)
C. deep (6-10 ft)
2. how fast do you think the water is flowing? Choose one.
A. 1.3 mph. B. 4-6 mph. C. 7-10 mph. D. 11+ mph
3. about what color is the water?
.................................................
4. PT.1 what do the banks look like? choose 1.
A. smooth and low
B. steep and smooth
C. rough and eroded
D. steep with big rocks
4. PT2. why do you think they look like that? choose one
A. because of erosion
B. because of time
C. to prevent erosion
5. why do you think there is sometimes new sand mounds along the wolf river? ( choose one that relates to this lesson) choose 1.
A. it is deposited and accumulates during heavy rains when sediments get washed down.
B. the sand is placed by the GOVT as they do not need it.
C. it detatches from the river banks.
Used sources.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001379520100062X#:~:text=rights%20and%20content-,Abstract,7.5%E2%80%B2%20quadrangles%20of%20Shelby%20County.
https://midsouthwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Yates-2003-urban-effects.pdf
https://midsouthwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ASCE-Van-Arsdale-impact-of-river-channelization.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013795203000887#:~:text=The%20Wolf%20and%20Loosahatchie%20Rivers%20flood%20plains,in%20future%20earthquakes%20(Broughton%20et%20al.%2C%202001).&text=Tributary%20entrenchment%20has%20also%20occurred%2C%20thereby%20dissecting%20the%20Wolf%20River%20flood%20plain.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1811–1812_New_Madrid_earthquakes#:~:text=The%201811–1812%20New%20Madrid,aftershock%20on%20the%20same%20day.