ANALYSIS OF SHORT-TERM CHANGES IN BANK EROSION AND SEDIMENT DISTRIBUTION IN COLEMAN CREEK, LITTLE ROCK, AR

In urban streams, bank erosion can be significantly increased by human activities, which can lead to high sediment yields and a decrease in channel stability. Changes in channel stability can negatively affect the developed infrastructure surrounding these streams. Bridges, culverts, streets, utility lines, and other engineered structures can be undercut and damaged. In addition, bank erosion can negatively impact drainage patterns and downstream flooding. Coleman Creek, a first-order urban stream in Little Rock, AR flows through the entire length of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus. It is characterized by low flow for most of the year, but experiences periodic flash flood events. Parts of three major campus buildings and several parking lots occur within high-risk flood zones bordering the creek. The purpose of this project is to determine the impact of typical and extreme hydrologic events on bank erosion and sediment transport in Coleman Creek using ground and UAV surveys of channel and bank conditions. Preliminary results indicate that bank stability does not change much after average hydrologic events, but stability decreases in a few sensitive zones after an extreme event. Similarly, not much sediment is transported by an average event. The end results will help determine if channel stability is a threat to university and or city infrastructure.