Geomorphic evaluation of erosional stability at reclaimed surface mines in northwestern Colorado. Water Resources Investigation

Technical Report · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:5914819

Elliott, J G

The report identifies geomorphic, pedologic, vegetation, and hydrologic conditions that are associated with erosion of reclaimed surface-mined lands in northwestern Colorado. The report also presents methods for determining the appropriate values of geomorphic variables that can be manipulated during reclamation to increase erosional stability. A section on geomorphic principles associated with erosion of reclaimed land surfaces is designed for use as a primer by mine personnel and reclamation planners. The areas of interest in the study were those that were reclaimed under jurisdiction of current (1988) SMCRA reclamation regulations, yet were still affected by relatively rapid erosion rates several years after reclamation activities were completed. Geomorphic, pedologic, vegetation, and hydrologic data were collected onsite and from topographic maps. Data from reclaimed areas undergoing accelerated erosion were compared with data from reclaimed areas undergoing minimal erosion to identify conditions that controlled erosion on reclaimed surface-mined lands and to identify some postmining equilibrium landform characteristics. These data also were used to develop threshold relations.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Denver, CO (United States). Water Resources Div.
• OSTI ID: 5914819
• Report Number(s): PB-92-107549/XAB; USGS/WRI-90-4132
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
COLORADO
SURFACE MINING
EROSION CONTROL
LAND RECLAMATION
COAL MINING
DATA ACQUISITION
DRAINAGE
EROSION
GEOMORPHOLOGY
HYDROLOGY
PLANTS
REGULATIONS
SLOPE STABILITY
VALLEYS
CONTROL
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
FEDERAL REGION VIII
GEOLOGY
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
STABILITY
USA
010900* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Environmental Aspects
540250 - Environment
Terrestrial- Site Resource & Use Studies- (1990-)