Floodplain Processes

Karen Hall NC Stream Restoration Institute

North Carolina State University

Floodplains
Floodplains are depositional and erosional areas adjacent to streams where the active channel spills during flood events (bankfull events).

Floodplain Formation
Lateral accretion Vertical accretion

2001

2003

2004

2005

Floodplain Formation
Lateral accretion Vertical accretion

Floodplain Functions
Sediment Storage Floodwater Storage/Peak Flow Moderation Groundwater Recharge Channel Stability/Erosion Prevention Water Quality Habitat

Suspended sediment in coastal waters following period of exceptionally heavy rainfall in the mid-Atlantic states, 1999.
(Photo courtesy of ODU 2003)

Floodplain Functions
Sediment Storage Floodwater Storage/ Peak Flow Moderation Groundwater Recharge Channel Stability/Erosion Prevention Water Quality Habitat

Changes in Hydrographs
50

Stream Flow (cfs)

40 30 20 10 0 0 20

Urban

Rural
40 60 80

Time (hours)

Floodplain Functions
Sediment Storage Floodwater Storage/ Peak Flow Moderation Groundwater Recharge Channel Stability/Erosion Prevention Water Quality Habitat

Hydrologic Cycle

Floodplain Functions
Sediment Storage Floodwater Storage/ Peak Flow Moderation Groundwater Recharge Channel Stability/Erosion Prevention Water Quality Habitat

Floodplain Functions
Sediment Storage Floodwater Storage/ Peak Flow Moderation Groundwater Recharge Channel Stability/Erosion Prevention Water Quality Habitat

Floodplain Functions
Sediment Storage Floodwater Storage/ Peak Flow Moderation Groundwater Recharge Channel Stability/Erosion Prevention Water Quality Habitat