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Open-File Report 2014–1216

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# Fluvial Sediment Fingerprinting—LiteratureReview and Annotated Bibliography

#### By Joyce E. Williamson, Adel E. Haj, Jr., John F. Stamm, Joshua F. Valder, and Vicki L. Prautzch

| Abstract
The U.S. Geological Survey has evaluated and adopted various field methods for collecting real-time sediment and nutrient data. These methods have proven to be valuable representations of sediment and nutrient concentrations and loads but are not able to accurately identify specific source areas. Recently, more advanced data collection and analysis techniques have been evaluated that show promise in identifying specific source areas. Application of field methods could include studies of sources of fluvial sediment, otherwise referred to as sediment “fingerprinting.” The identification of sediment is important, in part, because knowing the primary sediment source areas in watersheds ensures that best management practices are incorporated in areas that maximize reductions in sediment loadings. This report provides a literature review and annotated bibliography of existing methodologies applied in the field of fluvial sediment fingerprinting. This literature review provides a bibliography of publications where sediment fingerprinting methods have been used; however, this report is not assumed to provide an exhaustive listing. Selected publications were categorized by methodology with some additional summary information. The information contained in the summary may help researchers select methods better suited to their particular study or study area, and identify methods in need of more testing and application.     | First posted December 4, 2014
-  **Report** PDF (336 kB) 
-  **Appendix 1** XLSX (36 kB)   

**For additional information, contact:**        Director, South Dakota Water Science Center          U.S. Geological Survey          1608 Mountain View Road          Rapid City, South Dakota 57702http://sd.water.usgs.gov/

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### Suggested citation:

Williamson, J.E., Haj, A.E., Jr., Stamm, J.F., Valder, J.F., and Prautzch, V.L., 2014, Fluvial sediment fingerprinting—Literature review and annotated bibliography: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2014–1216, 9 p., *https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20141216*.

ISSN 2331-1258 (online)

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### Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Literature Review of Fluvial Sediment Fingerprinting

References Cited

Appendix 1. Annotated Bibliography of Selected Reports and Articles on Fluvial Sediment Fingerprinting Research

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U.S. Department of the Interior |            U.S. Geological Survey           	URL: *http://pubsdata.usgs.gov/pubs/of/2014/1216/index.html*            Page Contact Information: GS Pubs Web Contact           	Page Last Modified: Wednesday, 07-Dec-2016 19:41:06 EST