SURFACE-WATER HYDROLOGY OF THE LITTLE BLACK RIVER BASIN, MISSOURI AND ARKANSAS, 

BEFORE WATER-LAND IMPROVEMENT PRACTICES

By

Wayne R. Berkas, Suzanne R. Femmer, Thomas 0. Mesko, and Bruce W. Thompson

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Water-Resources Investigations Report 87-4076

Prepared in cooperation with the 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 

SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE

Rolla, Missouri 

1987
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

DONALD PAUL MODEL, Secretary

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

Dallas L. Peck, Director

For additional information Copies of this report can be

write to: purchased from:

District Chief U.S. Geological Survey

U.S. Geological Survey Books and Open-File Reports

1400 Independence Road Federal Center, Bldg. 41

Mail Stop 200 Box 25425

Rolla, Missouri 65401 Denver, Colorado 80225

11
CONTENTS

Page 

Abstract............................................................... 1

1.0 Introduction...................................................... 3

Wayne R. Berkas

2.0 General features.................................................. 5

2.1 Geology and physiography..................................... 5

Thomas O. Mesko

2.2 Ground-water hydrology....................................... 7

Thomas O. Mesko

2.3 Soils........................................................ 9

Bruce W. Thompson

2.4 Land use..................................................... 11

Suzanne R. Feimer

2.5 Water use.................................................... 13

Suzanne R. Feimer

2.6 Precipitation................................................ 15

Wayne R. Berkas

3.0 Surface-water quantity............................................ 17

3.1 Average monthly and annual streamflow........................ 17

Wayne R. Berkas

3.2 Low f1ow..................................................... 21

Wayne R. Berkas

3.3 Floodflow.................................................... 23

Wayne R. Berkas

m
CONTENTS Continued

Page

4.0 Surface-water quality............................................. 27

4.1 Water-quality-sampling stations.............................. 27

Wayne R. Berkas

4.2 Speci fi c conductance......................................... 29

Wayne R. Berkas

4.3 Water temperature............................................ 31

Suzanne R. Ferrmer

4.4 pH........................................................... 35

Wayne R. Berkas

4.5 Dissolved oxygen............................................. 37

Wayne R. Berkas

4.6 Ni trogen..................................................... 39

Wayne R. Berkas

4.7 Phosphorus................................................... 41

Wayne R. Berkas

4.8 Bacteria..................................................... 43

Suzanne R. Ferrmer

5.0 Suspended sediment................................................ 47

Suzanne R. Ferrmer

6.0 References cited.................................................. 53

iv
ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

Figure 1.0-1. Map showing location of floodwater-retarding 

and multiple-purpose structures, and types 

of channel improvements planned for the 

Little Black River basin by the U.S. Soil 

Conservation Service. . ....................... 4

2.1-1. Generalized geologic section and surficial 

geology. ................................

2.2-1. Generalized geohydrologic section and watertable map. ................................

2.3-1. General soil map. .............................. IQ

2.4-1. Map showing land use and land cover, 1976...... 12

2.5-1. Diagram showing water use, 1984.... ............ 14

Figures 2.6-1 - 2.6-5. Graphs showing total monthly precipitation

at Doniphan, Missouri:

2.6-1. 1980........................................... 16

2.6-2. 1981 ........................................... 16

2.6-3. 1982........................................... 16

2.6-4. 1983........................................... 16

2.6-5. 1984........................................... 16

2.6-6. Graph showing average monthly precipitation at

Doniphan, Missouri, 1951 to 1980... .......... 15

3.1-1. Map showing location of streamflow-gaging

stations. .................................... 13

3.1-2. Profile showing channel slope of the Little

Black River........... ....................... 19

3.1-3. Graph showing average monthly and annual

streamflow at six streamflow-gaging stations,

1 980-84. ..................................... 20

3.2-1. Map showing results of seepage run, August 12,

1 980 ......................................... 22

4.1-1. Map showing location of water-quality sampling

stations ..................................... 28
ILLUSTRATIONS Continued

Page

Figure 4.3-1. Graph showing comparison of monthly mean 

air temperature and water temperature at 

selected sites................................ 32

4.3-2. Graph showing monthly maximum, minimum, and mean 

water temperatures at five water-qualitysampling stations, May 1980 to September 

1984.......................................... 33

5.0-1. Graph showing discharge and suspended-sediment 

concentrations of the Little Black River at 

Success, Arkansas (station 07068600), for the 

1984 water year............................... 48

5.0-2. Graph showing statistical summary of daily 

suspended-sediment concentrations at four 

sediment-sampling stations, October 1980 

to September 1984............................. 51
TABLES

Page

Table 2.4-1. Acreage of selected crops planted in Clay County,

Arkansas............................................... 11

3.2-1. Annual 7-day low flows, in cubic feet per second, at six 

streamflow-gaging stations, based on the period from 

October 1980 to September 1981......................... 21

3.3-1. Estimated magnitude and frequency of floods at six

streamflow-gaging stations............................. 24

3.3-2. Selected peak discharges and their estimated frequency

at six streamflow-gaging stations...................... 25

4.2-1. Specific-conductance values at six water-quality-sampling

stations, August 1980 to September 1984................ 30

4.4-1. Values of pH at six water-quality-sampling stations,

August 1980 to September 1984.......................... 36

4.5-1. Dissolved-oxygen concentrations at six water-qualitysampling stations, August 1980 to September 1984....... 38

4.6-1. Nitrogen concentrations at six water-quality-sampling

stations, August 1980 to September 1984................ 40

4.7-1. Total-phosphorus and orthophosphate concentrations at six 

water-quality-sampling stations, August 1980 to 

September 1984......................................... 42

4.8-1. Sources of contamination as indicated by the ratio of 

fecal-coliform bacteria to fecal-streptococci 

bacteri a............................................... 44

4.8-2. Fecal-coliform and fecal-streptococci bacteria

concentrations at six water-quality-sampling stations,

August 1980 to September 1984.......................... 46

5.0-1. Range and frequency of occurrence of daily suspendedsediment concentrations at four sediment-sampling 

stations, October 1980 to September 1981............... 50

5.0-2. Suspended-sediment discharge and yield at four sedimentsampling stations, October 1980 to September 1984...... 52

vn
CONVERSION FACTORS

For readers who prefer to use metric (International System) units, 

conversion factors for inch-pound units used in this report are listed below:

Multiply inch-pound unit

inch 

foot 

mile 

square mile

foot squared per day 

cubic foot per second 

foot per mile 

gallon per minute

gallons per day

million gallons

million gallons per day

acre

ton

ton per square mile

25.40

0.3048

1.609

2.590

259.0

0.9290

0.02832

0.1894

3.785

0.003785

3.785

,785

0.04381

0.4047

0.9072

0.003503

To obtain metric unit

millimeter

meter

kilometer

square kilometer

hectare

meter squared per day

cubic meter per second

meter per kilometer

liter per minute

cubic meter per minute

liter ^per day

cubic meter

cubic meter per second

hectare

metric ton

metric ton per hectare

Temperature in degree Celsius (°C) can be converted to degree Fahrenheit 

(°F) as follows: °F = 9/5 °C + 32.

Sea level: In this report "sea level" refers to the National Geodetic 

Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD of 1929)--a geodetic datum derived from a general 

adjustment of the first-order level nets of both the United States and Canada, 

formerly called "Mean Sea Level of 1929."

vi n
SURFACE-WATER HYDROLOGY OF THE LITTLE BLACK RIVER BASIN, MISSOURI AND ARKANSAS, 

BEFORE WATER-LAND IMPROVEMENT PRACTICES

By

111 2 Wayne R. Berkas , Suzanne R. Femmer , Thomas 0. Mesko , and Bruce W. Thompson

ABSTRACT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, in 

accordance with Public Law 566, is implementing various types of water-land 

improvement practices in the Little Black River basin in southeastern Missouri. 

These practices are designed, in part, to decrease the suspended-sediment 

transport in the basin, decrease flood damage in the basin, and improve drainage 

in the agricultural area. The purpose of this report is to describe the 

surface-water hydrology in the basin before water-land improvement practices. 

The general features of the basin, such as geology, ground-water hydrology, 

soils, land use, water use, and precipitation are described; surface-water 

quantity, quality, and suspended-sediment discharge also are described.

Dolomitic rock, sand, clay, and loess are the surficial materials in the 

basin; dolomitic rock forms the bedrock, and granitic rock forms the basal unit. 

The aquifers are the Mississippi River valley alluvial aquifer, which can yield 

about 3,500 gallons per minute to properly constructed wells, and the Ozark and 

St. Francois aquifers, which can yield from about 30 to about 500 gallons per 

minute to properly constructed wells. Soils in the area have formed in loess 

and cherty residuum in the uplands or have formed in alluvial sediment in the 

lowlands. Forestry and agriculture are the main land uses. About 93 percent of 

the estimated 3 billion gallons per year of water used in the basin is for crop 

irrigation. The average monthly precipitation varies slightly throughout the 

year, with an average annual precipitation of about 47 inches.

Daily discharge data were collected at six stations. The smallest average 

monthly flows occurred from June to October. Estimates of low flows for the 2-, 

5-, and 10-year recurrence intervals were made at the six stations. Estimates 

of flood magnitude and frequency were by made using statewide equations and were 

compared to the measured peak flows. At many locations, the flood peaks of 

December 3, 1982, exceeded the estimated peak flows for the 100-year recurrence 

interval.

pU.S. Geological Survey 

U.S. Soil Conservation Service
Water-quality data were collected at seven stations. Specific-conductance 

values ranged from 50 to 400 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 °Celsius. Water 

temperatures ranged from 0.0 °Celsius in the winter to 33.5 °Celsius in the 

summer. pH values ranged from 6.4 to 8.5 units. Dissolved-oxygen 

concentrations ranged from 2.2 to 12.8 milligrams per liter. Total nitrogen 

concentrations ranged from 0.13 to 2.20 milligrams per liter as nitrogen, with 

organic nitrogen as the most abundant form. Phosphorus concentrations ranged 

from zero to 0.29 milligram per liter as phosphorus. Bacteria counts were 

largest during storm runoff in the basin; livestock waste was the significant 

contributor.

Suspended-sediment discharge data were collected at four stations. For the 

period from October 1, 1980, to September 30, 1984, the average annual 

suspended-sediment discharge ranged from 2,230 tons per year in the headwater 

areas to 27,800 tons per year at the most downstream station. The average 

annual suspended-sediment yield ranged from 59.6 to 85.9 tons per square mile.
1.0 INTRODUCTION

REPORT SUMMARIZES AVAILABLE HYDROLOGIC DATA

Hydrologic data collected before the completion of the U.S. Soil Conservation 

Service water-land improvement practices in the Little Black River 

basin are summarized for comparison with future data.

Public Law 566 authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil 

Conservation Service to implement various types of water-land improvement 

practices in the Little Black River basin, which has a drainage area of 386 

square miles. The purposes of these practices are watershed protection, flood 

prevention, recreation, and drainage improvement. Watershed protection 

practices will be implemented on about 66,130 acres of forestland, 18,000 acres 

of pasture land, and 37,500 acres of cropland. Construction planned for the 

basin includes 24 f loodwater-retarding structures, 1 multiple-purpose structure, 

and 85 miles of channel improvement. The construction is expected to be 

completed by 1995. The location of the study area, the floodwater-retarding 

structures, the multiple-purpose structure, and the areas of channel 

improvements are shown in figure 1.0-1.

The water-land improvement practices to be implemented in the basin are 

designed, in part, to decrease suspended-sediment transport in the streams, 

decrease flood damage, and to improve drainage in the agricultural areas. To 

determine if these practices are successful, the hydrology in the basin before 

the improvements needs to be appraised. This report contains a summary of the 

geohydrologic data, with special emphasis on the surface-water data, collected 

in the basin before the water-land improvements. The general features described 

include the geology, ground-water hydrology, soils, land use, water use, and 

precipitation in the basin. Surface-water quantity characteristics include 

descriptions of daily and average annual streamflow, low flow, and floodflow. 

The surface-water quality characteristics described include specific 

conductance, water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and 

bacteria. The description of sediment characteristics includes 

suspended-sediment discharge from the basin.

Most of this report is based on data collected by the U.S. Geological 

Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service from August 1980 

to September 1984.
90° 50'

 Study area

t_~/v 90°40'

EXPLANATION

FLOODWATER-RETARDING STRUCTURE AND APPROXIMATE EXTENT OF IMPOUNDMENT

MULTIPLE-PURPOSE STRUCTURE AND APPROXIMATE EXTENT OF IMPOUNDMENT

CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS 

MM LEVEE OR DIKE

 M LEVEE OR DIKE WITH PIPE

 BASIN BOUNDARY

WNeelyville

36° 30-

012 3 4 5 MILES 

012345 KILOMETERS

Figure 1.0-I.--Location of floodwattr- retarding and multiple-pur pose structures, and types of channel 

improvements planned for the Little Black River basin by the Soil Conservation Service (from 

US. Department of Agriculture, I974a, I974W.
2.0 GENERAL FEATURES

2.1 Geology and Physiography

QUATERNARY, ORDOVICIAN, AND CAMBRIAN SYSTEMS 

AND PRECAMBRIAN ROCKS ARE PRESENT IN THE BASIN

Dolomitic rock, sand, clay, and loess are the surficial materials in the

basin; dolomitic rock forms the consolidated strata and granitic rock

forms the regional basal unit.

Geologic systems and formations in the basin (fig. 2.1-1) are the 

Quaternary System (less than 1.8 million years old), which includes Holocene 

alluvium mixed with Pleistocene glacial outwash and loess; the Ordovician System 

(435 to 500 million years old), which includes the Jefferson City Dolomite, 

Roubidoux Formation, and Gasconade Dolomite in the Ozark aquifer; the Cambrian 

System (500 to 570 million years old), which includes formations in the St. 

Francois aquifer not discussed in this report; and the Precambrian rocks (more 

than 570 million years old; U.S. Geological Survey, 1984).

The Quaternary alluvium consists of Holocene sand, gravel, and clay that 

has been eroded from the upland bedrock areas and mixed with Pleistocene glacial 

material from sources outside the basin. These materials were deposited as 

sediment by area streams. The thickness of the alluvium in the basin ranges 

from 0 to 150 feet. Outside the basin to the east, the thickness may exceed 250 

feet. Upland river valleys generally contain alluvial material eroded from 

streambanks; however, the thickness usually is minimal. Loess covers about 75 

percent of the area. It consists of fine-grained wind-blown particles generally 

mixed with cherty residuum and forms the soil in upland areas.

Ordovician strata have been partly eroded throughout the basin. The 

youngest exposed strata from this system, the Jefferson City Dolomite, is found 

in hills and knobs. It is a dolomitic rock with interbedded chert. The 

formation generally is less than 50 feet thick and dips in a southeasterly 

direction. The Roubidoux Formation underlies the Jefferson City Dolomite and 

consists of sand, dolomitic sandstone, and cherty dolomite. The Roubidoux crops 

out throughout most of the basin, ranges in thickness from 0 to 350 feet, and 

dips to the south and southeast. The Gasconade Dolomite underlies the Roubidoux 

Formation and consists of cherty dolomite and a basal sandstone unit. The 

Gasconade Dolomite crops out along the Little Black River and Beaverdam Creek 

where the streams have eroded the overlying beds and exposed this formation. 

The Gasconade Dolomite may be more than 600 feet thick in the subsurface of the 

basin.

The Cambrian System does not crop out in the area. It is composed of 

numerous formations consisting of dolomite, sandstone, and shale. The system is 

estimated to be about 2,000 feet thick in the subsurface area of the basin. A 

description of the Cambrian System is given by Koenig (1961).

Precambrian rocks, described by Koenig (1961), are composed of granitic 

crystalline rocks. The estimated depth of this granitic "basement" is about 

3,000 feet below land surface, and the total thickness of the unit is unknown.

The basin is located in two physiographic sections (Fenneman, 1938; fig. 

2.1-1). The upland area is in the Salem Plateau section, which is a part of the

Ozark Plateaus province, and the. lowlagd area is in the Mississippi Alluvial PTain section of the Costal Plain province.

5
90°.50'

2500

3000

0123 12345 MILES

I |i i I i 'i

0 12345 KILOMETERS

EXPLANATION

Map i 

System symbol Formation

r ALLUVIUM-lncbdes Holocene and Pleistocene

QUATERNARY H Qal deposits; loess is present as soil and is not

L shown

Ojc JEFFERSON CITY DOLOMITE

ORDOVICIAN -

CAMBRIAN

PRECAMBRIAN -

Or ROUBIDOUX FORMATION

Og GASCONApE DOLOMITE

c Numerous formations present in the

fc . jubsurface, (Koenig, 1961)

p Grantic crystalline rocks (Koenig, 1961)

 - PHYSIOGRAPHIC BOUNDARY

 BASIN BOUNDARY

36° 30'- Modified from Missouri Department 

of Natural f Resources, 1979

Figure 2.1-1.Generalized geologic section and surficial geology.
2.0 GENERAL FEATURES Continued 

2.2 Ground-water Hydrology

THREE PRINCIPAL AQUIFERS UNDERLIE THE LITTLE BLACK RIVER BASIN

Properly constructed wells completed in the Mississippi River valley

alluvial aquifer can yield about 3,500 gallons per minute; properly

constructed wells completed in the Ozark and St. Francois aquifers

can yield from about 30 to about 500 gallons per minute.

The Mississippi River valley alluvial aquifer, the Ozark aquifer, and the 

St. Francois aquifer are the three principal aquifers underlying in the Little 

Black River basin. All seem to be hydraulically connected. The significant 

difference among the geologic units comprising the aquifers are lithology and 

hydraulic characteristics, such as yield, storage, and transmissivity. The 

basal unit in the area is Precambrian granitic rock that yields small quantities 

of water in areas of localized fractures. The water-table map (fig. 2.2-1) 

presents water-level data for all three aquifers. The topography in the basin 

controls the direction of shallow ground-water movement, and the direction of 

dip of the underlying strata controls the regional movement. Water-level 

altitudes indicate the maximum gradient is in the upland area and the minimum 

gradient is in the lowlands area.

The Mississippi River valley alluvial aquifer, which lies directly on the 

Ozark aquifer, is located in the lowlands and river valleys and is composed of 

unconsolidated gravel, sand, and clay that allow rapid movement and storage of 

large quantities of water. The total thickness of the aquifer is 150 feet or 

more in the basin and more than 250 feet east of the basin. Test data for wells 

completed in the alluvium outside the basin indicate values of transmissivity 

range from about 15,500 to about 50,000 feet squared per day. Recharge to the 

alluvium occurs from several sources. Precipitation falling on the outcrop area 

is the primary source of recharge, which averages about 45 inches per year in 

the lowlands area. A secondary source of recharge is from stream overflow 

during rainstorms or regional flooding. Impounded surface water also may 

infiltrate into the aquifer as recharge. The alluvium may be recharged by water 

from the underlying Ozark aquifer. Comparison of water-level data indicates 

that water levels are much higher in the outcrop areas of the Ozark aquifer than 

in the alluvial aquifer. The hydraulic-head differential may direct water 

upward into the alluvium.

The Ozark and St. Francois aquifers include the Cambrian and Ordovician 

rocks in the area (Imes, in press). The aquifers underlie all of the basin and 

are discussed as a single unit because they have similar water levels and seem 

to be hydraulically connected. Water moves through and is stored in fractures 

and solution cavities in the rocks. The total combined thickness of both 

aquifers may be more than 2,000 feet. Test data from wells outside the basin 

indicate that the calculated hydraulic conductivity is about 0.00001 (1X10" ) 

feet per second (J.L. Imes, U.S. Geological Survey, oral commun., 1985). Well 

yields range from about 30 to about 500 gallons per minute. A value of 

transmissivity, calculated from an aquifer test outside of the basin, was 2,600 

feet squared per day. The source of recharge to the Ozark and St. Francois 

aquifers is from precipitation falling on outcrop areas and infiltrating into 

the ground-water system.
a

FEET 

10001

500- 

sea level500- 

1000-

1500- 

2000- 

2500-

90°30'

3000

Alluvial 

er

B' 

FEET

i

Ozark aquifer

St. Francois aquifer

012345 MILES

0 1 2345 KILOMETERS

Precambrian basement

EXPLA^4ATION

 300 WATER-TABLE CONTOUR. Show* dtiti 

water-table. Contour interval, in ft 

variable. Datum is sea level

PHYSIOGRAPHIC BOUNDARY 

BASIN BOUNDARY

36° 301 -

Figure 2.2-1. Generalized g«ohydrologic section and water-table map.

8
2.0 GENERAL FEATURES Continued 

2.3 Soils

SOILS IN THE SALEM PLATEAU AND MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL 

PLAIN ARE DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT

Soils in the Salem Plateau usually are well-drained and have formed in

loess and cherty residuum; soils in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain

usually are poorly drained and have formed in alluvial sediments.

Two distinct groups of soil associations are present in the Little Black 

River basin (fig. 2.3-1). The soils in the Salem Plateau are upland soils that 

have formed in loess and cherty residuum. The soils in the Mississippi Alluvial 

Plain are lowland soils that have formed in alluvial sediment.

The Captina-Clarksvilie-Macedonia soil association occurs in the 

northwestern part of the basin in the Salem Plateau. The soils in this 

association are moderately to steeply sloping, well drained, and have formed in 

loess and cherty residuum. They have a surface layer of silty loam and a 

subsoil of silt or silty clay loam. A cherty fragipan layer is about 17 to 30 

inches from the land surface in the Captina soils. Chert is present throughout 

the Clarksville soil and in the subsoil of the Macedonia soil. This soil 

association occupies the ridge tops and side slopes in the basin.

The Clarksville-Captina soil association occurs in the northern part of the 

basin in the Salem Plateau. The soils in this association are moderately 

to steeply sloping, well drained, and have formed in loess over cherty residuum 

or in a mixture of loess and cherty residuum. They have a surface layer of 

silty loam and a subsoil that changes with depth from silty loam to clay. Chert 

is present throughout the Clarksville soil and in the subsoil of the Captina 

soil. This soil association occupies ridge tops and side and foot slopes.

The Loring-Captina-Clarksville soil association occurs in the central and 

north-central parts of the basin in the Salem Plateau. The soils in this 

association are moderately to steeply sloping, well drained, and have formed in 

loess over cherty residuum or in a mixture of loess and cherty residuum. They 

have a surface layer of silty loam and the subsoil is a silty clay loam. A 

fragipan is present in the Loring and Captina soils. Chert is present in the 

subsoil of the Captina soils and throughout the Clarksville soil. This 

association is on ridge tops and side and foot slopes.

The Calhoun-Amagon soil association occurs in the southeastern part of the 

basin in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain adjacent to the upland and on either 

side of the Little Black River. The nearly level, poorly drained soils were 

formed in silty alluvial sediment. They have a surface layer of silty loam and 

a subsoil of silty loam or silty clay loam.

The Tuckerman-Bosket soil association occurs in the southeastern part of 

the basin in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The soils in this association are 

nearly level to moderately sloping, poorly and well drained, and have formed in 

loamy alluvial sediment. The surface layer is a fine sandy loam and the 

subsoils are fine sandy loam and sandy clay loam. This association occupies low 

terraces and ridges of natural levees.
2.0 GENERAL FEATURES Continued 

2.3 Soils Continued

The Wardell-Foley soil association occurs in the southern part of the basin 

in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The soils in the association are nearly 

level, poorly drained, and have formed in loamy alluvial sediment. The Warden 

soil has a surface layer and subsoil of fine sandy loam, and the Foley soil has 

a surface layer and subsoil of silty loam. This association occupies the broad, 

flat natural levees and old flood plains.

The Bosket-Dexter-Beulah soil association occurs in the southern part of 

the basin in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The soils in the association are 

undulating, well drained, and have formed in loamy alluvial sediment. The 

surface layer is a fine sand-to-silt loam and the subsoil is a fine sand-to-clay 

loam. This soil association occupies the natural levees.

36* SO1

EXPLANATION

CAPTINA-CLARKSVULE-MACEOONIA SOB. ASSOCIATION

CLARKSVU.LE-CAPTINA SOIL ASSOCIATION

LORING-CAPTINA-CLARKSVILLE SOIL ASSOCIATION

CALHOUN-AMAGON SOIL ASSOCIATION

TUCKERMAN-BOSKET SOIL ASSOCIATION

VYARDELL-FOLEY SOIL ASSOCIATION

BQSKET_ DEXTER-BEULAH SOIL ASSOCIATION 

BOUNDARY OF SOIL ASSOCIATION 

PHYSIOGRAPHIC BOUNDARY 

 BASIN BOUNDARY

36*30' MISSOURI 

ARKANSAS

5 MILES

012345 KILOAAETERS

Figure 2> I General soil map (modified from U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1985.)

10
2.0 GENERAL FEATURES Continued 

2.4 Land Use

FORESTRY AND AGRICULTURE ARE THE PRINCIPAL LAND USES

In the Salem Plateau part of the basin, most of the land is covered

by forests; in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain part of the basin, most of

the land is used for row-crop agriculture.

The Little Black River basin consists of about 247,000 acres and is in two 

distinct physiographic sections, the Salem Plateau and the Mississippi Alluvial 

Plain. The Salem Plateau is mostly well-drained with moderately sloping-tosteep terrain. Timber production is a major economic activity in the Salem 

Plateau. The U.S. Forest Service manages timber on about 9,700 acres in the 

Little Black River basin. White oak, black oak, red oak, blackjack oak, post 

oak, hickory, shortleaf pine, and sweet gum are the principal native tree 

species. About 25 percent of the basin in the Salem Plateau has been cleared 

(fig. 2.4-1).

The cleared acreage primarily is used for pasture with small patches of 

wheat and row crops. The pasture areas are subject to overgrazing, which 

enhances erosion conditions. The remaining land is used for raising livestock, 

primarily pigs, and growing timber.

The part of the Little Black River basin in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain 

generally is poorly drained and has a high seasonal water table, which limits 

the land use. The land has a large potential for woodland growth, but water 

logging limits using the area for marketable forest products. Row-crop 

agriculture is the principal activity (fig. 2.4-1) and the principal crops are 

corn, cotton, grain-sorghum, rice, soybeans, and wheat. As shown by data for 

Arkansas, the acreage planted in grain-sorghum, rice, and wheat has increased 

substantially since 1969 (table 2.4-1), whereas the acreage planted in corn, 

cotton, and soybeans has decreased.

The Little Black River basin is sparsely populated with a few small towns 

of less than 500 people. Much of the land is unsuitable for building sites 

because of water logging, flooding, clay, soil, and cutbank instability. Water 

logging, flooding, and steep slopes make most sites impractical for sewagelagoon construction.

Table 2.4-1.--Acreage of selected crops planted in Clay County, Arkansas

[1969 data from U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1978; 1984 data from 

Arkansas State Extension Office, oral commun., 1985]

Acreage

Crop 1969 1984

Corn.....................

Cotton......... ..........

Grain-sorghum. ...........

Rice.....................

Soybeans.......... .......

Wheat....................

5 567

35,558

15,246

9,500

162,642

16.821

3 534

11,156

61,358

61 ,664

98,589

47.944

11
EXPLANATION

FOREST AREA 

AGRICULTURAL LAND 

URBAN OR BUILT-UP AREA

RESERVOIRS 

PHYSIOGRAPHIC BOUNDARY

\ BASIN BOUNDARY

MISSISSIPPI 

ALLUVIAL

36*30'-

0)23 4 ,5AAILES 

012345 KILOMETERS

Figure 2.4-1. -Land usd and land cover, 1976.

12
2.0 GENERAL FEATURES Continued 

2.5 Water Use 

ABOUT 93 PERCENT OF ALL WATER USED IN THE BASIN IS FOR CROP IRRIGATION

Irrigation during 1984 used about 2.8 billion gallons 

of the estimated 3 billion gallons of water used in 

the Little Black River basin.

Annual water use is estimated at 8.2 million gallons per day; the water 

primarily is obtained from ground-water sources. Of the water used in the basin 

92.7 percent is used for irrigation, 5.7 percent for rural-domestic supplies, 

and 1.6 percent for public supplies in urban areas (fig. 2.5-1).

The largest quantity of water is used for irrigation, an average of 7.6 

million gallons per day or a total of 2.8 billion gallons during 1984 (Missouri 

Division of Geology and Land Survey, written commun., 1984). Almost all water 

used for irrigation is withdrawn from ground-water sources. About 0.12 million 

gallons per day is diverted and pumped from a surface-water source, the Little 

Black River. The information on surface-water use is not accurate because the 

pumping sites are moved frequently.

Water for domestic use in rural areas is supplied by the Ripley County 

Public Water-Supply Districts 1 and 2 and individual sources. The water-supply 

districts provided an estimated 2,060 people in the basin with about 0.17 

million gallons per day during 1984. Domestic water use by an estimated 5,000 

people in the remainder of the basin was about 0.30 million gallons per day 

during 1984. This was determined by estimating the rural population and 

multiplying by 60 gallons per day per person (Donald Hammer, Missouri Division 

of Geology and Land Survey, oral commun., 1985). The total quantity of water 

used in rural areas during 1984 was about 0.47 million gallons per day or a 

total of 170 million gallons. Ground water is the source for the Ripley County 

Public Water-Supply Districts 1 and 2, and is assumed to be the primary source 

for individual domestic use.

There are four city-owned public-water suppliers in the Little Black River 

basin. During 1984, the city of Naylor, Mo., used 0.055 million gallons per 

day, the city of Grandin, Mo., used 0.033 million gallons per day, and the city 

of Neelyville, Mo., used 0.0343 million gallons per day (Missouri Department of 

Natural Resources, 1985). Success, Ark., used 0.012 million gallons per day 

(C.T. Bryant, U.S. Geological Survey, oral commun., 1985) for a total of 0.134 

million gallons per day or a total of 49 million gallons per year of 

city-supplied water. All the cities pump from a total of five wells to supply 

about 1,540 people.

13
Public supplies: 

16 percent

Rural-domestic supplies.- 

5.7 percent

irrigation: 

92.7 percent

Total water use: 8.2 million gallons per day

Figure 2.5-1. Water use, 1984.

14
2.0 GENERAL FEATURES Continued 

2.6 Precipitation

AVERAGE MONTHLY PRECIPITATION VARIES SLIGHTLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR 

Monthly precipitation was variable during 1980 through 1984.

At Doniphan, Mo., which is slightly west of the basin (fig. 1.0-1), the 

average annual precipitation is 47.08 inches (National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 1984). Snow usually melts within 1 to 2 weeks. Monthly 

precipitation data for 1980 through 1984 are shown in figures 2.6-1 to 2.6-5. 

The average monthly precipitation data are shown in figure 2.6-6.

During 1980 to 1984 the least quantity of precipitation occurred during 

1980 and 1981. Data for these 2 years also indicated the least variability 

between monthly precipitations. The largest quantity and variability of 

precipitation occurred during 1982 and 1983. For those months in 1982 and 1983 

with large quantities of monthly precipitation, 1 or 2 storms contributed most 

of the precipitation in that month (National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, 1982 and 1983). During 1984 the precipitation was larger than 

average with some variability between months.

The average monthly precipitation varies slightly between months (fig. 

2.6-6) with no wet or dry months. The monthly precipitation data from 1980 to 

1984 also indicate that large variations in precipitation can occur in any 

month.

15
 Study area

EXPLANATION

FLOODWATER-RETARDING STRUCTURE AND 

APPROXIMATE EXTENT OF IMPOUNDMENT

MULTIPLE-PURPOSE STRUCTURE AND 

APPROXIMATE EXTENT OF IMPOUNDMENT

CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS 

LEVEE OR DIKE 

LEVEE OR DIKE WITH PIPE 

 BASIN BOUNDARY

36° 30'-

0 I 2 3 4 S MILES 

012345 KILOMETERS

Figure 1.0-I. Location of floodvwter-retarding and multiple-purpose structures, and types of channel 

improvements planned for the Little Black River basin by the Soil Conservation Service (from 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, I974a, I974W.
3.0 SURFACE-WATER QUANTITY 

3.1 Average Monthly and Annual Streamflow

STREAMFLOW VARIES SEASONALLY AND ANNUALLY

During 1980-84, the smallest average monthly flows occurred 

from June through November.

Six continuous-record streamflow-gaging stations were operated in the 

Little Black River basin during the study (fig. 3.1-1). Five stations were in 

the Salem Plateau and one station, Little Black River at Success, Ark. was in 

the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The channel slope of the Little Black River in 

the Salem Plateau is fairly steep, but in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain the 

channel slope flattens (fig. 3.1-2). Generally, steeper slopes cause the stage 

of a river to rise and to recede more rapidly.

Average monthly and annual flows at the six streamflow-gaging stations in 

the basin were calculated for 1980-84 using daily records and are shown in 

figure 3.1-3. Large average flows occurred from December through May. In these 

months, soil moisture was plentiful, contributing to large base flows. When 

precipitation occurs in these months, the soil is almost saturated; therefore, 

only small quantities of water infiltrate into the soil and most of the water 

flows off the land into the streams. From June through November, the average 

flows were minimal; this is during the growing season and substantial quantities 

of soil moisture are lost to evaporation and transpiration. The precipitation 

data presented in section 2.6 indicate that during 1980-84 precipitation from 

June through November was only slightly less than the precipitation in other 

months.

17
3g£0

EXPLANATION

070682504 STREAMFIOW GAGING STATION AND

DOWNSTREAM ORDER NUMBER '

07068250 MIDDLE FORK LITTLE BLACK RIVER AT 

GRANDIN, MO.

07068300 NORTH PRONG LITTLE BLACK RIVER 

NEAR GRANDIN, MO.

07068380 LITTLE BLACK RIVER NEAR GRAND4N, M

07068510 LITTLE BLACK RIVER BELOW 

JAIRDEALING, MO.

07068540 LOGAN CREEK AT OXLY, MO. 

07068600 LITTLE BLACK RIVER AT SUCCESS, ARK. 

 PHYSIOGRAPHIC BOUNDARY 

^- ^-^ .. BASIN BOUNDARY

36°

MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL 

PLAIN

- MISSOURI 

 ARKANSAS

Success

012345 MILES -V01 2345 KILOMETERS

Figure 3.1-1 . Location of streamf low-gaging stations.

18
61

LEVEL SEA ABOVE FEET IN ALTITUDE, CHANNEL 

8

o

o 

o

o 

o

00

o 

o

so 

o

n

I

o

(75

n

22 

m

-xj 3~ 

co « 

-n 2 

§ i 

I i 
SECOND PER FEET CUBIC IN STREAMFLOW, 

N> 

O 

O

O 

O

en 

o 

o

oo

o 

o

o 

o 

o

N> 

O 

O

m 

CD

CO 

'l

t

3

*

o

3

c 

z

<- i. 

C ? 

o

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o 

o

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o 

m 

o

3

B

n tO tF9 

SBI

§ § ^ 

po oo oo W en cr» O* 

8 o § 8 

m

O

O
r

3.0 SURFACE-WATER QUANTITY Continued 

3.2 Low flow

LOW FLOWS NORMALLY ARE WELL-SUSTAINED BY GROUND-WATER INFLOW

Seepage-run data indicate that the Little Black River is a gaining 

stream, except in most of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain.

Low-flow frequency data were computed for streams that have continuous - 

record streamflow-gaging stations (table 3.2-1) by using methods described by 

Riggs (1972). Data from October 1980 to September 1984 were used in the 

computations. Except at the Middle Fork Little Black River at Grandin, Mo., low 

flows were well-sustained by ground-water inflow.

In late summer 1980, the flow of the Little Black River at Success, 

Ark. was determined to be substantially less than upstream at Fairdealing. To 

determine where the flow in the Little Black River was being lost, a seepage run 

was made on August 12, 1980 (fig. 3.2-1). A seepage run is a series of 

discharge measurements along a stream reach made in a short time to identify 

where gains or losses occur. Extensive pumpage for rice and row-crop irrigation 

from shallow alluvial wells and, in some cases, directly from the streams in the 

Mississippi Alluvial Plain caused a significant decrease in streamflow 

downstream from Fairdealing. In this reach of the stream, the flow decreased 

about 62 percent.

The Little Black River generally is a well-sustained, gaining stream in the 

Salem Plateau. The seepage-run data indicate that water is lost when the stream 

flows into the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, and irrigation pumpage from the river 

probably is responsible for most of the loss.

Table 3.2-1. Annual 7-day low flows, in cubic feet per second, at six streamflow-gaging stations, 

 based on record from October. 1980 to September, 1984

Station 

number 

(fig. 3.1-1)

07068250

07068300

07068380

07068510

07068540

07068600

Station 

name

Middle Fork Little Black River at Grandin, Mo.

North Prong Little Black River near Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River near Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River below Fairdealing, Mo.

Logan Creek at Oxly, Mo.

Little Black River at Success, Ark. 1

Drainage area, 

in 

square miles

6.85

39.40

79.50

194.00

37.50

386.00

Annual 7-day 

low- flow 

for indicated

recurrence 

interval , 

in years

2 10

0.0 0.0

1.6 .9

6.1 3.3

23 14

2.6 2.1

--

Irrigation pumpage from the river is not consistent every year; frequency computations are not 

feasible.

21
EXPLANATION 

07068250 00

STREAMFLOW-GAGING STATION, 

DOWNSTREAM ORDER NUMBER, AND 

DISCHARGE, IN CUBIC FEET PER 

SECOND

MISCELLANEOUS MEASUREMENT SITE 

AND DISCHARGE, IN CUBIC FEET 

PER SECOND

X . . PHYSIOGRAPHIC BOUNDARY 

\ ..-. BASIN BOUNDARY

1(^...

36° 30' - MISSOURI

ARKANSAS"

SuCCMt

0123 4 $ MILES 

01 2345 KILOMETERS

Figure 3.2-1.--Results of seepage rw\ August 12,198Q

22
3.0 SURFACE-WATER QUANTITY Continued 

3.3 Floodflow

STATEWIDE FLOOD-MAGNITUDE AND FLOOD-FREQUENCY EQUATIONS ARE ADEQUATE

FOR ESTIMATING THE MAGNITUDE AND FREQUENCY OF FLOODS IN THE

LITTLE BLACK RIVER BASIN

Flood peaks in early December 1982 were larger than the estimated 100-year

flood throughout most of the basin.

Estimates of flood magnitude and frequency at streamflow-gaging stations in 

the Little Black River basin are listed in table 3.3-1. These estimates were 

determined by using flood magnitude and flood-frequency equations derived by 

Hauth (1974). Because few peak-discharge data are available in the basin, the 

estimates are considered more accurate than those obtained from a log-Pearson 

analysis (U.S. Water Resources Council, 1981) of the peak-flow data for each 

station.

Hauth's (1974) equations were derived by using data from the entire State. 

Because the State consists of several different physiographic areas that have 

different floodflow characteristics, the accuracy of Hauth's (1974) equations in 

the Little Black River basin had to be determined. An analysis of floodmagnitude and frequency data collected within 100 miles of the Little Black 

River basin indicated that Hauth's (1974) equations were applicable without 

modification.

Selected peak discharges in the basin and their estimated recurrence 

intervals are listed in table 3.3-2. Recurrence interval was estimated by 

comparison with the data in table 3.3-1. Four of the stations recorded one peak 

discharge in early December 1982 that was larger than the estimated 100-year 

flood.

23
Table 3.3-1.--Estimated magnitude and frequency of floods at six streamflow-gaging station

ro

Station 

number 

(fig. 3.1-1)

07068250

07068300

07068380

07068510

07068540

07068600

Station name

Middle Fork Little Black 

River at Grandin, Mo.

North Prong Little Black 

River near Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River near 

Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River below 

Fairdealing, Mo.

Logan Creek at Oxly, Mo.

Little Black River at 

Success, Ark.

[Data

Drainage 

area, in 

square miles

6.85

39.4

79.5

194

37.5

386

from Hauth, 1974]

Slope, Magnitude of floods, in cu

in feet for indicated recurrence 

per mile 10

130 4,120

24.2 7,300

18.7 11,000

9.28 15,000

22.0 6,700

4.72 (1)

25

5,700

9,710

14,600

19,700

8,870

(1)

Peak-flow frequency data not computed because of backwater effects from the Current River.
Table 3.3-2.--Selected peak discharges and their estimated frequency at six streamflow-gaging stations

ro 

en

[ >, greater than; <, less than]

Station 

number 

(fig. 3.1-1)

07068250

07068300

07068380

07068510

07068540

07068600

Station name

Middle Fork Little Black River at 

Grandin, Mo.

North Prong Little Black River near Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River near Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River below 

Fairdealing, Mo.

Logan Creek at Oxly, Mo.

Little Black River at 

Success, Ark.

Date

8-15-82 

12-03-82 

.12-24-82

8-16-82 

12-03-82 

12-24-82

1-31-82 

8-16-82 

12-03-82 

12-24-82

1-31-82 

12-03-82 

12-24-82

1-31-82 

8-16-82 

12-03-82 

12-24-82

(2)

Discharge, in 

cubic feet 

per second

4,220 

6,080 

3,800

8,940 

31 ,800 

9,060

12,300 

16,000 

41 ,800 

17,800

14,100 

54,200 

16,800

5,280 

6,760 

15,200 

6,250

(2)

Estimated recurrence 

interval,, 

in years

>10, <25 

>25, <50

>10, <25 

>100 

>10, <25

>10, <25 

>25, <50 

>100 

>50, <100

>100* 

>10, <25

>5, <10 

>10, <25 

>100

(2)

Recurrence intervals were determined using equations developed by Hauth, 1974.

'Peak-flow discharge and frequency data not computed because of backwater effects from the Current River.
4.0 SURFACE-WATER QUALITY 

4.1 Water-Quality-Sampling Stations

SEVEN STATIONS WERE ESTABLISHED FOR COLLECTION OF WATER-QUALITY DATA

Water-quality data collected bimonthly included 

13 properties and constituents.

Water-quality data for streams were collected bimonthly at 6 of 7 stations, 

and water-temperature data were collected hourly at 5 of 7 stations in the 

Little Black River basin (fig. 4.1-1). The properties and constituents sampled 

were specific conductance, water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total 

nitrogen, organic nitrogen, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, total phosphorus, 

orthophosphate, fecal-coliform bacteria, and fecal-streptococci bacteria. These 

are described in the following sections. The concentration of some of the 

constituents is compared to that for data collected by the U.S. Geological 

Survey from adjacent areas. All data are published in annual water-data reports 

for Missouri (U.S. Geological Survey, published annually).

27
EXPLANATION

07068560^ 

07068380^

07068250s,

WATER-QUALITY SAMPLING STATION 

AND NUMBER

WATER-QUALITY AND HOURLY WATER - 

TEMPERATURE SAMPLING STATION 

AND NUMBER

HOURLY WATER - TEMPERATURE

SAMPLING STATION AND NUMBER

07068250 MIDDLE FORK LITTLE BLACK RIVER 

GRANDIN, MO.

07068300 NORTH PRONG LITTLE BLACK RIVER 

NEAR GRANDIN, MO.

07068380 LITTLE BLACK RIVER NEAR GRANDIN, M(

07068510 LITTLE BLACK RIVER BELOW FAIR DEAL ING 

MO.

07068540 LOGAN CREEK AT OXLY, MO.

07068560

07068600

ISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL 

PLAIN

AT

LITTLE BLACK RIVER 

DITCH 2 NEAR 

SINSABAUGH, MO.

LITTLE BLACK RIVER 

AT SUCCESS, ARK.

PHYSIOGRAPHIC BOUNDAf

»

 BASIN BOUNDARY

lyvill*

Success

1 234 SMILES

01 2345 KILOMETERS

Figure 4.1-1. Location of water-quality-sampling stations.

28
4.0 SURFACE-WATER QUALITY Continued 

4.2 Specific conductance

SPECIFIC-CONDUCTANCE VALUES WERE LARGEST DURING LOW FLOWS

Specific-conductance values ranged from 50 to 400 microsiemens per centimeter at 

25 °Celsius, which is slightly less than those from surrounding areas.

Specific conductance of water is a measurement of the capacity of water to 

conduct an electrical current. The presence of charged ions makes the water 

conductive. As the ionic concentration increases, the specific conductance 

increases. Therefore, the specific conductance is an indicator of the ionic 

concentrations of water.

The ionic concentration increases in water as the water comes in contact 

with chemical compounds that are soluble in water. When precipitation falls, it 

has had minimal contact with soluble compounds, so the specific-conductance 

value is low. Typically, specific conductance of precipitation ranges from 5.0 

to 30 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 °Celsius (Davis and DeWiest, 1966). As 

the precipitation infiltrates into the soil and percolates to the ground-water 

system, it comes into contact with more soluble chemicals. The longer the water 

is in the ground-water system, the larger the specific-conductance value. The 

specific conductance of stream water is dependent upon the source of the water. 

During storm runoff, the specific conductance in a stream typically is small 

because most of the water comes from precipitation that has drained directly 

from land into the stream. During low flow, specific-conductance values are 

larger because most of the flow is from ground water seeping into the stream.

Specific-conductance values for surface water measured in the Little Black 

River basin ranged from 50 to 400 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 °Celsius 

(table 4.2-1). The smallest specific-conductance values were measured during 

high flows. The smallest median specific-conductance values were measured at 

the North Prong Little Black River near Grandin, Mo., and at the Little Black 

River ditch 2 near Sinsabaugh, Mo. The North Prong Little Black River near 

Grandin, Mo., is in the headwater area of the basin where most of the flow is 

overland runoff or water with minimal ground-water residence time. The Little 

Black River ditch 2 near Sinsabaugh, Mo., drains agricultural land. Water in 

the ditch comes from overland runoff or from precipitation that has percolated 

through the soil to the water table and drained into the ditch. At both 

stations the residence time of the water in the ground-water system is minimal, 

resulting in small specific-conductance values. At the other stations, water 

seeping into the streams has been in the ground-water system much longer causing 

the specific-conductance values to be larger.

The U.S. Geological Survey has collected specific-conductance data outside 

the Little Black River basin at various stream locations in the Salem Plateau 

and the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The specific-conductance values measured in 

both physiographic sections were similar, and the median specific-conductance 

values ranged from 185 to 516 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 °Celsius. The 

median values of the data collected in the Little Black River basin (table 

4.2-1) were within the lower one-half of the range of median values measured in 

adjacent areas.

29
Table 4.2-1 .--Specific-conductance values at six water-quality-sampling stations, August 1980 to Septembe

Station 

number 

(fig. 4.1-1)

07068300

07068380

07068510

07068540

07068560

07068600

U> 

O

Specific conductance, in microsiemens 

per centimeter at 25 °Ce1sius

Station name

North Prong Little Black River 

near Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River near 

Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River below 

Fairdealing,- Mo.

Logan Creek at Oxly, Mo.

Little Black River ditch 2 

near Sinsabaugh, Mo.

Little Black River at 

Success, Ark.

Maximum

240

330

365

375

250

400

Minimum

68

50

50

85

70

70

Mean

152

205

226

237

145

228

Median

150

202

250

255

115

242

N

of 
4.0 SURFACE-WATER QUALITY Continued 

4.3 Water Temperature

CLIMATE IS THE PRIMARY FACTOR AFFECTING SURFACE-WATER TEMPERATURE

Surface-water temperature is affected by fluctuating daily air temperature, 

precipitation, radiation heat, and ground water.

Water temperature has a direct effect on the use of surface water, 

including the quality of water for domestic supplies, fish culture, waste 

assimilation, and industrial and agricultural uses. Water temperature affects 

nearly every physical property of surface water, and it is a significant factor 

in most chemical reactions and all biological activity in the aquatic community. 

Generally, the rate of chemical reactions is doubled for each 10-°Celsius rise 

in temperature, and data also indicate that toxicity of organic compounds and 

trace metals increases with increased temperature (Stevens and others, 1975).

The principal physical properties that affect water quality include 

density, specific heat, visosity, vapor pressure, gas solubility, and gas 

diffusibility (Stevens and others, 1975). These properties, along with 

temperature, affect stratification, evaporation, velocity of settling particles, 

and the concentration and rate of replacement of dissolved oxygen. Water 

viscosity and density are inversely proportional to the velocity of settling 

particles. Because both of these properties cause increased settling rates at 

higher water temperatures, a difference in water temperature can affect the 

location and quantity of sediment and sludge deposits in slow-flowing rivers and 

streams. For agricultural use, extremely high or low irrigation-water 

temperature may affect crop growth and yields. The return of irrigation water 

can increase the water temperature of the receiving body of water.

Climate is the primary factor affecting temperatures of Missouri streams. 

Through natural changes in climate, the temperature of water will fluctuate 

daily as well as seasonally. Unshaded streams, such as the Little Black River 

at Success, Ark., show the effect of radiation heating, especially during summer 

months. These streams usually have water temperatures higher than the mean air 

temperature in the area (fig. 4.3-1). Further upstream at the Little Black 

River near Grandin, Mo., where the river channel is well shaded, a large 

difference is not apparent between the water and air temperature during the 

summer, which indicates less radiation heat effect and the effect on water 

temperature from the ground-water inflow. Data from selected streamflow-gaging 

stations in the Little Black River basin indicate large seasonal fluctuations 

(fig. 4.3-1), which indicates that climatic changes, such as air temperature and 

precipitation, are the primary contributors to water-temperature variations.

Water temperatures were measured hourly at five water-quality-sampling 

stations in the Little Black River basin. The mean monthly water temperature 

and the maximum and minimum measured temperatures for each month for the period 

of data collection are shown in figure 4.3-2. The mean water temperature at the 

most downstream station, the Little Black River at Success, Ark., usually was 

higher than that at the upstream stations.

31
CO

to

(7)

u

t/>

30

25

20

15

10

-5

 AIR TEMPERATURE AT DONIPHAN, MO.

-WATER TEMPERATURE OF LITTLE BLACK RIVER 

NEAR GRANDIN, MO.

-WATER TEMPERATURE OF LITTLE BLACK RIVER 

AT SUCCESS, ARK.

OCT MOV 

1983

DEC JAN FEB MAR APR 

1984

MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT

Figure 4.3-1. Comparison of monthly mean air temperature and water temperature at selected sites.
ee

JW

CELSIUS DEGREES IN TEMPERATURE. WATER CELSIUS DEGREES IN TEMPERATURE. WATER 

07068250 

07068380 

07068510 

07068540 

07068600

07068250 

07068380 

07068510 

07068540 

07068600

07068250 

07068380 

07068510 

07068540 

07068600

07068250 

07068380 

07068510 

07068540

07068600

*

07068250 

07068380 

07068510 

07068540 

07068600

07068250 

07068380 

07068510 

07068540 

07068600

07068250 

07068380 

07068510 

07068540 

07068600

II i I i i i 

\ \ \

- ._ hH \

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07068250 

07068380 

07068510 

07068540 

07068600

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07068380 

07068510 

07068540 

07068600

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07068380 

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07068540 

07068600

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4.0 SURFACE-WATER QUALITY Continued 

4.4 pH

VALUES OF pH ARE SIMILAR THROUGHOUT THE BASIN 

The pH values range from 6.4 to 8.5 with a median of 7.4.

The pH value is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen-ion activity and 

ranges from 0 to 14 units. Water with a pH of 7 is considered neutral, a pH 

less than 7 is considered acidic, and a pH more than 7 is considered alkaline. 

The introduction of any solid, liquid, or gaseous matter that involves the 

hydrogen-ion activity in water can affect the pH. The pH value of natural water 

can be variable depending on the type of constituents in the water. The pH 

value also can be affected by the photosynthetic activity of the stream. During 

photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is used, which decreases the carbonic-acid 

concentration in the stream and increases the pH value. Conversely, during 

respiration carbon dioxide is produced, which increases the carbonic-acid 

concentration and decreases the pH value. The pH value is a significant 

property in streams because the toxicity of many compounds is affected by the 

hydrogen-ion activity. Cyanide toxicity to fish increases as the pH decreases. 

Conversely, the ammonia toxicity to fish increases as the pH increases (U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, 1976).

The Missouri water-quality standard for pH in the Little Black River basin 

states that water contaminants shall not cause the pH value to be outside the 

range of 6.5 to 9.0 (Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 1984). The pH 

values in the Little Black River basin ranged from 6.4 to 8.5 with a median of 

7.4 (table 4.4-1) and are similar throughout the basin. Although minimal pH 

values were less than the Missouri water-quality standard, it is doubtful that 

water contaminants were the cause. The variation in pH probably was because of 

the natural fluctuations in the carbonic-acid concentrations in the stream.

The U.S. Geological Survey has collected pH data outside the Little Black 

River basin at various stream locations in the Salem Plateau and the Mississippi 

Alluvial Plain. No differences are indicated in the values obtained from both 

physiographic sections, and the medians of these pH values ranged from 7.6 to 

8.2. The medians obtained in the Little Black River basin were all less than 

this range.

35
Table 4.4-1.--Values of pH at six water-qua!ity-sampling stations, August 1980 to September 1984

Station 

number 

(fig. 4.1-1) Station name

pH, in units

Maximum Minimum Median

Number 

samples

07068300 North Prong Little Black River near 

Grandin, Mo.

07068380 Little Black River near Grandin, Mo.

07068510 Little Black River below 

Fairdealing, Mo..

07068540 Logan Creek at Oxly, Mo.

07068560 Little Black River ditch 2 near 

Sinsabaugh, Mo.

07068600 Little Black River at Success, Ark.

8.5

8.2 

8.0

8.0 

7.7

8.0

6.8

6.6

6.7

6.8 

6.6

6.4

7.4

7.5 

7.4

7.4 

7.4

7.4

26

26

25

25

10

24

co 

cr>
4.0 SURFACE-WATER QUALITY Continued 

4.5 Dissolved Oxygen

MINIMUM DISSOLVED-OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS WERE LESS 

THAN THE MISSOURI WATER-QUALITY STANDARD

The largest average dissolved-oxygen concentrations were measured 

in the headwaters, and the smallest average concentrations were

measured near the mouth.

The dissolved-oxygen concentration in a stream is significant because 

oxygen is necessary for the respiration of organisms living in the streams. 

Oxygen can enter the water by photosynthesis of aquatic plants and by oxygen 

entering directly from the atmosphere. Oxygen is depleted by organisms 

consuming organic matter and by the oxidation of chemical compounds. To ensure 

survival of fish and other aquatic organisms, the dissolved-oxygen concentration 

needs to be relatively large. The Missouri water-quality standard states that 

water contaminants shall not cause the dissolved-oxygen concentration in the 

Little Black River basin to be less than 5.0 milligrams per liter (Missouri 

Department of Natural Resources, 1984).

The minimum dissolved-oxygen concentrations at six water-quality-sampling 

stations were less than the Missouri water-quality standard (table 4.5-1). 

Small dissolved-oxygen concentrations occur during low-flow conditions in summer 

when the water temperature was high because gases are not as soluble in warm 

water as in cool water. Small dissolved-oxygen concentrations also were 

measured during high-flow conditions because overland runoff washed material 

into the water that decomposed and depleted the dissolved oxygen. The largest 

median dissolved-oxygen concentrations were measured in the headwaters of the 

basin and the smallest median concentrations were measured near the mouth.

The U.S. Geological Survey has collected dissolved-oxygen data outside the 

Little Black River basin at various stream locations in the Salem Plateau and 

the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The median dissolved-oxygen concentrations in 

the Salem Plateau outside of the study area ranged from 8.4 to 11.8 milligrams 

per liter. The median dissolved-oxygen concentration at water-quality-sampling 

stations in this part of the Little Black River basin were smaller than 8.4 

milligrams per liter. The median dissolved-oxygen concentrations in the 

Mississippi Alluvial Plain outside of the study area ranged from 7.6 to 8.2 

milligrams per liter. The median dissolved-oxygen concentrations at waterquality-sampling stations in this part of the Little Black River basin (Little 

Black River ditch 2 near Sinsabaugh, Mo., and the Little Black River at Success, 

Ark.) were smaller than 7.6 milligrams per liter.

37
Table 4.5-1.--Dissolved-oxygen concentrations at six water-quality-sampling stations, August 1980 to Septem

oo

00

Station 

number 

(fig 4.1-1)

07068300

07068380

07068510

07068540

07068560

07068600

[mg/L, milligrams per liter ; percent, percent of saturation]

Dissolved-oxygen concentrations

Station name.

North Prong Little 

Black River near

Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River 

near Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River 

below Fairdealing, 

Mo.

Logan Creek at Oxly, 

Mo.

Little Black River 

ditch 2 near

Sinsabaugh, Mo.

Little Black River 

at Success, Ark.

Unit

mg/L 

Percent

mg/L 

Percent

mg/L 

Percent

mg/L 

Percent

mg/L 

Percent

mg/L 

Percent

Maximum

12.8. 

109

12.2 

99

10.6 

91

11.4

94

10.0 

82

10.8 

89

Minimum

4.8 

54

2.2 

25

2.8 

31

3.0 

33

3.4 

41

2.8 

29

Mean

8.2 

80

7.8 

76

6.8 

66

7.1 

69

6.7 

64

6.6 

65

Median

8.0 

82

7.6 

81

6.2 

64

7.0 

68

6.8 

70

6.2 

68

Number of 

samples

26 

26

26 

26

25 

25

25 

25

10 

10

24 

24

Number o

samples 

with 

concentrat

less tha

water-qual

standar

1

1

5

3

3

6

Missouri water-quality standard is that dissolved-oxygen concentrations are to be larger than 5.0 millig

per liter.
4.0 SURFACE-WATER QUALITY Continued 

4.6 Nitrogen

ORGANIC NITROGEN IS THE MOST ABUNDANT FORM OF NITROGEN IN THE BASIN

The total nitrogen concentrations were larger in the Mississippi Alluvial 

Plain than in the Salem Plateau because of increases in organic nitrogen.

Nitrogen is detected in a number of different forms. In water, the most 

common forms are organic nitrogen, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. In the 

presence of oxygen, nitrifying bacteria will oxidize all forms of nitrogen to 

nitrate. The quantity of organic nitrogen and ammonia present in water is 

dependent on the population of nitrifying bacteria and the time the compound has 

been in the water. Nitrite is easily oxidized to nitrate, so the nitrite 

concentrations in water generally are small.

Sources of the different nitrogen compounds in water vary, but the 

principal one is runoff. Organic nitrogen can enter a stream by feedlot runoff, 

but a large part of the organic nitrogen probably comes from dead plant or 

organic material that has fallen or washed into the stream. Sources of ammonia 

are feedlot runoff and runoff from agricultural land fertilized by ammonia 

compounds. Ammonia also is a primary constituent of sewage. Nitrate is the 

most mobile form of nitrogen. Unlike the other nitrogen compounds, nitrate is 

not absorbed onto soil particles, so sources of nitrate can be from drainage of 

farmland by surface or ground water.

At six water-quality-sampling stations in the Little Black River basin, the 

form of nitrogen detected in the largest concentration was organic nitrogen 

(table 4.6-1). Nitrate was detected in the second largest concentrations. 

Ammonia and nitrite concentrations throughout the basin were small.

Median concentrations of total nitrogen at water-quality-sampling stations 

in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain were larger than the median concentrations 

at water-quality-sampling stations in the Salem Plateau. Median organicnitrogen concentrations at water-quality-sampling stations in the Mississippi 

Alluvial Plain were larger than those at water-quality-sampling stations in the 

Salem Plateau. Median ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate concentrations at waterquality-sampling stations in both physiographic sections were similar.

The U.S. Geological Survey has collected total-nitrogen data outside the 

Little Black River basin at various stream locations in the Salem Plateau, but 

not in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The medians of the total-nitrogen data 

collected in the Salem Plateau ranged from 0.36 to 1.60 milligrams per liter. 

The medians of total-nitrogen data collected in the Little Black River basin 

were within this range.

39
Table 4.6-1.--Nitrogen concentrations at six water-quality-sampllng stations, August 1980 to September 

Station 

number 

(fig. 4.1-1)

07068300

07068380

07068510

07068540

07068560

07068600

Nitrogen, in milligrams per liter, as ni

Station name Type

North Prong Little Black River near Total

Grandin, Mo. Organic

Ammonia

Nitrite

Nitrate

Little Black River near Grandin, Mo. . Total

Organic

Arnmon i a

Nitrite

Nitrate

Little Black River below Fairdealing, Mo. Total

Organic

Ammonia

Nitrite

Nitrate

Logan Creek at Oxly, Mo. Total

Organic

Ammonia

Nitrite

Nitrate

Little Black River ditch 2 near Total

Sinsabaugh, Mo. Organic

Ammonia

Nitrite

Nitrate

Little Black River at Success, Ark. Total

Organic

Ammonia

Nitrite

Nitrate

Maximum

1.40

.70

.10

.03

1.98

2.20

2.10

.25

.04

.53

1.90

1.70

.20

.03

.77

2.20

1.14

.10

.03

1.38

1.60

.84

.46

.04

.80

2.20

1.70

.25

.05

.40

Minimum

0.30

.04

.01

.00

.00

.13

.14

.01

.00

.00

.23

.00

.01

.00

.00

.21

.11

.00

.00

.00

.64

.31

.06

.00

.00

.25

.05

.00

.00

.00

Mean

0.66

.36

.05

.01

.27

.74

.52

.06

.02

.16

.79

.56

.07

.02

.18

.74

.48

.05

.02

.21

1.10

.67

.14

.02

.28

.97

.71

.08

.02

.18

Medi

0.6

.3

.0

.0

.1

.7

.3

.0

.0

.0

.6

.4

.0

.0

.1

.6

.5

.0

.0

.0

.9

.6

.1

.0

.1

.9

.7

.0

.0

.1
4.0 SURFACE-WATER QUALITY Continued 

4.7 Phosphorus

LARGEST AVERAGE PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATION OCCURRED AT 

THE MOST DOWNSTREAM WATER-QUALITY-SAMPLING STATION

Maximum phosphorus concentrations occurred during high-flow conditions 

because of rainfall washing phosphorus into the streams.

Phosphorus is one of the primary nutrients required for plant growth and is 

essential for plant life. It has been credited with causing eutrophication in 

bodies of water, particularly lakes. Phosphorus is not the only cause of 

eutrophication, but usually it is the limiting nutrient. Therefore, increases 

in phosphorus concentrations tend to cause increases in plant growth. No 

widespread agreement exists on acceptable concentrations of total phosphorus in 

streams, primarily because of disagreements on what constitutes eutrophic 

conditions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1976) suggests an upper 

limit of 0.1 milligram per liter for preventing nuisance plant growths in 

streams.

Phosphorus enters streams from several different sources. Human and animal 

wastes and phosphate detergents have caused sewage to be a significant source. 

Runoff from agricultural land fertilized with phosphate fertilizer and runoff 

from feedlots can contribute phosphorus to a stream. Tree leaves and 

atmospheric deposition also are natural sources of phosphorus.

The smallest median total-phosphorus concentration in the Little Black 

River occurred in the headwaters of the basin and increased toward the mouth 

(table 4.7-1). At all except the most upstream water-quality-sampling station 

(North Prong Little Black River at Grandin, Mo.), the maximum total-phosphorus 

concentrations equaled or exceeded the limit suggested by the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (1976). In all cases, the large total-phosphorus 

concentrations occurred during high-flow conditions in the basin when phosphorus 

was washed into the stream by precipitation. At the most downstream 

water-quality-sampling station (Little Black River at Success, Ark.) the maximum 

total-phosphorus concentration was larger than at any other water-qualitysampling station. This indicates that runoff from the Mississippi Alluvial 

Plain not drained by the Little Black River ditch 2 near Sinsabaugh, Mo., is 

contributing total phosphorus to the Little Black River basin.

The U.S. Geological Survey has collected total-phosphorus data outside the 

Little Black River basin at various stream locations in the Salem Plateau and 

the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The medians of the total-phosphorus 

distributions in the Salem Plateau ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 milligram per liter 

as phosphorus. The medians of data collected in the Salem Plateau in the Little 

Black River basin are within this range of medians. The medians of the totalphosphorus data in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain ranged from 0.21 to 0.63 

milligram per liter as phosphorus. The medians of data collected in the Little 

Black River basin in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain are less than this range of 

medians.

41
Table 4.7-1.--Total phosphorus and orthophosphate concentrations at six water-quality-sampling stations, August 

ro

Station

number

(fig. 4.1-1)

07068300

07068380

07068510

07068540

07068560

07068600

Total phosphorus and orthoposphate,

Station name

North Prong Little Black

River near Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River near

Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River below

Fairdealing, Mo.

Logan Creek at Oxly, Mo.

Little Black River ditch

2 near Sinsabaugh, Mo.

Little Black River at

Success, Ark.

in

Type .

Total phosphorus

Orthophosphate

Total phosphorus

Orthophosphate

Total phosphorus

Orthophosphate

Total phosphorus

Orthophosphate

Total phosphorus

Orthophosphate

Total phosphorus

Orthophosphate

milligrams per liter,

Maximum

0.05

.02

.17

.08

.15

.07

.10

.06

.10

.05

.29

.20

Minimum

0.01

.00

.00

.00

.01

.01

.01

.00

.03

.01

.01

.01

as phosphorus

Mean

0.02

.01

.02

.02

.04

.02

.02

.01

.06

.03

.09

.06

Median

0.01

.01

.01

.01

.03

.02

.01

.01

.05

.03

.09

.05

Number 

sampl

25

25

23

23

24

24

25

25

10

10

24

24
4.0 SURFACE-WATER QUALITY Continued 

4.8 Bacteria

STORM RUNOFF IS THE PRIMARY CONTRIBUTOR TO 

BACTERIAL CONCENTRATION IN THE LITTLE BLACK RIVER

Livestock waste is the primary source of bacteria; storm runoff is the cause

of large bacterial concentration.

Biological-indicator bacteria have become significant in defining water 

quality in streams of Missouri. Bacterial data generally are used to identify 

either environmental changes or to quantify contamination. Streams in the 

Little Black River basin were sampled for fecal-coliform and fecal-streptococci 

bacteria by the membrane-filter method during this study.

Fecal-coliform bacteria are bacteria that are present in the intestines of 

warm-blooded animals. The primary species in the fecal-coliform-bacteria group 

is Escherichia coli, a species that indicates fecal contamination and the 

possible presence of intestinal microorganisms capable of causing disease.

Fecal-streptococci bacteria are used as indicators of substantial 

contamination of water because the normal habitat of these bacteria is the 

intestines of man and other mammals. The presence of fecal-streptococci 

bacteria in surface water verify fecal contamination and may provide additional 

information concerning the probable source of contamination. Fecal-streptococci 

bacteria are not known to multiply freely in the environment. In combination 

with data for fecal-coliform bacteria, data for fecal-streptococci bacteria are 

used for sanitary evaluation when a more precise determination is needed.

The relation of concentrations of fecal-coliform bacteria to fecalstreptococci bacteria can provide information on the source of contamination 

(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1978). Estimated contributions of 

indicator bacteria by humans and animals were used to determine ratios of 

fecal-coliform bacteria to fecal-streptococci bacteria (table 4.8-1). From 

these data, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1978) determined that 

ratios larger than 4.0 indicate contamination from human wastes and that ratios 

less than 0.7 indicate that contamination could have resulted from livestock and 

poultry wastes, milk and food-processing wastes, or from storm runoff. Ratios 

between 0.7 and 4.0 indicate mixed sources of contamination.

The Missouri water-quality standard for fecal-coliform bacteria in the 

Little Black River states that for periods when the river is not affected by 

stormwater runoff, the fecal-coliform-bacteria count shall not exceed a 

geometric mean of 200 colonies per 100 milliliters of sample during the 

recreational season from April 1 to October 31 (Missouri Department of Natural 

Resources, 1984). Sampling will be based on a minimum of five samples collected 

on different days during a 30-day period. The tributaries of the Little Black 

River do not have a bacterial water-quality standard. The bacterial data 

collected in the Little Black River basin from August 1980 to September 1984 are 

listed in table 4.8-2. Because the sampling schedule did not meet the 

guidelines designated in the water-quality standard, the data cannot be used to 

determine if the standard for fecal-coliform bacteria was exceeded.

43
Table 4.8-1.--Sources of contamination as Indicated by the ratio of 

fecal-coliform bacteria to fecal-streptocci bacteria

[data from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1978]

Source Ratio

Human...................... 4.6

Ducks...................... .6

Sheep...................... .4

Chickens................... .4

Pigs....................... .4

Cows....................... .2

Turkeys.................... .1

44
4.0 SURFACE-WATER QUALITY Continued 

4.8 Bacteria Continued

In the Little Black River basin, the primary cause of fecal-coliformbacteri a concentration exceeding 200 colonies per 100 milliliters is storm 

runoff. This concentration was exceeded in 12 to 30 percent of the samples 

collected at each water-quality-sampling station (table 4.8-2). None of the 

streams sampled had a median fecal-coliform-bacteria concentration larger than 

110 colonies per 100 milliliters. The ratios between fecal-coliform bacteria 

and fecal-streptococci bacteria indicate that the primary source of fecal 

contamination is livestock waste.

The North Prong Little Black River near Grandin, Mo., and Logan Creek at 

Oxly, Mo., had fecal-coliform bacteria concentrations larger than 200 colonies 

per 100 mi Hi liters in 20 percent of the samples collected and the median 

concentration was 56 and 57 colonies per 100 milliliters. Analyses of samples 

collected at these water-quality-sampling stations indicated some human-waste 

contamination, but the primary cause of the large fecal-coliform-bacteria 

concentrations was storm runoff. The median ratios of fecal-coliform bacteria 

to fecal-streptococci bacteria indicate that a large part of the bacteria 

present was because of fecal contamination from livestock.

Twelve percent of the fecal-coliform bacteria samples collected at the 

Little Black River near Grandin, Mo., exceeded 200 colonies per 100 milliliters 

and had a median concentration of 36 colonies per 100 milliliters. The source 

of contamination causing the large concentrations is uncertain. No clear 

relation was indicated between large concentrations and an increase in 

discharge, or a specific source. The median ratio of fecal-coliform bacteria 

to fecal-streptococci bacteria was 0.5, indicating animal-waste contamination.

The Little Black River below Fairdealing, Mo., had the largest median 

concentration of fecal-coliform bacteria, 110 colonies per 100 milliliters, with 

29 percent of the sample concentrations larger than 200 colonies per 100 

milliliters. The median ratio of fecal-coliform bacteria to fecal-streptococci 

bacteria was 0.4, indicating fecal contamination from livestock.

The Little Black River ditch 2 near Sinsabaugh, Mo., had the largest 

percentage (30) of samples with more than 200 colonies per 100 milliliters of 

fecal-coliform bacteria. This ditch flows only when there is storm runoff; 

therefore, the bacterial counts are indicative of storm-runoff water. The 

median fecal-coliform bacteria concentration was 105 colonies per 100 

milliliters, and the median ratio of fecal-coliform bacteria to fecalstreptococci bacteria was 0.2, indicating fecal contamination from livestock.

Seventeen percent of the fecal-coliform bacteria samples collected from the 

Little Black River at Success, Ark., had concentrations larger than 200 colonies 

per 100 milliliters with a median concentration of 96 colonies per 100 

milliliters. Occurrence of concentrations exceeding 200 colonies per 100 

milliliters coincided with large increases in stream discharge because of storm 

runoff. The median ratio of fecal-coliform bacteria to fecal-streptococci 

bacteria was 0.3, indicating fecal contamination from livestock.

45
Table 4.8-2. Fecal-coliform and fecal-streptococci bacteria concentrations at six water-quality-sam

cr>

August 1980 to September 1984

[ <, less than]

Station 

number 

(fig. 4.1-1)

07068300

07068380

07068510

07068540

07068560

07068600

Station name

North Prong Little Black 

River near Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River near 

Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River below 

Fairdealing, Mo.

Logan Creek at Oxly, Mo.

Little Black River ditch 

2 near Sinsabaugh, Mo.

Little Black River at 

Success, Ark.

Type 

of 

fecal 

bacteria

Coliform 

Streptococci

Coliform 

Streptococci

Coliform 

Streptococci

Coli form 

Streptococci

Coli form 

Streptococci

Coliform 

Streptococci

Bacterial concentrations, in 

colonies per 100 mil lili ters

Maximum

800 

17,000

820 

7,800

4,000 

16,000

1,000 

3,600

2,400 

11,000

3,100 

5,600

Minimum

<6 

<8

<4

<20 

35

<7 

<9

58 

53

44

Median

56 

230

36 

78

110 

245

57 

115

105 

440

96 

320

Total 

number 

of samples

25 

22

24 

23

24 

24

25 

24

10 

10

23 

23
5.0 SUSPENDED SEDIMENT

SUSPENDED-SEDIMENT DISCHARGE INCREASES AND SUSPENDED-SEDIMENT 

YIELD DECREASES DOWNSTREAM

Suspended-sediment concentrations in the headwaters of the river usually were 

less than concentrations near the mouth of the river.

As the Little Black River flows from the Salem Plateau to the Mississippi 

Alluvial Plain, changes in soil type, land use, and topography affect the 

sediment concentrations of the stream. The Salem Plateau has steep slopes that 

could cause some large sediment concentrations during rainstorms, but the dense 

vegetation, shallow soil, and short distance to the river retards large 

increases in sediment discharge. Although the Mississippi Alluvial Plain 

constantly is disturbed by agricultural use of the fertile, deep soil, erosion 

is limited by the slight land-surface slope.

A graph (fig. 5.0-1) of streamflow and suspended-sediment concentration at 

the Little Black River at Success, Ark., shows that two predominant types of 

sediment peaks typically occur at the four sediment-sampling stations (table 

5.0-1) in the Little Black River basin. Advanced peaks, defined as peak 

suspended-sediment concentrations that occur before peak stream flow, and 

simultaneous suspended-sediment and streamflow peaks occurred most frequently. 

Both advanced and simultaneous peaks are indicative of low flows before storm 

runoff and a short distance from point of erosion to a sediment-sampling 

station. Storm runoff after dry weather results in a larger suspended-sediment 

peak than when the storm is preceded by wet weather.

Daily suspended-sediment concentrations were determined at four sedimentsampling stations in the Little Black River basin from October 1, 1980, to 

September 30, 1984. Because suspended-sediment concentrations are not normally 

distributed, the descriptors of a normal distribution, such as mean and standard 

deviation were not used. The range and frequency of occurrence of daily 

suspended-sediment concentrations measured at the four sediment-sampling 

stations are presented in table 5.0-1 and displayed graphically in figure 5.0-2. 

The data indicate that the suspended-sediment concentrations in the headwaters 

of the river usually were less than the concentrations near the mouth of the 

river.

47
10,000 =

1000

100

10

o

OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE J

Figure 5.0-1. Discharge and suspended-sediment concentrations of the Little Black River at Succ

for the 1984 water year.
5.0 SUSPENDED SEDIMENT Continued

Suspended-sediment discharge, in tons, was calculated from suspendedsediment concentration and stream-flow at each sediment-sampling station. 

Suspended-sediment yield, in tons per square mile, was calculated by 

dividing the suspended-sediment discharge at each sediment-sampling station by 

the drainage area (table 5.0-2). Suspended-sediment discharge is affected by 

precipitation, which causes land erosion and increases channel erosion. The 

suspended-sediment data were collected during 4 years characterized by extremes 

in precipitation. During the 1981 water year (October 1, 1980, to September 30, 

1981), less-than-normal precipitation caused small suspended-sediment yields at 

all sediment-sampling stations. The 1982 and 1983 water years had several 

intense rainstorms in January, August, and December 1982, which caused major 

floods. This caused substantial sediment yield during these months. The 1984 

water year had less-than-normal precipitation during the summer, but more than 

normal precipitation during the rest of the year. However, the suspendedsediment yield was smaller than the previous 2 years.

The data indicate that the suspended-sediment discharge increased 

downstream during the study. The suspended-sediment yield for each water year 

decreased downstream, except for water year 1981. The change in channel slope 

and velocity were the primary contributors to the decreased suspended-sediment 

yield. As the channel slope decreases, velocity decreases, and sediment 

particles settle out, causing a decrease in suspended-sediment yield at Success, 

Ark.

49
Table 5.0-1 .--Range and frequency of occurence of daily suspended-sediment concentrations at four sediment-sampling 

October 1980 to September 1984

[<, less than]

Suspended-sediment concentration

Station 

number 

(fig. 4.1-1)

07068380 

07068510 

07068540 

07068600

Percentage of the 

was less than

Station name Minimum

Little Black River near Grandin, Mo. <1 

Little Black River below Fairdealing, Mo. 1 

Logan Creek at Oxly, Mo. <1 

Little Black River at Success, Ark. 1

10

1 

5 

1 

11

25

2 

10 

2 

21

, in milligrams per 

time median concentration 

listed concentration

50

4 

18 

3 

36

75

7 

32 

6 

63

90

13 

49 

12 

106

CJ1

o
10,000

1,000

CK 

UJ

oe.

UJ

a. 

to

1

CD

100

<

Of.

U

I

UJ

Sto

I

UJ

a. 

to

ID 

to

10

0.1

I 07068380

-LITTLE BLACK

-RIVER NEAR

-GRANDIN, MO.

07068510 

LITTLE BLACK 

RIVER NEAR

FAIRDEALING, 

MO.

07068540 

LOCAN CREEK 

AT OXLY, MO.

07068600 

LITTLE BLACK 

RIVER AT 

SUCCESS, ARK.

EXPLANATION ' 

 MAXIMUM

90 Percent

75 Percent 

50 Percent

V 

V457

 

\461

U J 25 Percent

10 Percent 

 MINIMUM

V CONCENTRATION 

LESS THAN 

THIS VALUE

i

1461 NUMBER OF 

SAMPLES

V 

\363

Figure 5.0-2.---Statistical summary of daily suspended-sediment concentrations at 

four sediment-sampling stations, October 1980 to September 1984.

51
Table 5.0-2.--Suspended-sediment discharge and yield at four sediment-sampling stations, October 1980 t

[Discharge reported in tons; yield reported in tons per square mile]

Drainage

Station area, in

number square 

(fig. 4.1-1) Station name miles

07068380 

07068510 

07068540 

07068600

Little Black River 

near Grandin, Mo.

Little Black River 

below Fairdealing,

Logan Creek at 

Oxly, Mo.

Little Black River

79.5

194 

Mo.

37.5 

386

1981

Discharge Yield

345 

3,310 

111 

10,500

4.3 

17.1 

3.0 

27.2

1982

Discharge

12,500 

. 22,300 

3,030 

45,900

Suspended sediment

Water Years

1983

Yield

157 

115 

80.8 

119

Discharge Yield

12,500 

30,200 

3,640 

37,800

157 

156 

97.1 

97.9

1984

Discharge

2,010 

10,600 

2,150 

16,900

Y

at Success, Ark.

en
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John Wiley, 463 p.

Fenneman, N.M., 1938, Physiography of eastern United States: New York, 

McGraw-Hill, 714 p.

Hauth, L.D., 1974, Technique for estimating the magnitude and frequency of 

Missouri floods: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report, 20. p.

Imes, J.L., in press, Major geohydrologic units in and adjacent to the Ozark 

Plateaus province, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma: U.S. - 

Geological Survey Hydro!ogic Investigations Atlas, HA-711-A.

Koenig, J.W., ed., 1961, The stratigraphic succession in Missouri: Rolla, 

Missouri Division of Geology and Land Survey, v. 40, ser. 2, 185 p.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 1979, Geologic map of Missouri: 

Rolla, Missouri Division of Geology and Land Survey, scale 1:500,000.

___ 1984, Missouri water quality standards Chapter 7, Water quality: 

Jefferson City, Clean Water Commission, 55 p.

___ 1985, Census of Missouri public water supplies: Jefferson City, 161 p.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1980-84, Climatological

data, Missouri: Asheville, North Carolina, National Climatic Center, v. 

84-88.

Riggs, H.C., 1972, Low-flow investigations: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques 

of Water-Resources Investigations, Book 4, Chapter Bl, 18 p.

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Influential factors, field measurement and data presentation: U.S. 

Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, Book 1, 

Chapter Dl, 65 p.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1974a, Upper Little Black watershed, Butler, 

Carter, and Ripley Counties, Missouri: Columbia, Missouri, Soil 

Conservation Service, Final Work Plan for Watershed Protection, Flood 

Prevention, and Recreation Development, 100 p.

___ 1974b, Lower Little Black watershed, Butler and Ripley Counties, Missouri, 

Clay County, Arkansas: Columbia, Missouri, Soil Conservation Service, 

Final Work Plan for Watershed Protection, Flood Prevention, and 

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___ 1978, Soil survey of Clay County, Arkansas: Columbia, Missouri, Soil 

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___ 1985, General soil map of the Little Black River watershed: Fort Worth, 

Texas, Soil Conservation Service, scale 1:15,400.

53
6.0 REFERENCES CITED Continued

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1976, Quality criteria for water: 

Washington, D.C., 256 p.

1978, Microbiological methods for monitoring the environment, water and

wastes: Washington, D.C., 338 p.

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___ 1984, Major geochronologic and chronostratigraphic units in Stratigraphic 

notes, 1983: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1537-A, 83 p.

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frequency: Washington, D.C., Bulletin 17B of the Hydrology Committee, 28 

p., 14 appendices.

54