Study results will also provide data on the long-term enhancement of aquatic insect populations and on the ability of limestone sand applications to reduce peak aluminum concentrations and acidity associated with acid runoff episodes. There will be a greater need to use water efficiently in the next century. This project is addressing that goal by educating youths about the importance of water conservation and ways to conserve water and use it efficiently. Water conservation materials are being developed for use by the Cooperative Extension delivery system in its extensive 4-H youth education programs. U.S. Geological Survey, through PA Water Research Institute Program High concentrations of fine sediments adversely affect stream ecosystems by decreasing light penetration through the water column and filling pore spaces in the stream bed.
Suburban development leads to increased soil erosion and higher sediment loadings in nearby streams.
The geomorphologic characteristics of eastern Pennsylvania, coupled with extensive development in rural areas, make fine sediment dynamics a key issue for the preservation of streams in this region. Relatively little is known about how fine sediments progress through a watershed. Packman is exploring these dynamics in lab and field experiments. A recirculating flume is being used to investigate fine sediment transport in a controlled, easily observable environment. Once the basic effect of high sediment loadings is understood and modeled, one or more field sites will be established to observe this process in the environment.