| Abstract | The suspended sediment (SS) load provides valuable insights into soil loss magnitude,
requiring comprehensive monitoring of streamflow (Q) and SS concentrations (SSC) across various
hydrological conditions. The primary aim of this paper was to quantify SS loads in two mountainous
river basins: the Carapelle (506 km2) and the Celone (72 km2) located in Apulia (Southeast Italy) where
different monitoring strategies were adopted (i.e., continuous and discrete). The specific objective
was to develop sediment rating curves to address gaps in the SSC time series. An optical probe
was used to continuously monitor the SSC during 2007 to 2011 in a river section of the Carapelle
river, while Q was measured with the ultrasonic method. A comprehensive dataset comprising
continuous Q measurements and discrete SSC measurements was systematically acquired for the
Celone river over the period of 2010 to 2011. Distinct sediment rating curves were formulated for
three specific subsets of data delineated by discernible hydrological conditions (i.e., high, normal,
and low flow) and SSCs were computed for the missing daily records. The annual specific sediment
load exhibited a range of 2.4 to 6.06 t ha?1 yr?1 for the Celone river, while the Carapelle river
displayed a range of 0.9 to 7.45 t ha?1 yr?1. A significant majority of the SS load was transported
during high-flow conditions, accounting for over 80% of the total load. In contrast, during low-flow
conditions, the SS load constituted less than 1% of the total load. The findings of this study highlight
the significance of the hydrological regime as a critical factor influencing sediment transport in
mountainous Mediterranean rivers. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the duration of the sampling
period, along with its specific characteristics, such as dry or wet conditions, can have a substantial
impact on the accurate quantification of the sediment load. |
| Text | 485117 2023 10.3390/w15152715 monitoring; suspended sediment concentrations; streamflow; sediment rating curves; specific sediment load; temporary rivers Suspended Sediment Transport in Mediterranean Streams Monitoring and Load Estimation Anna Maria De Girolamo, Giovanni Francesco Ricci , Ossama M. M. Abdelwahab, Antonio Lo Porto, Fabio Milillo, Addolorata Maria Netti, Francesco Gentile Water Research Institute, National Research Council, 70132 Bari, Italy; Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy; Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy; Water Research Institute, National Research Council, 70132 Bari, Italy; Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy; Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy; Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy; The suspended sediment SS load provides valuable insights into soil loss magnitude, requiring comprehensive monitoring of streamflow Q and SS concentrations SSC across various hydrological conditions. The primary aim of this paper was to quantify SS loads in two mountainous river basins the Carapelle 506 km2 and the Celone 72 km2 located in Apulia Southeast Italy where different monitoring strategies were adopted i.e., continuous and discrete . The specific objective was to develop sediment rating curves to address gaps in the SSC time series. An optical probe was used to continuously monitor the SSC during 2007 to 2011 in a river section of the Carapelle river, while Q was measured with the ultrasonic method. A comprehensive dataset comprising continuous Q measurements and discrete SSC measurements was systematically acquired for the Celone river over the period of 2010 to 2011. Distinct sediment rating curves were formulated for three specific subsets of data delineated by discernible hydrological conditions i.e., high, normal, and low flow and SSCs were computed for the missing daily records. The annual specific sediment load exhibited a range of 2.4 to 6.06 t ha 1 yr 1 for the Celone river, while the Carapelle river displayed a range of 0.9 to 7.45 t ha 1 yr 1. A significant majority of the SS load was transported during high flow conditions, accounting for over 80% of the total load. In contrast, during low flow conditions, the SS load constituted less than 1% of the total load. The findings of this study highlight the significance of the hydrological regime as a critical factor influencing sediment transport in mountainous Mediterranean rivers. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the duration of the sampling period, along with its specific characteristics, such as dry or wet conditions, can have a substantial impact on the accurate quantification of the sediment load. 15 Published version Suspended Sediment Transport in Mediterranean Streams Monitoring and Load Estimation articolo open access water 15 02715.pdf Articolo in rivista Molecular Diversity Preservation International 2073 4441 Water Basel Water Basel Water Basel Water. Basel antonio.loporto LO PORTO ANTONIO annamaria.degirolamo DE GIROLAMO ANNA MARIA |
