Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Major(s)

Civil Engineering

Document Type

Temporary Embargo for Patent/Proprietary Reasons then Open Access

Abstract

Stream restoration and water resources engineers use a wide variety of hydrological tools and refer to multiple databases to determine accurate watershed and stream characteristics required for site assessment and restoration projects. Regional curves provide significant watershed and stream data that stream restoration engineers use in various restoration projects. However, developing these curves is time-consuming, costly, and complex, as data collection and validation require extensive field studies at multiple sites within the restoration areas. This study evaluates whether pertinent information on regional curves and streamflow frequency could be combined to provide practical guidance on determining design peak flow discharges for streams in the Southeastern U.S. By using free online tools such as USGS StreamStats and Model My Watershed, streamflow frequency curves and bankfull characteristics were determined from sitespecific information of streams in Tennessee, USA. The recurrence interval associated with the bankfull discharge predicted by the regional curve was determined for each site in each Ecoregion. The spatial variability of the frequency estimates aligns with the Ecoregion distribution in the study area. The findings of this study could help mitigate the difficult process of creating regional curves and impact on how stream restoration projects are approached.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.54718/VKLS4285

Date Defended

5-2-2025

Thesis Director

John J.Ramrez-Avila

Second Committee Member

Sandra Ortega-Achury

Third Committee Member

George K. Dunn

Rights Statement

"Spatial Distribution of the Bankfull Discharge Recurrence Interval Across Tennessee, USA", Copyright 2025 by Brayden Flanagan. My thesis may be used for non-profit educational and research purposes.

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Available for download on Friday, May 08, 2026

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