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Geomorphic Differences between Unmined and Surface Mined Lands in Southeastern Ohio

Pollock, Matthew John
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7859-1651
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1429613137

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Environment and Natural Resources.
Surface mining for coal has been carried out in Ohio since the early 1800s. Surface mining involves the complete removal of vegetation, soils and geologic units (overburden) to expose underlying coal seams. This coal extraction method results in heavily disturbed landscapes, in what were historically forested or agricultural lands. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977 was enacted to address the environmental impacts of coal surface mining. Recent studies have examined the hydrologic impacts of surface mining but few have explored geomorphic impacts including potential linked impacts across spatial scales. This study identifies significant geomorphic differences between unmined, Pre-SMCRA and Post-SMCRA watersheds at the landscape, channel network and outlet reach scales. Geomorphic differences were quantified across the three spatial scales in twenty one small watersheds (~1km2), seven within each of the three land use types (unmined, Pre-SMCRA, and Post-SMCRA) located in southeastern Ohio. It was expected that Post-SMCRA sites would be more dissimilar to unmined sites compared to differences between Pre-SMCRA and unmined sites at all spatial scales. Specifically, Post-SMCRA sites were expected to have detectable differences characterized by smoothed and homogenized landscape topography and highly engineered channel network systems. At the landscape scale, Pre-SMCRA sites would have steep, varied topography similar to unmined sites, but exhibit geomorphic differences from unmined sites at the network topologic and reach scales. Hypotheses were created based on these expectations as well as the expected influence of broader spatial scales on finer reach scale channel morphology. Univariate Kruskal Wallis tests indicate reduced complexity in Post-SMCRA sites relative to Pre-SMCRA and unmined sites at the landscape scale, as well as some differences at the channel network and outlet reach scales. Multivariate methods that include Nonmetric Multi-Dimensional Scaling (NMDS), Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PerMANOVA) and standardized linear models indicate some interactions between spatial scales, with land use influential at all scales. Multivariate analyses largely support the hypothesized influential effects of mining and reclamation across all spatial scales, via direct and indirect effects. The simplification of Post-SMCRA landforms and drainage networks, coupled with the well-documented compaction and low soil fertility of recontoured lands has resulted in altered landscapes with altered geomorphic trajectories compared to unmined sites. Pre-SMCRA sites have attributes which are inconsistent with the goals of erosion control and water quality such as unconsolidated mine spoils, which contribute heavy sediment loads to the channel network and vertical headwalls that are prone to periodic failure. Despite these attributes, Pre-SMCRA sites resemble the geomorphic structure of unmined sites more closely than reclaimed Post-SMCRA sites. These findings suggest a need for reclamation strategies that incorporate greater topographic and topologic complexity, to more closely resemble the structure of unmined conditions. Further research is needed to evaluate geomorphic function of these landscapes.
Kristin Jaeger (Advisor)
Charles Goebel (Committee Member)
Desheng Liu (Committee Member)
141 p.
Environmental Management; Geomorphology; Mining; Water Resource Management
coal; mining; surface mining; strip mining; reclamation; smcra; geomorphology; sediment; watershed

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Pollock, M. J. (2015). Geomorphic Differences between Unmined and Surface Mined Lands in Southeastern Ohio [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1429613137

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Pollock, Matthew. Geomorphic Differences between Unmined and Surface Mined Lands in Southeastern Ohio . 2015. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1429613137.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Pollock, Matthew. "Geomorphic Differences between Unmined and Surface Mined Lands in Southeastern Ohio ." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1429613137

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1429613137
870
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.