11 Future Voices in Geoscience- Undergraduate Research Posters

This session is for two-year college and four-year college and university students presenting research posters in any subdiscipline of geosciences. Posters and presentations will be judged for awards.

Monday, 18 May 2026
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Alvarado D/E

Geomorphological Study of Trout Brook Stream Restoration

Paper number: 11-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

This study presents a geomorphological assessment of the Trout Brook stream restoration to evaluate post-restoration channel stability, bank conditions, and ongoing geomorphic processes over a five-year period. Field surveys conducted in 2025 utilized multi-band RTK GNSS receivers, drone-based elevation data, and on-site measurements to collect high-resolution spatial data, which were compared to a 2020 DNR as-built survey. Channel form was evaluated through cross sections and longitudinal profiles to assess stability, depth variation, and localized channel change.

Geomorphic characterization of the site was performed by identifying major breaks and changes in slope, with slopes estimated from average elevation change over four-foot intervals observed in the field. Additional analysis incorporated mapping of vegetation distribution and streambed composition to support interpretation of channel processes. Differences in soil moisture, vegetation density, and sediment texture were documented between the north and south banks.

Results indicate that overall channel form has remained largely stable, as cross sections show minimal change since 2020. Longitudinal profiles, however, reveal localized variations in depth, including pool deepening, development of deeper channel segments, and formation of small braid-like features. A landslide on the north bank near the western bridge represents the most significant bank instability observed and is associated with sparse vegetation and drier soils. In contrast, the southern bank appears stable despite steeper slopes though it is also supported by denser vegetation. In-channel grasses appear to have a relationship with stream flow paths and sediment deposition, though causation remains uncertain.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 4

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026RM-410596

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