August 2010 article: Sources of Suspended-Sediment Flux in Streams of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed: A Regional Application of the SPARROW Model, by John W. Brakebill, Scott W. Ator, and Gregory E. Schwarz
Chesapeake Bay loadings
The authors applied SPAtially Referenced Regressions on Watershed attributes (SPARROW), which spatially correlates estimated mean annual flux of suspended sediment in nontidal streams with sources of suspended sediment and transport factors. According to their model, urban development generates on average the greatest amount of suspended sediment per unit area, although agriculture is much more widespread and is the greatest overall source of suspended sediment.
How do we effectively combat sedimentation? The authors conclude applying erosion and sediment controls from agriculture and urban development in areas of the northern Piedmont close to the upper Bay, where the combined effects of watershed characteristics on sediment transport have the greatest influence may be most helpful in mitigating sedimentation in the bay and its tributaries.
This is easier said than done. The Chesapeake Bay drainage comprises parts of six states plus the District of Columbia. In today’s divisive political climate, getting all the actors to agree on anything would be a miracle. But, the evidence is accumulating that the problem is more than urban in character.
[Please note: I have quoted and paraphrased freely from the article, but the interpretation is my own!]
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