Upper Washita River Experimental Watersheds: Physiography Data

Physiographic data such as digital elevation models (DEMs), soils, geology, stream channel network characteristics, channel stability, and land use data are essential for understanding the complex hydrologic cycle and chemical transport processes of any given study area. We describe the physiographic data available in the Little Washita River Experimental Watershed (LWREW) and Fort Cobb Reservoir Experimental Watershed (FCREW) in Oklahoma. Specifically, we describe (i) available raw and post-processed DEM products (ftp://164.58.150.21/DEM/), (ii) available soils data (ftp://164.58.150.21/FT_Cobb_Reservoir_ Watershed_2005-2012/GIS-DataSets/Physiography/Soils/ and ftp://164.58.150.21/Little_Washita_River_Research_Watershed_Other/GIS_Datasets/Physiography/Soils) and associated error analysis based on limited measured data, (iii) geologic formations in the LWREW and FCREW (ftp://164.58.150.21/FT_Cobb_Reservoir_Watershed_2005-2012/GIS-DataSets/Physiography/Geology/FCREW_Geology/and ftp://164.58.150.21/Little_Washita_River_Research_Watershed_Other/GIS_Datasets/Physiography/Geology/), and (iv) available rapid geomorphic assessment measurements (ftp://164.58.150.21/FT_Cobb_Reservoir_Watershed_2005-2012/GIS-DataSets/Physiography/RGA/) and their uses. Data collection is a collaborative effort among USGS, NRCS, and ARS. These data sets have been used for several research applications by USDA-ARS scientists and researchers from other institutions and agencies. Plans for detailed geomorphic assessment of stream channel networks in the FCREW are underway in collaboration with Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. The collected data will enable updating of the channel stability stage condition since there have been several major rainfall events in the watershed since the last geomorphic assessment.