The Evolution of the Lower Missouri River: Preliminary Results of NMD Research at Lisbon Bottom

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to determine the relationship between the geomorphology of Lisbon Bottom and the spatial and temporal distribution of its wetlands. The project is focused specifically on the Quaternary geology of the river valley and the relationship between the valley's alluvial architecture and the hydrogeology of its wetlands. The Quaternary geology of the river valley has been determined through a field reconnaissance and visual inspection of topographic maps and digital elevation data. Data describing the morphology of the main channel and the physical properties of Lisbon Bottom have been collected. On the basis of these data, a preliminary model of the alluvial architecture of Lisbon Bottom has been developed, but it lacks subsurface verification owing to equipment failures and unseasonable high water. To date, the publications and presentations describing the project include a U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report (OFR 01-176), two seminars hosted by the University of Missouri - Rolla, and an abstract that was submitted and accepted by the Geological Society of America for its annual fall meeting in November 2001.