Characterizing Sediment Transport in a Watershed Using CCHE1D Sediment Transport Model

Sediment is usually considered an integral part of water quality in river systems. Understanding sediment transport mechanisms is crucial for studying the fate and transport of sediment-facilitated contaminants. In order to understand sediment transport processes, a channel network model designed with the ability to numerically simulate these processes, CCHE1D, was applied for a sensitivity analysis on simulation parameters and options at the Goodwin Creek watershed, Mississippi. The sensitivity analysis evaluated Manning's roughness coefficient, bed sediment class distribution, bank erosion and different sediment transport capacity formulas by comparing hydrology and sediment results with original data from model developers. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed different influence of the model parameters and a relation between hydrology and sediment yield.