Murray State University
The Factors Controlling the Growth of the Ledbetter Embayment Mudflat, Kentucky Lake Reservoir
Institution
Murray State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
George Kipphut
Abstract
The Ledbetter embayment mudflat of the Kentucky Lake Reservoir in western Kentucky has been actively growing for over half a century. This study is focused on identifying the sources, movement, and accumulation of the sediments in the mudflat and documenting the growth of the mudflat through time. The project is aimed at learning more about the interaction between physical, geological, and biological aspects of the mudflat. A major research objective is to determine whether the growth of the mudflat is episodic, as a result of flood and stream events, or if the growth of the mudflat is steady and constant over time. The project is investigating how water movement and vegetation growth move and hold the sediment, and how the sediment types, accumulation, and flow affect the shape and growth of the mudflat. The potential significance of this research lies in the creation of a database about similar environments in reservoirs. Research methods include sediment collection and identification, stratigraphy analysis, mapping of the mudflat, and ground and aerial photograph analysis.
The Factors Controlling the Growth of the Ledbetter Embayment Mudflat, Kentucky Lake Reservoir
The Ledbetter embayment mudflat of the Kentucky Lake Reservoir in western Kentucky has been actively growing for over half a century. This study is focused on identifying the sources, movement, and accumulation of the sediments in the mudflat and documenting the growth of the mudflat through time. The project is aimed at learning more about the interaction between physical, geological, and biological aspects of the mudflat. A major research objective is to determine whether the growth of the mudflat is episodic, as a result of flood and stream events, or if the growth of the mudflat is steady and constant over time. The project is investigating how water movement and vegetation growth move and hold the sediment, and how the sediment types, accumulation, and flow affect the shape and growth of the mudflat. The potential significance of this research lies in the creation of a database about similar environments in reservoirs. Research methods include sediment collection and identification, stratigraphy analysis, mapping of the mudflat, and ground and aerial photograph analysis.