Study on the Effects of Diverting Water into Upper Burnt Pocket, Navigation Pool Number 18, Illinois and A Field Test of the Regression Simulation Model Previously Developed on Navigation Pool Number 8

摘要

A study was conducted to determine the effects of diverting water from the main control of the Mississippi River into the upper end of Burnt Pocket in Navigation Pool No. 18. During pre-opening years, water flowed through the upper end of BP only in conditions of high water. The experimental cut allows water to enter Upper BP under lower water conditions; however, during late July and August of 1980, water level in Pool No. 18 was so that even with the cut, BP was largely dry. The high discharge that entered through the experimental cut during earlier high water periods did result in the formation of braided channels in BP. The mathematical model was quite accurate in predicting numbers and biomass for individual taxa, but was not accurate in predicting values for total biomass. Because of varied degrees of accuracy, without modification, the model as a total predictive system for Burnt Pocket will not serve as a management tool. Additional testing of the model during a normal flow year would be required to substantiate or disprove its applicability.