Abstract:
Effective management of water resources is dependent upon a detailed understanding of river systems. As recreational destinations, wildlife habitats, irrigation sources, and leading mediums of power generation, rivers and river systems are integral to ecosystem services and economic development. Gaining insights into effective river management will result in the development of sustainable operational methods which help prevent flooding while promoting fish passage, stream restoration, and aquatic habitat protection.
The Multipurpose River Hydraulics Research Facility, designed and proposed by Dr. Arturo Leon and YunJi Choi at Oregon State University (OSU), is scheduled to be built at the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory, with construction beginning summer 2012. The proposed facility will provide a suitable setting to conduct laboratory experiments modeling complex riverine processes in a controlled environment. Funded by the Research Equipment Reserve Fund at OSU, the facility has been designed to accommodate two simultaneous and independent experiments. It will advance current knowledge of riverine processes and reveal implications for water resources management.
