Sediment Transport and Bedload Lithology in Streams of the Teton Range, Wyoming

Abstract

The ability of streams to erode bedrock and transport sediments is controlled by discharge. Yearly snowmelt, bedrock, and nearby rockfall deposits influence the flow of water and the sediments available for transport. Discharge and bedload sediments were observed over two summers to understand the impacts of precipitation and lithology on five stream channels in the Teton Range. Discharge was higher and bedload clast sizes were larger when more snowfall fell in the preceding winter months. All streams were able to transport sand to small gravel sediments. The type of lithology observed in the bedload was mostly controlled by bedrock available throughout the entire catchment.