This work will examine the premise that the decrease in sediment load in the Colorado River observed during the 1940's was due to the reduction of grazing and the increased use of conservation practices during the 1920's and 30's. The project will study the geomorphic changes in tributary channels in the Colorado River basin with the idea that once the stored alluvium has been removed from the tributary valleys the sediment and salinity production will decrease. The protection of these sites from future remobilization through channel incision and arroyo formation may thus prevent further increases in sediment and salt loads. Results from this study will greatly benefit federal and state agencies with responsibilities in land and natural resources management, as well as being of signifcant economic value to the U.S. Western States.
