Fluvial response to an historic lowstand of the Great Salt Lake, Utah

ABSTRACT Understanding fluvial adjustments to base level changes benefits the fields of sequence stratigraphy, geomorphology and petroleum geology. This investigation is a modern case study of the channel dynamics of Lee Creek and the Goggin Drain, two streams that are part of the Jordan River drainage into the endorheic Great Salt Lake of northern Utah, a lacustrine system that has experienced multiple, decadal‐scale base level changes. Since 1965, the lake level has fluctuated in elevation more than 6 m, transitioning from an historic lowstand [< 1279 m above sea level (a.s.l.)] to an historic highstand (>1284 m a.s.l.), and in 2009–2010 approaching an historic lowstand. This study uses detailed aerial images, fieldwork and LiDAR data to link the modern geomorphology and channel hydraulics to specific variations in sediment transport, channel form, and avulsion behavior. Although Lee Creek and the Goggin Drain are situated only a few kilometers apart and share similar shore zone gradients, substrates and vegetation patterns, and have been subjected to the same changes in lake level, their channel forms have evolved very differently. Differences in discharge patterns are likely the most influential factor causing the meandering form of Lee Creek and the braiding channel of the Goggin Drain. Despite the differences in discharge, total sediment eroded from the two streams is comparable and can be attributed to similar stream power/unit stream width in the two streams. Although Lee Creek has not recently been avulsive, three major avulsions of the Goggin Drain have taken place since 1965. Two possible styles of avulsion are interpreted: an allogenic response to changing base level, and an autogenic response dictated by channel morphology and hydraulics. Despite a wealth of available information, avulsions cannot be unequivocally attributed to one style or another. Caution should be used when attempting to link the complex process of avulsion to causal mechanisms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.