Ohio River Bank Erosion—traffic Effects

Abstract

Examination of more than 700 miles (1,120 km) of Ohio River banks between 1977 and 1986 indicated that erosion intensity and extent decreased between 1983 and 1986. Detailed examination of 106 sites in the study area confirmed the bank survey results. During 1983-1986, commercial river traffic increased more than 35%. Many sites became more stable during this traffic increase, while other nearby sites with similar bank soils and plan-form locations remained unchanged. These circumstances indicated that waves from in-channel traffic had no significant impact on bank erosion and instability on this portion of the Ohio River.