Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2018
Abstract
Studying the hysteretic relationships embedded in high-frequency suspended-sediment concentration and river discharge data over 600+ storm events provides insight into the drivers and sources of riverine sediment during storm events. However, the literature to date remains limited to a simple visual classification system (linear, clockwise, counter-clockwise, and figure-eight patterns) or the collapse of hysteresis patterns to an index. This study leverages 3 years of suspended-sediment and discharge data to show proof-of-concept for automating the classification and assessment of event sediment dynamics using machine learning. Across all catchment sites, 600+ storm events were captured and classified into 14 hysteresis patterns. Event classification was automated using a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a type of artificial neural network, trained on 2-D images of the suspended-sediment discharge (hysteresis) plots. Expansion of the hysteresis patterns to 14 classes allowed for new insight into drivers of the sediment-discharge event dynamics including spatial scale, antecedent conditions, hydrology, and rainfall. The probabilistic RBM correctly classified hysteresis patterns (to the exact class or next most similar class) 70% of the time. With increased availability of high-frequency sensor data, this approach can be used to inform watershed management efforts to identify sediment sources and reduce fine sediment export.
Rights Information
© 2018. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.
Recommended Citation
Hamshaw SD, Dewoolkar MM, Schroth AW, Wemple BC, Rizzo DM. A new machine‐learning approach for classifying hysteresis in suspended‐sediment discharge relationships using high‐frequency monitoring data. Water Resources Research. 2018 Jun;54(6):4040-58.
DOI
10.1029/2017WR022238
Rights Statement
