This thesis introduces the Old River Control Complex (ORCC) and defines the existing problem of different water versus sediment diversions. Because this is a water control complex, where structures were built to keep the Atchafalaya River from taking over the Mississippi River and to generate power, it is crucial for the system to function properly to maintain a balanced sediment regime. The slightest changes in the sediment environment can be critical for the Mississippi, Atchafalaya, and Red Rivers, and for the Old River Outflow Channel itself. Scouring and deposition occurs due to an existing imbalance of sediment concentrations. Therefore, analyzing the available sediment data for stations in the vicinity of ORCC is important to understand the overall shifts of sediment occurring in this area. Stations defined as key sediment sampling stations in this vicinity are: Red River above Old River Outflow Channel, Simmesport, Coochie/Union Point, Tarbert Landing, and Old River Outflow Channel. If the sources for the shifts of sediment can be defined, additional recommendations for future handling methods can be made, and excessive scouring and deposition, which result in high maintenance costs, can be prevented. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
