Methodology and Interpretation

244 Subwatersheds
The Upper White River study area (21,848 kmē) can be depicted as 244 subwatersheds, each of which contain a single hydrologic outlet (sometimes called a "pour point"). These 244 subwatersheds were determined by the 244 water-quality sampling locations, and facilitate the mapping of landscape metrics in landscape reporting units. The 244 subwatersheds provide the basis for statistically valid development of water-quality vulnerability indicators, which is currently in progress. It is important to understand that these subwatersheds may overlap, and thus the total area of the 244 subwatersheds exceeds the total study area. The value of using this unconventional view of the landscape is that the cumulative effects of landscape condition on water-quality can be assessed, thereby increasing the predictive power of any determined relationships. At least a portion of each subwatershed is shown in the map below (and in all of the subsequent landscape metric maps). To view the whole of an individual subwatershed, place the cursor over any visible portion of the subwatershed and click the mouse button. A synopsis of the landscape metrics and other pertinent information will be displayed, along with the full view of the single subwatershed.

Dataset FGDC Metadata