Originally Posted by
MagikSmallie
I am a geologist, not exactly a Hydrologist. I think most of you are on point. in higher velocity flows you will obviously lose alot of the silt and will experience a more bare rock, boulder (anything bigger than a fist is considered a boulder), pebbles and gravel surfaces. In your lower velocity flow areas (the closer you get to the Mississippi the slower the flow gets) and the more silt and mud you will encounter on the bottom. Every area of the river will be different. A major factor to consider is tributary mouths and what type of sediment is being fed from these tributaries. Some will carry more silt and clay others will be "cleaner" (less turbid) and carry more sand. Always remember your grain sizes from largest to smallest in both terms of weight and size are sand, silt, and clay. In my opinion you will see every sort of bottom depending on the immediate environment. Of course the addition of dams along the Ohio has increased the depth and slowed the flow down considerably and you are most likely looking at a major increase in siltation and mud accumulation above these dams (just something to consider). I do believe from everything I've read that the max normal pool depth of the Ohio is around 132' (Louisville) and it shallows gradually until it reaches the Mississippi.
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