Inventory of the Luna B. Leopold Papers, 1910-1998 (bulk 1948-1991)

Reprints, Addresses, etc., 1948-1998

Box Box 1, Folder 1.1

Leopold, Luna B., and Charles K. Stidd. Rainfall distribution - Hawaii's weather forecast problem. 1948.

Scope and Content Note

Originally published: Reports of the Hawaiian Sugar Technologists, Sixth Annual Meeting, November 1948, Honolulu, T.H.

Folder 1.2

Leopold, Luna B.,South Burn, and Charles K. Stidd. A key to rain gages in Hawaii.Honolulu, Hawaii: Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association: Advertiser Publishing Co., Ltd., c1948. (Technical paper (Pineapple Research Institute of Hawaii) ; no. 183).

Scope and Content Note

Originally published: The Hawaiian planters' record ; v. 52, nos. 3-4 (1948).

Folder 1.3

Leopold, Luna B., and Charles K. Stidd. A review of concepts in Hawaiian climatology. 1949.

Scope and Content Note

Originally published: Pacific science ; v. 3, no. 3 (July 1949).

Folder 1.4

Leopold, Luna B. The annual rainfall of East Maui. Honolulu, Hawaii: Experiment Station, Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association, c1949. (Technical paper (Pineapple Research Institute of Hawaii) ; no. 189).

Scope and Content Note

Originally published: The Hawaiian planters' record ; 2nd issue (1949).

Folder 1.5

Leopold, Luna B. Vegetation of southwestern watersheds in the nineteenth century. 1951.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: To determine the general conditions of vegetation in pre-grazing days in the Southwest and what changes, if any, have occurred in the last 50 years, the author has inspected and analyzed the original journals of early explorers and travelers and compared early photographs (1895-1903) with more recent ones taken from the same spot. Originally published: The geographical review ; v. 41, no. 2 (1951).

Folder 1.6

Leopold, Luna B. Rainfall frequency : an aspect of climatic variation. 1951.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: Analyses which have been made in the past have shown no significant trend in annual values of rainfall during the period of rainfall records in the southwestern United States. In the present study, frequency of daily rains of various sizes are analyzed for four long-record stations in New Mexico. Frequency of rains of various sizes comprising wet years and dry are compared. Some effects of changes in rainfall frequency on vegetation and erosion are discussed. Originally published: Transactions of the American Geophysical Union ; v. 32, no. 3 (June 1951).

Folder 1.7

Leopold, Luna B. Downstream change of velocity in rivers. 1953.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: Because river slope generally decreases in a downstream direction, it is generally supposed that velocity of flow also decreases downstream. Analysis of some of the large number of velocity measurements made at stream-gaging stations demonstrates that mean velocity generally tends to increase downstream. Although there are many reaches in nearly all rivers where mean velocity decreases downstream, the general tendency for conservation or for downstream increase was found in all data studied. Originally published: American journal of science ; v. 251 (August 1953).

Folder 1.8

Leopold, Luna B., and M. Gordon Wolman. River meanders. 1960.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: Most river curves have nearly the same value of the ration of curvature radius to channel width, in the range of 2 to 3. Meanders formed by meltwater on the surface of glaciers, and by the main current of the Gulf Stream, have a relation of meander length to channel width similar to rivers. Because such meanders carry no sediment, the shapes of the curves in rivers are evidently determined primarily by the dynamics of flow rather than by relation to debris load. Originally published: Bulletin of the Geological Society of America ; v. 71 (June 1960).

Folder 1.9

Leopold, Luna B., and E.L. Hendricks. Philosophy for water development. 1961.

Scope and Content Note

Address by Leopold and Hendricks, U.S. Geological Survey, at the National Water Research Symposium, Washington, D.C., March 28, 1961.

Folder 1.10

Leopold, Luna B. Rivers. 1962.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: Rivers are both the means and the routes by which the products of continental weathering are carried to the oceans of the world. Except in the most arid areas, more water falls as precipitation than is lost by evaporation and transpiration from the land surface to the atmosphere. Thus there is an excess of water, which must flow to the ocean. Rivers, then are the routes by which this excess water flows to the ultimate base level. Originally published: American scientist ; v. 50, no. 4 (December 1962).

Folder 1.11

Leopold, Luna B. Water, industry, and myth. 1965.

Scope and Content Note

Speech given by Leopold at the National Water Conference, Sheraton-Park Hotel, Washington, D.C., December 8-9, 1965.

Folder 1.12

Leopold, Luna B., and Walter B. Langbein. River meanders. 1966.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: The striking geometric regularity of a winding river is no accident. Meanders appear to be the form in which a river does the least work in turning; hence they are the most probable form a river will take. Originally published: Scientific American ; v. 214, no. 6 (June 1966), p. 60-70.

Folder 1.13

Leopold, Luna B. Man and climate. [1966?].

Scope and Content Note

Typescript authorized for publication by the Director, U.S. Geological Survey.

Folder 1.14

Leopold, Luna B., and Herbert E. Skibitzke. Observations on unmeasured rivers. 1967.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: An analysis of data on hydraulic parameters collected during a single boat trip down a river system is presented, plotted in form of the hydraulic geometry. A dimensionless rating curve is used to estimate bankfull and average discharge for basins of various sizes. Originally published: Geografiska annaler ; v. 49, Ser. A (1967), 2-4.

Folder 1.15

Leopold, Luna B. Hydrology for urban land planning : a guidebook on the hydrologic effects of urban land use. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Geological Survey, 1968. (Geological Survey circular ; 554).

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: This circular attempts to summarize existing knowledge of the effects of urbanization on hydrologic factors. It also attempts to express this knowledge in terms that the planner can use to test alternatives during the planning process. It also serves as a report on the basic hydrologic conditions of the Brandywine Creek basin, Pennsylvania, prior to the beginning of major urbanization.

Folder 1.16

Leopold, Luna B. Quantitative comparison of some aesthetic factors among rivers. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Geological Survey, 1969. (Geological Survey circular ; 620).

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: A preliminary attempt to quantify some elements of aesthetic appeal of a landscape while eliminating, insofar as possible, value judgments or personal preferences.

Folder 1.17

Leopold, Luna B. Trees and streams : the efficiency of branching patterns. 1970.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: Extending the analysis of branching patterns of the drainage net of rivers, originated by Horton, the relation of average numbers and lengths of tree branches to size of branch was investigated. It was found that, as in river drainage nets, there is a definite logarithmic relation between branch order and lengths and numbers. Originally published: Journal of theoretical biology ; v. 31, pt. 2 (1971).

Folder 1.18

Leopold, Luna B., and William W. Emmett. Some rates of geomorphological processes. 1972.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: Summarizes three sets of measurement data on certain processes: rate of movement of soil on hillslopes, especially by mass movement or slow gravitational creep; downslope creep measured in modified Young Pits; and, changes in the channel width of a small perennial stream. Originally published: Geographia polonica ; 23 (1972).

Folder 1.19

Leopold, Luna B. River channel change with time : an example. 1973.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: Monumented channel cross sections were resurveyed over a period of 20 years (1953 to 1972) to determine the amount and kind of change of channel area and position on a 3.7-square mile basin, Watts Branch near Rockville, Maryland. Despite a trend toward increasing cross-sectional area, the net result after 20 years was a channel smaller by 20 percent than it had been originally. Urbanization did not alter the rate of channel migration. Originally published: Geological Society of America bulletin ; v. 84 (June 1973). Leopold's address as retiring president of the Geological Society of America, Minneapolis, Minn., November 1972.

Folder 1.20

Leopold, Luna B., and William W. Emmett. Bedload measurements, East Fork River, Wyoming. 1976.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: A bedload trap in the riverbed provided direct quantitative measurement of debris-transport rate in the East Fork River, Wyoming, a basin of 466 km( drainage area. Traction load moves only during the spring snow melt season. Data collected in three spring runoff seasons showed that transport rate is correlated with power expenditure of the flowing water and at high flows becomes directly proportional to power as suggested by Bagnold. Originally published: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ; v. 73, no. 4 (April 1976).

Folder 1.21

Leopold, Luna B., and William W. Emmett. 1976 bedload measurements, East Fork River, Wyoming. 1977.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: Quantitative measurements of bedload-transport rate in the East Fork River, Wyoming, show large spatial and temporal variabilities in traction load. Originally published: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ; v. 74, no. 7 (July 1977).

Folder 1.22

Leopold, Luna B., and William B. Bull. Base level, aggradation, and grade. 1979.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: The influence of local base level and the effects of a change of base level can be separated from the influence of hydrologic and geomorphic processes with the basin under certain conditions: 1) observed changes in the longitudinal profile by aggradation or degradation when a local base level is lowered or raised while the basin remains unchanged; 2) observed changes in aggradation and/or degradation of a valley fill alluvium during periods of unchanging local base level. Originally published: Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society ; v. 123, no. 2 (April 1979).

Folder 1.23

Leopold, Luna B. Techniques and interpretation : the sediment studies of G.K. Gilbert. 1980.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: The laboratory experiments on sediment transport conducted by G.K. Gilbert differed importantly in technique from such studies of more recent date. Gilbert's flume was level and could not be altered in slope. Sediment was introduced at the upper end at a predetermined rate and deposition built a bed gradient sufficient to transport the introduced load. The adjustment of slope in Gilbert's flume has contributed to the idea widely held by geologists that a river achieves equilibrium by adjusting its slope to provide just the velocity required for the transportation of the supplied load. Originally published: Geological Society of America ; special paper 183 (1980).

Folder 1.24

Leopold, Luna B. The Alexandrian equation. 1987.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: Discusses the combination of technology, strategy, and leadership in solving hydrologic problems. Originally published: Landa, Edward R., and Simon Ince, eds. The history of hydrology. Washington, D.C.: American Geophysical Union, 1987. (History of geophysics ; v. 3).

Folder 1.25

Leopold, Luna B. Ethos, equity and the water resource. 1990.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: Discusses two concepts from ancient history and their relevance to the field of water in the modern age: 1) democratic governance at the will of the people was effective and responsive as long as there existed an ethos in administration, guiding beliefs even though unwritten into law; 2) democratic guidance was effective when equity-fairness to all-was not submerged to private or narrow interests. The Abel Wolman Distinguished Lecture, February 1990, National Research Council.

Folder 1.26

Leopold, Luna B. Ethos, equity, and the water resource. 1990.

Scope and Content Note

"The Abel Wolman 1990 Distinguished Lecture." Originally published: Environment ; v. 32, no. 2 (March 1990).

Folder 1.27

Leopold, Luna B. Lag times for small drainage basins. 1991.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: Over a period of ten years, simultaneous measurement of storm rainfall and resulting runoff during individual storms were made in small basins in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. By simple measurement, without any recording devices, data collected define a relation of basin lag time, expressed as time between center of mass of rainfall and center of mass of runoff, is a specific measure of some basin characteristics including the effect of urbanization. Originally published: Catena ; v. 18, no. 2 (April 1991).

Folder 1.28

Leopold, Luna B. Base level rise : gradient of deposition. 1992.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: A rise in base level, as behind a check dam, causes deposition of sediment. When deposition is complete, the gradient of the deposited surface is only about half that of the original channel. This new gradient does not increase with time. No known method of computation explains how incoming sediment is transported over the low gradient zone of deposition. Originally published: Israel journal of earth sciences ; v. 41 (1992).

Folder 1.29

Leopold, Luna B.,J. N. Collins, and L. M. Collins. Hydrology of some tidal channels in estuarine marshland near San Francisco. 1993.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: Measurements of velocity, depth, discharge, and slope were simultaneously made at ten gages along a natural estuarine channel 19,000 feet in length in Petaluma Marsh, California. Along the study reach the channel decreases from a width of 47 feet at its mouth to nearly zero at its headward extent, with accompanying decrease in depth. Though gage height varies with time in a smooth sinusoidal manner at all stations, this is not true for velocity, discharge, or slope. Originally published: Catena ; v. 20 (October 1993).

Folder 1.30

Leopold, Luna B., and Claudio Vita-Finzi. Valley changes in the Mediterranean and America and their effects on humans. 1998.

Scope and Content Note

Abstract: River valleys in the Mediterranean, the Near East, the southwestern United States, and Mexico have repeatedly alternated between alluviation and erosion, changing the availability of water and agricultural land. The timing and magnitude of the various episodes suggest that the principal cause is a shift in precipitation patterns. Human activity has distorted the severity and the initiation of these changes that have at times been beneficial and at other times detrimental to the local population. Originally published: Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society ; v. 142, no. 1 (March 1998).

Miscellaneous, 1938-1991

Box Box 2, Folder 2.1

Cerrito Creek at 400 Vermont Ave., Berkeley, drainage area 42 acres. 1978-1983.

Scope and Content Note

Simultaneous rainfall and streamflow observations and analyses recorded by Leopold at his home in Berkeley, California.

Folder 2.2

Berkeley rainfall frequency analysis. 1983.

Scope and Content Note

Includes summary of statistical results for rainfall in the Berkeley area, 1897-1982, 24-hour precipitation maximum values, 1964-1982, summary of statistical results for annual rainfall in Oakland, 1874-1980, etc.

Folder 2.3

San Lorenzo River, Santa Cruz, California. 1974-1977.

Scope and Content Note

Miscellaneous materials related to the San Lorenzo River, including correspondence, reprints of articles, a chronology of Santa Cruz flood events, Santa Cruz County ordinances and proposals, brochures and other materials from Save San Lorenzo River Association, and a set of drawings by the City of Santa Cruz, Public Works Department, Engineering Division.

Folder 2.4

Pinole Creek near Pinole gaging station. 1938-1980.

Scope and Content Note

File of materials sent to Leopold in 1993 by East Bay Municipal Utility District. File consists of photocopies of station data from 1938-1980 (the station was closed in 1980), discharge measurements, correspondence, photographs, station descriptions, etc.

Folder 2.5

San Pablo Creek above Orinda Filter Plant. 1982-1991.

Scope and Content Note

Daily mean discharge (in cfs) records compiled by East Bay Municipal Utility District for water years 1983-1990.

Field Data

Raw Data, 1910-1985

Scope and Content Note

Hydrologic data for Pacific Slope basins, California, compiled by Leopold for 65 stream gaging stations presented in tabular form on a single sheet (62 x 42 cm.), including channel width, channel depth, and streamflow velocity at bankfull stage. Completed U.S.G.S. Water Resources Division 9-207 forms for 60 stations documenting discharge measurements and channel dimensions, arranged in folders in Boxes 3-4 alphabetically by station name.

Box Box 3, Folder 3.1

Alameda Creek at Union City. 1966-1972.

Folder 3.2

Alameda Creek near Niles. 1965-1972.

Folder 3.3

Alamitos Creek near New Almaden. 1965-1971.

Folder 3.4

Albion River near Comptche. 1964-1969.

Folder 3.5

Arroyo Corte Madera del Presidio at Mill Valley. 1965-1971.

Folder 3.6

Arroyo de la Laguna near Pleasanton. 1969-1972.

Folder 3.7

Arroyo del Hambre at Martinez. 1965-1971.

Folder 3.8

Arroyo Hondo near San Jose. 1968-1973.

Folder 3.9

Arroyo Mocho near Livermore. 1965-1971.

Folder 3.10

Arroyo Mocho near Pleasanton. 1965-1972.

Folder 3.11

Arroyo Seco near Pleasanton. 1961-1985.

Folder 3.12

Arroyo Valle above Lang Canyon near Livermore. 1965-1971.

Folder 3.13

Arroyo Valle near Livermore. 1965-1970.

Folder 3.14

Arroyo Valle at Pleasanton. 1965-1971.

Folder 3.15

Big River, South Fork, near Comptche. 1964-1971.

Folder 3.16

Big Sulphur Creek near Cloverdale. 1964-1972.

Folder 3.17

Black Butte River near Covelo. 1964-1975.

Folder 3.18

Bull Creek near Weott. 1964-1979.

Folder 3.19

Butano Creek near Pescadero. 1965-1974.

Folder 3.20

Colma Creek at South San Francisco. 1964-1972.

Folder 3.21

Corralitos Creek at Freedom. 1964-1980.

Folder 3.22

Corte Madera Creek at Ross. 1964-1979.

Folder 3.23

Coyote Creek near Gilroy. 1965-1972.

Folder 3.24

Coyote Creek near Madrone. 1965-1972.

Folder 3.25

Dry Creek near Cloverdale. 1965-1978.

Folder 3.26

Dry Creek near Geyserville. 1978-1983.

Folder 3.27

Dry Creek at Union City. 1964-1971.

Folder 3.28

Eel River at Alderpoint. 1955-1966.

Folder 3.29

Eel River at Fort Seward. 1965-1985.

Folder 3.30

Eel River at Scotia. 1910-1985.

Folder 3.31

Eel River, Middle Fork, near Dos Rios. 1965-1983.

Folder 3.32

Eel River, South Fork, near Branscomb. 1963-1970.

Folder 3.33

Elder Creek near Branscomb. 1967-1985.

Folder 3.34

Garcia River near Point Arena. 1965-1979.

Folder 3.35

Los Gatos Creek at Los Gatos. 1965-1971.

Folder 3.36

Maacama Creek near Kellogg. 1964-1978.

Folder 3.37

Mill Creek near Covelo. 1964-1971.

Folder 3.38

Milliken Creek near Napa. 1970.

Folder 3.39

Napa Creek at Napa. 1970-1971.

Folder 3.40

Napa River near Napa. 1965-1970.

Folder 3.41

Napa River near St. Helena. 1965-1970.

Folder 3.42

Novato Creek at Novato. 1965-1970.

Folder 3.43

Noyo River near Fort Bragg. 1965-1979.

Folder 3.44

Outlet Creek near Longvale. 1964-1978.

Folder 3.45

Patterson Creek at Union City. 1965-1972.

Box Box 4, Folder 3.46

Pescadero Creek near Pescadero. 1965-1980.

Folder 3.47

Pilarcitos Creek at Half Moon Bay. 1966-1972.

Folder 3.48

Redwood Creek near Napa. 1965-1971.

Folder 3.49

Redwood Creek at Redwood City. 1965-1972.

Folder 3.50

Rheem Creek at San Pablo. 1965-1972.

Folder 3.51

Russian River near Guerneville. 1978-1984.

Folder 3.52

Russian River near Ukiah. 1965-1980.

Folder 3.53

Salmon Creek at Bodega. 1964-1972.

Folder 3.54

San Gregorio Creek at San Gregorio. 1969-1980.

Folder 3.55

San Lorenzo Creek at Hayward. 1965-1972.

Folder 3.56

San Lorenzo Creek at San Lorenzo. 1967-1972.

Folder 3.57

San Lorenzo River at Big Trees. 1965-1980.

Folder 3.58

San Lorenzo River near Boulder Creek. 1969-1980.

Folder 3.59

San Ramon Creek at San Ramon. 1965-1972.

Folder 3.60

San Ramon Creek at Walnut Creek. 1965-1971.

Folder 3.61

Saratoga Creek at Saratoga. 1965-1971.

Folder 3.62

Sonoma Creek at Boyes Hot Springs/near Agua Caliente. 1965-1971.

Folder 3.63

Soquel Creek at Soquel. 1966-1979.

Folder 3.64

Tenmile Creek near Laytonville. 1963-1974.

Folder 3.65

Upper Penitencia Creek at San Jose. 1965-1971.

Folder 3.66

Uvas Creek near Gilroy. 1966-1980.

Folder 3.67

Uvas Creek above Uvas Reservoir near Morgan Hill. 1965-1974.

Folder 3.68

Walker Creek near Tomales. 1960-1979.

Folder 3.69

Walnut Creek at Concord. 1968-1972.

Summary Data

Scope and Content Note

Holograph discharge vs. hydraulic geometry graphs; flood frequency analyses; rating curves; and other miscellaneous data for 20 California Pacific Slope basin stations. Arranged alphabetically by station name.

Box Box 4, Folder 4.1

Corte Madera Creek at Ross.

Folder 4.2

Coyote Creek near Gilroy.

Folder 4.3

Coyote Creek near Madrone.

Folder 4.4

Milliken Creek near Napa.

Folder 4.5

Napa Creek at Napa.

Folder 4.6

Napa River near Napa.

Folder 4.7

Napa River near St. Helena.

Folder 4.8

Pinole Creek at Pinole.

Folder 4.9

Redwood Creek near Napa.

Folder 4.10

Redwood Creek at Redwood City.

Folder 4.11

Rheem Creek at San Pablo.

Folder 4.12

Salmon Creek at Bodega.

Folder 4.13

San Lorenzo Creek near Boulder Creek.

Folder 4.14

San Lorenzo Creek at Hayward.

Folder 4.15

San Pablo Creek.

Folder 4.16

San Ramon Creek at San Ramon.

Folder 4.17

San Ramon Creek at Walnut Creek.

Folder 4.18

Walker Creek near Tomales.

Folder 4.19

Walnut Creek at Concord.

Folder 4.20

Walnut Creek at Walnut Creek.

Container List