ASTRA

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ASTRA Applied Science and Technology for
Reservoir Assessment
The Kansas Biological Survey (KBS) is a
non-regulatory agency of the state of Kansas, and
a non-degree granting research and service unit
of the University of Kansas. KBS is a nationally
recognized leader in several fields of
environmental research and has maintained a
strong tradition of natural history studies.
Sediment accumulation in
Perry Lake Upper Basin,
Kansas.
April 24, 1971 - October 25, 2001
For more information about the ASTRA
Initiative and issues facing Kansas reservoirs
please visit our website http//www.kars.ku.edu/a
stra Dr. Mark Jakubauskas Kansas Biological
Survey Email mjakub_at_ku.edu Phone
(785-864-1508) The Kansas Biological
Survey 2101 Constant Ave., Higuchi Hall Lawrence,
KS 66047-3759 Phone [phone] Fax
785-864-1534 http//www.kbs.ku.edu
A research and service program of
Great Plains deep soil and clay will naturally
fill reservoirs.
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Why is the ASTRA initiative important? The
Applied Science and Technology Reservoir
Assessment (ASTRA) Initiative was created in 2006
in response to the need for critical information
concerning the status and condition of our
reservoirs. The Kansas Biological Survey is
uniquely qualified to contribute to the research
and information needs for immediate and long-term
management of Kansas reservoirs due to our
extensive experience in reservoir, stream, and
water quality assessment, remote sensing and
geospatial technologies. In Kansas, 20 federal
reservoirs and numerous municipal reservoirs
provide water in some manner to roughly
two-thirds of Kansas citizens. Their capacity
to store water is being diminished over time by
sedimentation. The work of the Kansas
Biological Survey and other state and federal
agencies is helping the state better understand
the sources, transport and deposition of
sediment. Facts gained are part of the states
Reservoir Sustainability Initiative led by the
Kansas Water Office.
What types of surveys will ASTRA conduct? Under
the ASTRA Initiative, KBS has acquired
sophisticated technology for
Why is my reservoir important?
As identified by the Kansas Water Office, the
mapped reservoirs are those that are active
municipal drinking water sources. In order to
conserve reservoir storage capacity and protect
water quality, ASTRA is committed to providing
accurate and useful information about our vital
reservoirs so long-term goals can be achieved.

• Bathymetric (lake bottom contour) mapping
• Sediment thickness estimation
• Bottom sediment type classification
• Fish surveys
• Submerged aquatic vegetation surveys

A detrimental algae bloom is observed on
shoreline of Marion Reservoir, Kansas.
Additionally, the ASTRA Initiative conducts
sediment coring in reservoirs to measure its
thickness, rate of deposition, and spatial
distribution and obtain samples for physical and
chemical characteristics.
Acoustic echosounder and illustration.
ASTRA is particularly interested
in potential issues that result from a decrease
in reservoir water quality and storage capacity,
which include

• Increased Water Treatment Costs
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Reduced Flood Control Capacity
• Impaired Recreational Uses
• Less Water for Agriculture
• Public Health Impacts
• Diminished Economic Growth

KBS scientists observe core samples and
conduct bathymetric surveys on
Kansas reservoirs.
Learn more about it at www.kwo.org
Sedimentation
Shallow Areas
Algae Blooms
Impaired Water Quality