DATA FOR ASHLEY RIVER TO TEST CHANNEL NETWORK AND RIVER BASIN HETEROGENEITY CONCEPTS

To provide data to investigate hypotheses about the evolution of chann el networks, specifically the optimal channel network concept, dischar ge and channel properties were measured at 336 sites in a 121 km(2) ba sin over a 5-day period of reasonably steady flows. The data are also suitable for investigating how discharge increases down river channels . The data collection was a major logistical exercise which involved 8 0 person-days in remote field locations. In the expectation that the d ata will be of use to other researchers, this paper describes how the data were measured, checked and archive d. The archive is avail ab le at http://www.niwa.cri.nz/hydrology/ashpage.htm and includes the assoc iated time series of streamflow at the basin outlet and the channel ne twork as plotted on 1:50,000 scale maps.