Module 4, Lesson 1: Determining Navigability (2 of 5)

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Public Trust Doctrine

Module 1: What Is It?

Module 2: A Dynamic Doctrine

Module 3: Geographic Scope

Module 4: Determining Public Trust

Module 5: The Trust Responsibilities of States

Module 6: Administering the Trust

Module 7: Riparian Rights and Takings

Module 8: Concurrent State and Federal Authority

Module 9: Advocating the Trust

Public Trust Doctrine

Determining Navigability (2 of 5)

Determining Navigability by Tidal Influence (Continued)

Means of Determining Tidal Influence

The following methods can be used to determine whether waters rise and fall in response to oceanic tides:

U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey charts and maps
The reach of tidal influences in a river may be a distinct geological feature, such as a fall line signified on U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey charts and maps.
Hydrographs
Hydrographs—which record the water elevation and flow at a particular place—may show tidal influence. The use of hydrographs, however, can be complicated by flooding, rainfall, runoff channeling, and drought.

Means of Determining Tidal Influence