Analysis of Major River Systems and Their Deltas: Procedures and Rationale, with Two Examples.
Abstract
The great river and delta systems of the world are considered as complex, interacting systems. All components are causally interrelated. Salient process and response parameters have been identified, and procedures for acquiring and generating parameter values have been standardized. Geological, geomorphological, climatological, pedological, biological, and hydrological factors in the drainage basin, alluvial valley, deltaic plain, and receiving basin are being systematically measured, computed, and tabulated for each of 55 of the world's major rivers and deltas. Means of accurately describing the morphometry of large drainage basins by rapid electronic techniques have been devised. Values obtained are considered in relation to the water balance, soils, vegetation, and river regime. In the alluvial valley similar factors are measured. In addition, a comprehensive descriptive classification of alluvial valley landscapes has been devised. In the delta such geomorphic and environmental parameters as the relative areas of various deltaic provinces, distributary patterns, landform types, river mouth and bar types, and deltaic bulge subaerial and subaqueous geometry are determined. Process parameters, including discharge, flood peakedness, sediment load, discharge efficiency, climate, etc., are considered as in the basin and alluvial valley. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0723575
Entities
People
- James M. Coleman
- Lynn D. Wright
Organizations
- Louisiana State University