Episodic Behavior of Sand-Bed Rivers.
Abstract
Experimental studies and field work reveal that in step terrain with high sediment production, the drainage basin behaves in an episodic fashion. Sediment derived from both hillslope erosion and mass movement is stored in the upper basin until it approaches a stability threshold. Then, during a major storm, it is flushed downstream. The sediment continues downstream in this episodic fashion. The main objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that in certain bedload channels, sediment movement may be episodic; that is, sediment is either stored in fan-like deposits until remobilized or it moves as mega-waves through the channels. The data and analysis clearly indicate that the relationship between sediment supply, channel morphology, and channel hydraulics is complex, and the relationship changes through time and with location along the channel. Thus, hydraulic modeling of channel systems for long periods of time should not be attempted without proper consideration of geomorphic relationships.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA143775
Entities
People
- C. C. Watson
- D. I. Gregory
- M. D. Harvey
- S. A. Schumm