Sediment Transport Under Ice
Abstract
An essential feature of alluvial rivers and channels is that their morphology and flow-resistance behavior vary interactively with flow and sediment conditions. Depending on flow magnitude, ice covers modify the interaction, doing so over a range of scales in space and time. This report is an in-depth review of the impacts of river ice covers on sediment transport. The following topics are covered: ice-cover influences on flow distribution; sediment transport by ice (i.e., sediment included in drifting ice); sediment transport under ice; and ice influences on channel morphology. The flow distribution in channels can be substantially modified by river ice. The impacts can include raised water levels, laterally redistributed flow, reduced velocity of secondary currents, and other effects. Drifting ice can be an important transport mechanism for sediment transport, and the known pathways are described. Sediment transport under ice is described in terms of key non-dimensional parameters characterizing the dynamics of flow and sediment interaction. Finally, the extent to which the seasonal formation and breakup of ice perturbs the stability of alluvial channels in regions subject to frigid winters is described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA427634
Entities
People
- Robert Ettema
- Steven F. Daly
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center