the fluvial geomorphic system components variables of stream flow hydrologic cycle discharge
DESCRIPTION
The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge Floods Effect of Slope, Hydraulic Radius Equilibrium in Streams Graded Stream Degradation Aggradation. The Fluvial Geomorphic System. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
The Fluvial Geomorphic System• Components
• Variables of Stream Flow
• Hydrologic cycle• Discharge• Floods• Effect of Slope, Hydraulic Radius
• Equilibrium in Streams
• Graded Stream• Degradation• Aggradation
![Page 2: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
The Fluvial Geomorphic System
How is sediment transported and removed from continents?(i.e., what mechanisms are most important
in shaping landscapes?)
► Rivers: 85-90%
► Glaciers: 7%
► Groundwater & Waves: 1-2%
► Wind: < 1%
► Volcanoes: < 1%
![Page 3: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
The fluvial system is comprised of these components:
► Drainage divides,
► Source areas of water and sediment,
► Channels and valleys of the drainage basin (watershed ),
► Depositional Areas
![Page 4: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Example watershed--sketch
Terminus or drain point
![Page 5: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Example watershed—on shaded relief map
Terminus or drain point
![Page 6: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Example watershed—two-dimensional
![Page 7: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Hydrologic cycle
Water budget/balance:
Inputs – Outputs = +/- Storage
Inputs? precipitation
Outputs?
runoff
evapotranspiration
GW discharge
Storage?
Soil moistureFloodingaquifer storage
![Page 8: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Inputs – Outputs = +/- Storage
PCIP - (ET + RO + GW) = ΔS
PCIP - ET - RO - GW = ΔS
PCIP = ET + RO + GW + ΔS100% 25-40%
![Page 9: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
![Page 10: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
w
Cross-sectional area and wetted perimeter
d
Area = w x d
Wetted perimeter = w + 2d
Discharge
![Page 11: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Cross-sectional area and wetted perimeter
w
d
Area = 2w x 2d = 4wd
Wetted perimeter = 2w + 2(2d) = 2w + 4d
2w
2d
Discharge
![Page 12: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Area A = wd
Area B = 2w x 2d = 4wd
Area B / Area A = 4wd / wd = 4 -----------------------------------------------------------
Wetted perimeter A = w + 2d
Wetted perimeter B = 2w + 2(2d) = 2w + 4dWetted perimeter B = 2(w + 2d)
Wetted perimeter B / Wetted perimeter A =
2(w + 2d) / (w + 2d) = 2
Discharge
![Page 13: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Cross-sectional area and wetted perimeter
w
d
• Small increase in wetted perimeter (relative to increase in area) means less frictional resistance, water can flow faster (increased velocity)
Discharge
![Page 14: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Cross-sectional area and wetted perimeter
Result: increased discharge (Q) is caused by increases in width, depth and velocity
Q = w x d x v
W V
D
Discharge
![Page 15: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Q = w x d x v
w = aQb
d = cQf
v = kQm
Q = aQb x cQf x kQm
Q = ackQ(b + f + m)
a x c x k = 1b + f + m =1
Discharge
![Page 16: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Dischargew = aQb, d = cQf , v = kQm
log w = log (a Qb) = log a + b log Q
log w = constant + b log Q
w = b Q + constant (form of y = mx + b)(plots as line on log-log graph)
![Page 17: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Floods James River in Richmond, Virginia at flood stage, November 1985. Photo by Rick Berquist, used with permission.
![Page 18: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Time
Riv
er E
leva
tio
n
Start of rainstorm End of rainstorm
Floods
Hydrograph: a plot of river level (or discharge) versus time
Note equivalence of river elevation (stage) and discharge
![Page 19: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
![Page 20: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Time
Riv
er E
leva
tio
n
Floods
Different watersheds display different hydrograph characteristics
larger river in large watershed
small stream
![Page 21: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Time
Riv
er E
leva
tio
n
Prior to urbanization
Start of rainstorm End of rainstorm
Precipitation
Ground
Runoff
Infiltration
![Page 22: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Time
Riv
er E
leva
tio
n
Prior to urbanization
Start of rainstorm End of rainstorm
Precipitation
Ground
Runoff
Infiltration
![Page 23: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Time
Riv
er E
leva
tio
n
prior to urbanization
after urbanization
Start of rainstorm End of rainstorm
Precipitation
ImperviousGround
Increased Runoff
Little Infiltration
![Page 24: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
1993 Mississippi River Flood (500-year flood)
![Page 25: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
1993 Mississippi River Flood (500-year flood)
![Page 26: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
http://www.cgrer.uiowa.edu/research/exhibit_gallery/great_floods/wetness.html
June 6, 1993
July 15, 1993
Soil Moisture
(brighter = wetter)
July 29, 1993
1993 Mississippi River Flood (500-year flood)
![Page 27: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Time
Riv
er E
leva
tio
n
dry soils
saturated soils
Start of rainstorm End of rainstorm
Precipitation
ImperviousGround
Increased Runoff
Little Infiltration
![Page 28: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Constructing a rating curveFloods
Note equivalence of stage and discharge
![Page 29: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Chester IL Rating Curve( based on annual peak flows )
1.0E+04
1.0E+05
1.0E+06
1.0E+07
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Stage (ft)
Q (
cfs)
Example rating curve
Note that rating curve allows estimation of discharge for extreme floods.
![Page 30: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Estimating stagelevel of past floods—can then use rating curve to estimate discharge
![Page 31: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
WATTS HOME
TWELVEPOLE CREEK
OLD CULVERT
RR TRACKS
Normal water level
STEEP VALLEY WALL
FLOOD PLAIN
~17 ft ~10-12 ft
NOT TO SCALE
~5-7 ft
BASE OF DITCH
Wayne Co. flood case
WATER LEVEL, 11/12/03
~6-8 ft
![Page 32: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Flood Intensity
0.01
0.10
1.00
10.00
100.00
1.E+00 1.E+01 1.E+02 1.E+03 1.E+04 1.E+05 1.E+06 1.E+07
Area
Q /
Are
a
![Page 33: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
FloodsRecurrence interval (RI) is the average number of years between a flood of a given magnitude.
• For example: the 100-year flood is the stage or discharge that occurs on average every 100 years.
• Different for every river.
• Data less reliable for larger RI. Why?
• RI = (N +1) / m
• N = # of years of record , m = rank
• Example: If records were kept for 59 years (N=59), and a stage level of 52 ft was the third highest level (m=3) reached during this period, then a flood of this magnitude would be categorized as a 20-year flood (RI = 60/3).
![Page 34: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Chester IL -- Rank versus Year
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Year
Ran
k
Example of data used to calculate RI
![Page 35: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Miss. River, Chester, Il – 1993
Note that the probability of a flood of a given magnitude is 1/RI.
Example: In any year, the chance of a100-year flood is 1/100 = 1%
The mean annual flood is the average of the maximum annual floods over a period of years.
RImean = 2.33
![Page 36: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
![Page 37: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Chester IL Rating Curve( based on annual peak flows )
1.0E+04
1.0E+05
1.0E+06
1.0E+07
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Stage (ft)
Q (
cfs)
![Page 38: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Floods James River in Richmond, Virginia at flood stage, November 1985. Photo by Rick Berquist, used with permission.
![Page 39: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
James River, Richmond VAThree largest floods recorded from 1935 to present.
1. June 23, 1972, 28.62 ft (gage height), 313,000 cfs (discharge)
2.August 21, 1969, 24.95 ft (gage height), 222,000 cfs (discharge)
3.November 7, 1985, 24.77 ft (gage height), 218,000 cfs (discharge)
•From the picture of the river at normal flow, estimate the stage at these conditions.
•Calculate RI and probability for each of these flood events
Flood Exercise
![Page 40: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
![Page 41: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Floods Paleofloods
• Causes: dam outbursts, glacial outbursts, extreme precipitation events.• ice dam collapsed during last Ice Age in eastern Washington, emptying
lake about half size of Lake Michigan; floodwaters had Q~752,000,000 cfs.
• Provide direct evidence of extreme hydrologic events that may shed lightback to mid-Holocene (~5,000 years)
• Flood deposits and flood erosional effects are primary sources of information about the magnitude and frequency of these extreme events.
![Page 42: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Floods Paleofloods
Example use of paleoflood records to discern mid-Holocene climates
Hirschboeck, 2003
![Page 43: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
Floods Paleoflood
“reconstruction”
• What is needed to estimate discharge, Q, during a modern flood?
•Rating curve allows Q to be estimated from stage
• What is needed to estimate discharge during a paleoflood?
• flood stage may not be known• If flood stage is known, no rating curve for extreme stage• velocity must be estimated and ancient valley shape must be estimated
Q = w x d x v
![Page 44: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
Floods Paleoflood
“reconstruction”
Methods for estimating stage of paleofloods• depositional: slack-water deposits in tributary valleys, caves, etc.
• slack-water deposits formed during sudden velocity decreases following peak discharge
• only preserved in protected areas above elevation of modern floods (“non-exceedance level”
• erosional: terrace benches, markings on paleosols, bedrock walls, etc.
• vegetation: damaged trees, etc.
![Page 45: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
Hirschboeck, 2003
FloodsPaleofloods
![Page 46: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
Floods Paleoflood
“reconstruction”
Methods for estimating velocity of paleofloods
•quantitative empirical or theoretical relationships• Chezy formula: uses hydraulic radius and slope to estimate velocity• Use sizes of boulders transported in flood to estimate velocity• Manning equation: uses hydraulic radius and slope to estimate velocity:
v = 1.49/n x R2/3 x S1/2
n = roughness factorR = hydraulic radiusS = slope Wetted perimeter (WP) = 2d + w
Area (A) = wd
R = A / WP = wd / (2d + w)
dd
w
![Page 47: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
Relationships among channel shape,velocity, slope and erosional energy
Manning equation: relates hydraulic radius and slope to velocity
v = 1.49/n x R2/3 x S1/2
n = roughness factorR = hydraulic radiusS = slope
Wetted perimeter (WP) = 2d + w
Area (A) = wd
R = A / WP = wd / (2d + w)
dd
w
![Page 48: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
Relationships among channel shape,velocity and erosional energy
Wetted perimeter (WP) = 2d + w
Area (A) = wd
R = A / WP = wd / (2d + w)
2
10
1
20
WP = 14A = 20R = 1.4
WP = 22A = 20R = 0.9
![Page 49: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
Relationships among channel shape,velocity and erosional energy
2
10
1
20
WP = 14A = 20R = 1.4
WP = 22A = 20R = 0.9
What does Manning equation say about flow in these two different channel shapes if slope and roughness are equal?
v = 1.49/n x R2/3 x S1/2
n = roughness factorR = hydraulic radiusS = slope
•larger radius means greater velocity.
• smaller radius means less velocity.
• Tendency of smaller radius to restrict velocity is result of turbulence and friction as water contacts the channel margins. This causes erosion !
![Page 50: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
Relationships among channel shape,velocity, slope and erosional energy
2
10
1
20
WP = 14A = 20R = 1.4
WP = 22A = 20R = 0.9
Hydraulic shear
![Page 51: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
• low hydraulic radius• high friction/turbulence• high scour• coarse bedload
• high hydraulic radius• low friction/turbulence• low scour• fine bedload
![Page 52: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
Relationships among slope, velocity and erosional energy
•Increased discharge causes increase in depth, width and velocity--causes moderate increase in erosion.
•Scenario might occur as a result of climate change
•Increased slope at constant discharge means velocity increases, but depth decreases—causes more dramatic increase in erosion.
• Scenario might occur as a result of uplift
![Page 53: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
Sediment load:mass of sediment transported in a stream or river per unit time
example: pounds per year
Related concepts:
• denudation rates (example: ft/1000 yrs)
• sediment yield = sediment load / area
![Page 54: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
Controls on sediment load
•topographic relief•geology of watershed•climate•vegetation•other processes in watershed (glaciers,mass wasting, etc.)
![Page 55: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
Sediment load depends on: • relief – denudation rates
increase exponentially with relief of watershed.
• vegetation – sediment yield is at maximum for about 10 in/yr of precipitation. Why?
![Page 56: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
Total sediment load =
dissolved load (50%?) + flotation + suspended + bed load
-------------------------------------------suspended load: particles supported by water column
bedload: particles suspended by channel bed
![Page 57: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
Mississippi River sediment
![Page 58: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
As discharge increases, suspended load increases at
more rapid rate than discharge.
![Page 59: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
Channel patterns
• straight (rare)
• meandering (most common)
• single channel• sinuous (Ls / Lv)• few islands• deep, narrow channels• meander size proportional to Q,
maybe load
• braided
• low sinuosity• multiple, shifting channels• islands• wide, shallow channels
![Page 60: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
Causes of meandering• laminar flow tends not to be maintained, so water is deflected, energy is distributed unequally in channel.
•cut banks•point bars
• positive feedback system
• more meandering results in wider valleys, bigger floodplains.
![Page 61: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/61.jpg)
Braided Streams• temporary, shifting channels have prompted conclusion
that braided streams are overloaded with sediment and, in response, are aggrading.
• In fact, braiding is related to erodabilty of bank material—braiding seems to develop in easily- erodable (non-cohesive) sediments (i.e., sand & gravel). See Figures 5-36 & 5-38
• Higher silt/clay ratios of load mean lower W/D ratios, development of helical flow, resistance of banks to erosion, and meandering channel patterns.
• Lower silt/clay ratios of load mean higher W/D ratios, absence of helical flow, erosion of banks, and braided channel patterns.
• Change in silt/clay to sand/gravel bank materials may result in a change in channel shape from meandering to braided-- will mean an increase in slope.
– Why? – But change in slope is a response to change in channel shape,
not a cause of braiding!
![Page 62: The Fluvial Geomorphic System Components Variables of Stream Flow Hydrologic cycle Discharge](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062500/56815a91550346895dc809a4/html5/thumbnails/62.jpg)