Network response to disturbances in large sand-bed braided rivers

The reach-scale effects of human-induced disturbances on the channel network in large braided rivers are a challenge to understand and to predict. In this study, we simulated different types of disturbances in a large braided river to get insight into the propagation of disturbances through a braid...

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Main Authors: F. Schuurman, M. G. Kleinhans, H. Middelkoop
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2016-01-01
Series:Earth Surface Dynamics
Online Access:http://www.earth-surf-dynam.net/4/25/2016/esurf-4-25-2016.pdf
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author F. Schuurman
M. G. Kleinhans
H. Middelkoop
author_facet F. Schuurman
M. G. Kleinhans
H. Middelkoop
author_sort F. Schuurman
collection DOAJ
description The reach-scale effects of human-induced disturbances on the channel network in large braided rivers are a challenge to understand and to predict. In this study, we simulated different types of disturbances in a large braided river to get insight into the propagation of disturbances through a braided channel network. The results showed that the disturbances initiate an instability that propagates in the downstream direction by means of alteration of water and sediment division at bifurcations. These adjustments of the bifurcations change the migration and shape of bars, with a feedback to the upstream bifurcation and alteration of the approaching flow to the downstream bifurcation. This way, the morphological effect of a disturbance amplifies in the downstream direction. Thus, the interplay of bifurcation instability and asymmetrical reshaping of bars was found to be essential for propagation of the effects of a disturbance. The study also demonstrated that the large-scale bar statistics are hardly affected.
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spelling doaj.art-c2373ac72ff24e2f91b57078f13bd26f2022-12-21T20:26:05ZengCopernicus PublicationsEarth Surface Dynamics2196-63112196-632X2016-01-0141254510.5194/esurf-4-25-2016Network response to disturbances in large sand-bed braided riversF. Schuurman0M. G. Kleinhans1H. Middelkoop2Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80115, 3508 TC Utrecht, the NetherlandsFaculty of Geosciences, Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80115, 3508 TC Utrecht, the NetherlandsFaculty of Geosciences, Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80115, 3508 TC Utrecht, the NetherlandsThe reach-scale effects of human-induced disturbances on the channel network in large braided rivers are a challenge to understand and to predict. In this study, we simulated different types of disturbances in a large braided river to get insight into the propagation of disturbances through a braided channel network. The results showed that the disturbances initiate an instability that propagates in the downstream direction by means of alteration of water and sediment division at bifurcations. These adjustments of the bifurcations change the migration and shape of bars, with a feedback to the upstream bifurcation and alteration of the approaching flow to the downstream bifurcation. This way, the morphological effect of a disturbance amplifies in the downstream direction. Thus, the interplay of bifurcation instability and asymmetrical reshaping of bars was found to be essential for propagation of the effects of a disturbance. The study also demonstrated that the large-scale bar statistics are hardly affected.http://www.earth-surf-dynam.net/4/25/2016/esurf-4-25-2016.pdf
spellingShingle F. Schuurman
M. G. Kleinhans
H. Middelkoop
Network response to disturbances in large sand-bed braided rivers
Earth Surface Dynamics
title Network response to disturbances in large sand-bed braided rivers
title_full Network response to disturbances in large sand-bed braided rivers
title_fullStr Network response to disturbances in large sand-bed braided rivers
title_full_unstemmed Network response to disturbances in large sand-bed braided rivers
title_short Network response to disturbances in large sand-bed braided rivers
title_sort network response to disturbances in large sand bed braided rivers
url http://www.earth-surf-dynam.net/4/25/2016/esurf-4-25-2016.pdf
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