Fluvial Processes

A stream flowing in alluvium deforms its bed surface, forming ripples, dunes, bars, etc., and, in many instances, it deforms its channel entirely, thereby creating meandering or braiding patterns. It could be said that, in general, an alluvial stream and its deformable boundary undergo a variety of fluvial processes leading to the emergence of a multitude of alluvial forms.

This book concerns the physics and analytical treatment of various fluvial processes and the associated alluvial bed and plan forms listed above. Following an introductory chapter on the basics of turbulent flow and sediment transport, the book covers the origin, geometric characteristics and effects of bed forms, from small- to meso-scale (ripples, dunes, alternate and multiple bars); the initiation, geometry and mechanics of meandering streams; the computation of flow, bed deformation and the planimetric evolution of meandering streams; and braiding and delta formation. The book also covers the regime concept, the time-development of a stream towards its regime state, and the formulation of stable, or equilibrium, morphology. The book distinguishes itself by its comprehensive analysis and discussion of key processes involved in large-scale river morphodynamics.

The book was written primarily for researchers and graduate students of hydraulic engineering, water resources and related branches of earth sciences, but it will also prove useful for river engineers and managers.