A channel head stability criterion for first-order catchments

Auteur :
SÓLYOM, P.B.

Description :
This analysis derives a stability criterion for long-term equilibrium channel heads. The concept of finite perturbation analysis is presented, during which the surface is subjected to perturbations of a finite amplitude and resulting changes in flow path structure and slope are computed. Based on these quantities the analysis predicts whether the perturbed location is going to erode, be filled in or remain steady. The channel head is defined geometrically as the focus point of converging flow lines at the bottom of hollows. It is demonstrated that stability at the channel head grows out of the competition between the rate of flow path convergence and the degree of profile concavity. Analytical functions are derived to compute channel head-contributing area and -slope, flow path convergence and profile concavity as a function of perturbation depth, distance from the crest and the initial slope.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Earth surface processes and landforms, issn : 0197-9337, 2011, vol. 36, n°. 4, p. 533-546, nombre de pages : 14, Références bibliographiques : 1 p.

Date :
2011

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley