The job of the river

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
Rivers are viewed here as hydrological entities, not geomorphic machines. The geomorphic work of the river (erosion, transport, deposition, etc.) – is a byproduct of the hydrological job of the river. The apparent steady-state equilibrium slope adjustments of rivers are a byproduct of 4 basic phenomena: (1) hydraulic selection, which favors channels and branching networks over other flux patterns; (2) water flows along the available path of least resistance; (3) energy dissipation; and (4) finite relaxation times. Recognizing converging trends of stream power or slope and sediment supply as common (but far from inevitable) side effects rather than self-regulation has important implications for interpreting and predicting fluvial systems, and for river management and restoration.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Earth surface processes and landforms, issn : 0197-9337, 2010, vol. 35, n°. 3, p. 305-313, nombre de pages : 9, Références bibliographiques : 2 p.

Date :
2010

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