Defining and measuring braiding intensity

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
Geomorphological studies of braided rivers still lack a consistent measurement of the complexity of the braided pattern. Several simple indices have been proposed and two (channel count and total sinuosity) are the most commonly applied. A series of experiments was run using small-scale physical models of braided rivers in a 3 m x 20 m flume. Sampling criteria for braid indices and their comparability were assessed using constant-discharge experiments. Sample hydrographs were run to assess the effect of flow variability. Functional relationships between channel pattern and, for example, discharge, are sensitive to the choice of braid index. At present, channel count indices give the best combination of rapid measurement, precision, and range of sources from which measurements can be reliably made. They can also be related directly to bar theory for braided pattern development.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Earth surface processes and landforms, issn : 0197-9337, 2008, vol. 33, n°. 14, p. 2121-2138, nombre de pages : 18, Références bibliographiques : 48 ref.

Date :
2008

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