Formation of repeating bedforms (bars-flats) in ephemeral channels: From field observations to modeling

G. Massera, A. Siviglia, M. Tubino, T. Cohen, J. B. Laronne, M. Dorman, I. Reid, D. M. Powell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Gravel bed channels of single-thread ephemeral streams in drylands are typified by alternations of steep, coarse-grained bars and less steep, fine-grained ‘flats’. The origin of both macroforms has been discussed but not fully explained. We studied the generation of this macroform sequence under field conditions. Relevantly, we provide a possible explanation regarding their formation, using a simple mathematical model fed by data obtained from field experiments carried out on the Yatir channel in the northern Negev, Israel. The mathematical model is developed considering the one-dimensional model of flow over an erodible bed composed of a bimodal mixture of sediments. The solution is obtained via the application of linear stability analysis. Results suggest that the bar-flat pattern occurs when the standard deviation of the sediment mixture is relatively large, as in the case of the Yatir channel, and the flow approaches critical conditions for bedload transport.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRiver Flow - Proceedings of the 11th Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics, 2022
EditorsAna Maria Ferreira da Silva, Colin Rennie, Susan Gaskin, Jay Lacey, Bruce MacVicar
PublisherCRC Press/Balkema
Pages277-281
Number of pages5
ISBN (Print)9781032346137
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2024
Event11th International Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics, River Flow 2022 - Kingston, Canada
Duration: 8 Nov 202210 Nov 2022

Publication series

NameRiver Flow - Proceedings of the 11th Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics, 2022

Conference

Conference11th International Conference on Fluvial Hydraulics, River Flow 2022
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityKingston
Period8/11/2210/11/22

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

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