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- Title
A reduced-complexity model for river delta formation - Part 1: Modeling deltas with channel dynamics.
- Authors
Liang, M.; Voller, V. R.; Paola, C.
- Abstract
In this work we develop a reduced-complexity model (RCM) for river delta formation (referred to as DeltaRCM in the following). It is a rule-based cellular morphodynamic model, in contrast to reductionist models based on detailed computational fluid dynamics. The basic framework of this model (DeltaRCM) consists of stochastic parcel-based cellular routing schemes for water and sediment and a set of phenomenological rules for sediment deposition and erosion. The outputs of the model include a depth-averaged flow field, water surface elevation and bed topography that evolve in time. Results show that DeltaRCM is able (1) to resolve a wide range of channel dynamics - including elongation, bifurcation, avulsion and migration - and (2) to produce a variety of deltas such as alluvial fan deltas and deltas with multiple orders of bifurcations.We also demonstrate a simple stratigraphy recording component which tracks the distribution of coarse and fine materials and the age of the deposits. Essential processes that must be included in reduced-complexity delta models include a depth-averaged flow field that guides sediment transport a nontrivial water surface profile that accounts for backwater effects at least in the main channels, both bedload and suspended sediment transport, and topographic steering of sediment transport.
- Subjects
RIVER bifurcation; DELTAS; COMPUTATIONAL fluid dynamics; SEDIMENTS; SEDIMENTATION &; deposition; SEDIMENT transport
- Publication
Earth Surface Dynamics, 2015, Vol 3, Issue 1, p67
- ISSN
2196-6311
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.5194/esurf-3-67-2015