A Lag-Deviation Method for Analyzing Channel Bed Forms

Abstract

A simple method for analyzing alluvial channel bed forms for length and time scales can be applied to records of bed elevation with either distance along the channel or time as moving bed forms pass a channel section. The difficulty of obtaining distance records of bed-form elevation in the field is lessened by the use of simultaneous time records from two closely spaced points along the channel. Analysis of these dual records provides the dune period and propagation speed from which the dune length may be derived and permits an estimate of the ‘dune load,’ the average contribution of the moving bed forms to the bed material transport rate.