Channel Characteristics in a Meandering Tidal Channel: Crooked River, Florida

Abstract

Crooked River, Florida, is a double-mouthed meandering tidal channel with an axial length of some 24 km (15 mi) and a mean sinuosity of 1.7, working in sediments derived from old beach systems but with contact in places with bedrock of Tertiary limestone. At some points it is subject to recharge from karstic risers. Its hydraulic geometry accords generally, and in some respects closely, with the geometry of a wholly tidal creek studied by Myrick and Leopold. Channel geometry agrees with general observations on meandering streams, except that it raises the question of choice between measurement of bedwidth between pools and measure- ment at pools. Maximum pool depth appears to be complexly determined, with deflection angle through pools and a radius factor supplying the chief definitions of controlling bend tightness: a pool width factor and the curvature ratio are also relevant in this case. Some 51% of the variance in maximum depth (as expressed by the depth factor) is statistically accounted for, with an average discrepancy between observed and com- puted depth of less than 6%.