Comments on “Development of an empirical equation for the transverse dispersion coefficient in natural streams” by Tae Myoung Jeon, Kyong Oh Baek and Il Won Seo

Abstract

In a recent paper published in this journal, Jeon et al. ((2007), Environ Fluid Mech 7(4): 317–329) have presented a new empirical equation for the transverse dispersion coefficient in natural streams that was developed based on the hydraulic and geometric parameters using a regression technique. A total of 32 data sets collected in 32 streams was used. Among them, 16 data sets were used for deriving the new equation, and the other 16 were used for verifying the equation. Starting from dimensional analysis the authors found that transverse dispersion coefficient depends on three parameters, such as sinuosity, aspect ratio and a friction term. The robust least square method was applied to estimate regression coefficients resulting in an equation which allows better prediction of transverse dispersion coefficient than previous literature equations. The discussers would like to highlight some points raised in the paper.