Abstract
Confluences are key morphological nodes in braided rivers where flow converges, creating complex flow patterns and rapid bed deformation. Field surveys and laboratory experiments have been carried out to investigate the morphodynamic features in individual confluences, but few have investigated the evolution processes of confluences in large braided rivers. In the current study, a physics-based numerical model was applied to simulate a large lowland braided river dominated by suspended sediment transport, and analyze the morphologic changes at confluences and their controlling factors. It was found that the confluences in large braided rivers exhibit some dynamic processes and geometric characteristics that are similar to those observed in individual confluences arising from two tributaries. However, they also show some unique characteristics that may result from the influence of the overall braided pattern and especially of their neighboring upstream channels.
Highlights
Braided rivers are highly dynamic systems characterized by multiple frequently joining and bifurcating channels that form confluences and bifurcations
Exploring the mechanisms underlying confluence evolution is fundamental for profoundly understanding morphodynamic processes in braided rivers [1]
Based on the quantitative data provided by the numerical simulation, the main objectives of the current study are to analyze changes in flow field, sediment concentration, and bed elevation at typical confluences, compare them with those observed in natural rivers, and investigate evolution processes at confluences and the controlling factors
Summary
Braided rivers are highly dynamic systems characterized by multiple frequently joining and bifurcating channels that form confluences and bifurcations. In these rivers, channel confluences and bifurcations are key morphological features whose dynamics and mutual interactions control many aspects of channel morphology and processes in braided networks. The evolution and morphology of confluences in large braided rivers share some common features with junctions of two branches in a non-braided river. They might be affected by the evolution of the overall braided pattern, especially by morphologic changes in their immediate upstream neighborhood, thereby exhibiting unique morphodynamic processes and characteristics
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