Diffusion of sediment on the lee of dune‐like bedforms: theoretical and numerical analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACTTheoretical and empirical analyses of flow structure, sediment transport, and sediment size characteristics at the crest of dune‐like bedforms indicate that it is possible to describe, at least semi‐quantitatively, the diffusion and deposition of sediment on the leeside of such structures. A numerical program based on this analysis simulates the grain‐size distribution and deposition rate on the leeside of dunes for specified flow conditions and bed material. Evaluation of flow and sediment variables through the numerical simulation program shows that flow velocity, flow depth and sediment size have a strong influence on the deposition rate and texture of leeside sediment before avalanching. Sorting of the bed material, in particular, appears to exert a strong control on both the grain‐size and the deposition‐rate gradients.