Experiments on Gravel‐Sand Transitions: Examination of Washload Deposition

Abstract

AbstractAn abrupt transition in bed grain size occurs in river systems. Over a short downstream distance, often only a few channel widths, the bed surface fines from gravel (∼10 mm) to sand (∼1 mm). This is the gravel‐sand transition (GST), and it is the only abrupt downstream reduction in grain size within fluvial systems. There are several theories for the origin of the GST, including size‐selective deposition of bimodal grain size distributions and the rapid onset of washload deposition due to changes in particle suspension properties at shear velocities of ∼0.1 m/s. Here, we present a laboratory experiment examining changes in fluid and sediment dynamics across a GST. We developed a stable gravel bed reach that was just below the threshold of motion, then fed sand. We observed sand carried as washload in the gravel reach fall out of suspension, forming a sand bed and a stable GST. Shear velocity was 0.09–0.10 m/s upstream of the GST and <0.10 m/s downstream, consistent with the washload deposition hypothesis. We were then able to perturb the position of the GST by systematically varying discharge and/or sand supply, shifting it downstream with an increase in discharge or a reduction in sediment supply. A decrease in discharge or increase in sand supply caused upstream migration. Our observations support an abrupt change in washload transport conditions across a narrow range of shear velocities, consistent with the washload deposition theory and measurements taken across GSTs in natural river systems.