Morphology, flow structure, and sediment transport in the Paraná and Piquiri Rivers confluence, Brazil

Abstract

Confluences are places of complex interaction of flow and sediments coming from different channels. Studies at large confluences have advanced the understanding of these environments on a larger scale. This study is carried out at the confluence formed by the Paraná and Piquiri rivers in the state of Paraná - Brazil. It characterizes the morphology, flow structure and sediment dispersion for these two channels. The methodology consists of: interpoling bathymetric data; analyze the ADCP data – Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler and quantify the suspended and bottom sediments. ADCP data was processed in VMT software and generated the following information: flow direction, sediments load (bed and suspended) and also used to calculate the moment ratio (Mr), discharge ratio (Qr), flow power (Ω), and specific flow power (ꞷ) in both channels. The results reveal the variation of channel depth, and specific morphological areas for the confluence with a sediment accumulation zone, submerged lateal bar and excavation area. The flow dynamics shows an increase in velocity in the Paraná River downstream of the confluence, and a decrease in the flow velocity of the Piquiri River as it approaches the junction. The confluence has flow stagnation zone, acceleration and shear layer. The concentration of suspended sediment is higher in the Piquiri River, on the other hand the Paraná River presents thicker fractions of bed material.