Abstract
A suite of 40 morphometric variables has been measured on 57 sections of freely meandering channels from 33 rivers. These objective variables are computed from digitized traces of the channel centerline and include measures of sinuosity, meander wavelength, curvature moments, meander asymmetry, and pattern irregularity. Several variables are measured on the half-meanders defined by successive inflection points. Principal components analysis reveals that morphological variations between freely meandering streams can be resolved into four factors related to meander wavelength, meander irregularity, sinuosity, and large-scale wandering of the meander axis. Discriminant analysis using the morphometric variables results in almost perfect separation between natural streams and two theoretical models of meander planform (Ferguson's disturbed periodic model and Howard and Knutson's simulation model), despite visual similarities. The simulated meanders are too regular in size and shape in relation to natural ones, perhaps because the interaction of effects of curvature and alternate bars upon topography and flow structure in natural channel bends produces multiple scales of bank erosion not accounted for in present simulation models.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
