One-dimensional Morphodynamic Model Research Articles

Modeling the morphological response of gravel–bed rivers subject to repeated sediment bypass tunnel operations

Introduction: Sediment bypass tunnels (SBTs) are operated during floods to re-establish sediment continuity past dams with the ultimate goal of decreasing accumulation in reservoirs. Depending on the location of the intake structure and operational conditions, SBTs may release either bed load-laden or bed load-free flows in the form of sudden floods (pulses). When evaluating the impacts of SBTs, the traditional approach has been to monitor channel changes in the years following project completion. However, by the time these impacts become evident, mitigation is challenging.Methods: This research adopts a forward-thinking methodology, emphasizing the prediction of potential impacts during the project’s early planning stages. We use a one-dimensional morphodynamic model to forecast the potential morphological response of a gravel-bed river with an idealized geometry to a series of SBT operations characteristic of projects in the Swiss Alps.Results: The morphological response of the downstream reach over the medium to long term is influenced by the alternating pattern of bed load-laden and bed load-free flow releases. This pattern is instrumental in forming a transition region near the SBT outlet hydrograph boundary layer (HBL).Discussion: Within the (HBL), fluctuations in bed elevation and slope are localized, while variations in grain-size distribution persist throughout the downstream region.

Parameter sensitivity and uncertainty of a one-dimensional morphodynamic model in the Lower Yellow River

One-dimensional morphodynamic models are effective tools to conduct flood risk assessment and sediment management of alluvial rivers. In order to gain better understanding of morphodynamic models and improve the simulation efficiency and accuracy, a comprehensive investigation into parameter sensitivity and uncertainty has been conducted for a one-dimensional morphodynamic model. This model was calibrated using the measured flow and sediment data in the Lower Yellow River (LYR). The variance-based Sobol' and GLUE (Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation) tools were applied to quantify the parameter sensitivity and uncertainty to the simulation of different hydrological indicators in the meandering reach, with various model response surfaces selected. Results show that the importance of input parameters varied with different model outputs. The simulated water level and discharge hydrographs were more sensitive to the roughness coefficient at middle and high flows, with high total- and first-order sensitivity indices to the NSEs and RMSEs, while the simulated sediment concentration was more sensitive to the input parameters related to sediment transport capacity (K and M) and recovery coefficient (bd). Notably, the pairwise interactions between K and different roughness coefficients were significant in the simulated sediment concentration hydrographs. Spatio-temporal variability in the effect of input parameters is also revealed. The most contributing factor was screened as K for the maximum sediment concentration in the uppermost and lowermost reaches of the meandering reach, which turned to be bd in the middle reach. The most sensitive parameter to the simulated sediment concentration was screened as K in the initial period and then turned to be the exponent of recovery coefficient in case of erosion (be), which was bd in the last period over the simulation period. An analysis of parameter uncertainty indicates that the morphodynamic model can obtain satisfactory accuracy with most observed data concentrating in the 95% confidence interval, and the uncertainty of simulation outputs increased downstream. Improved understanding of parameter sensitivity and uncertainty in morphodynamic modelling can provide the scientific guidance for factor prioritization in the future model calibration.

Longitudinal scour-bar pattern in large convergent estuaries on low-lying coastal plains

A seaward decrease–increase–decrease trend in the longitudinal bed level, defined as scour-bar pattern, is observed in several large estuaries on low-lying coastal plains such as the Amazon, Yangtze and Fly. Why this pattern forms has not yet been well explained. The mechanism for the formation of this pattern is explored here using a one-dimensional morphodynamic model, with varied geometry, fluvial water discharge, sediment flux and tide. Results show that for those estuaries with bed slopes in the order of 10−5 and sediment concentration in the order of 0.1 kg m−3, bars are likely to occur for channels with relatively weak convergence and wide mouth, while scours are nearly ubiquitous. Scours are classified as fluvial and tidal based on the relative strength of river and tide, which can be distinguished by bed slope and water depth. A balance between river and tide can lead to no scours or bars. Sediment reduction and sea level rise enhances the relative strength of tide, and transition of a fluvial scour to a tidal scour may occur.

Rivers in reverse: Upstream-migrating dechannelization and flooding cause avulsions on fluvial fans

AbstractThe process of river avulsion builds floodplains and fills alluvial basins. We report on a new style of river avulsion identified in the Landsat satellite record. We found 69 examples of retrogradational avulsions on rivers of densely forested fluvial fans in the Andean and New Guinean alluvial basins. Retrogradational avulsions are initiated by a channel blockage, e.g., a logjam, that fills the channel with sediment and forces water overbank (dechannelization), which creates a chevron-shaped flooding pattern. Dechannelization waves travel upstream at a median rate of 387 m/yr and last on average for 13 yr; many rivers show multiple dechannelizing events on the same reach. Dechannelization ends and the avulsion is complete when the river finds a new flow path. We simulate upstream-migrating dechannelization with a one-dimensional morphodynamic model for open channel flow. Observations are consistent with model results and show that channel blockages can cause dechannelization on steep (10−2 to 10−3), low-discharge (~101 m3 s−1) rivers. This illustrates a new style of floodplain sedimentation that is unaccounted for in ecologic and stratigraphic models.

One-dimensional morphodynamic model for a tail reach of the Yellow River estuary

A one-dimensional morphodynamic model was improved to study the unsteady flow and sediment transport processes in a tail reach of the Yellow River estuary (YRE). In this model, the modified equations for flow hydrodynamics take the effects of sediment concentration and bed evolution into consideration. The improved model was validated using measurements in the tail reach of the YRE for the years 2003 and 2015, and the model showing an excellent data fit for discharge, water level, suspended sediment concentration and the cumulative volume of channel evolution. The effect of different cross-sectional spacings was also studied using the model results in the tail reach, with various numerical tests of the 2015 flood event conducted. It was found that an appropriate cross-sectional distance of less than 3.14 km should be adopted when simulating the process of bed deformation. Moreover, the interaction between runoff and tide in 2015 was studied on the basis of the simulated water levels and an empirical relation for the location of tidal limit was established. The results show that the tidal limit in 2015 was 15.84 km downstream of Xihekou.

One-dimensional morphodynamic model of channel deformation with the consideration of river regulation works and its application

在冲积河流上，各类河道整治工程的实施一定程度上会影响河床的演变过程.本文通过改进现有的一维水沙数学模型，重点研究护岸及护滩（底）这类限制河床进一步冲刷的整治工程对水沙输移及河床冲淤变形的影响.首先对固定断面的各节点采用特定的代码进行标记，以此区分河漫滩、有或无整治工程的主槽区域.然后对悬沙输移及河床冲淤变形模块进行改进：当断面发生淤积时，其形态调整不受整治工程的影响，淤积量将在整个断面上进行分配；当发生冲刷时，断面形态调整仅发生在未实施工程的位置或者受工程限制但形成了一定厚度淤积层的区域；在实施了整治工程且无法提供沙源的区域，河床冲刷则不会发生.最后长江中游荆江段2016年的模拟结果表明：考虑整治工程情况时，改进模型计算的河道冲刷量偏小且与实测值更为接近；河槽断面形态与实测结果也更为吻合.;A one-dimensional morphodynamic model has been improved to simulate the fluvial processes influenced by large-scale river regulation works, and the focus is paid to investigate the effect of a bank-, shoal- and bed-protection works. In the refined model, different zones of a cross-section are first demarcated by different point codes, including the zones of floodplain and main-channel with or without engineering. Then the modules of sediment transport and bed deformation are modified. When channel deposition occurs, it is not influenced by regulation engineering and the deposition volume will be allocated at a whole cross-section. However, channel scour will only occur at the unprotected bed or the protected bed with a deposition layer newly formed over the previous simulation period; at the protected bed without sediment to be scoured, erosion is not allowed. Then the Jingjiang Reach of the middle Yangtze River was selected as the study reach. Simulated results for the year 2016 show that the channel scours volume calculated using the improved model was smaller and in closer agreement with the measurements that without the consideration of river regulation works. Besides, the variation in channel geometry calculated by the improved model was more consistent with the measured result.

One-dimensional morphodynamic model for retrogressive erosion based on a sediment entrainment theory at high flow velocity

Retrogressive erosion is a high-speed erosion process that usually occurs during the rapid release of stored water in reservoirs built on sandy rivers. Retrogressive erosion has been utilized in the practice of reservoir sedimentation control, but accurate prediction of the bed deformation process by numerical models has rarely been reported. The current study presents a one-dimensional morphodynamic model for simulating the evolution process of retrogressive erosion induced by high-velocity flows on steep slopes. The governing equations apply a Cartesian coordinate system with a vertically oriented z axis. The bed surface gradient and friction terms in the flow equations include correction factors to take account of the effects of high slope on flow movement. The net vertical sediment flux term in the sediment transport and bed deformation equations is calculated using an equation of erosion velocity. Particularly, this equation is based on an empirical relation between the sediment entrainment rate and the Shields parameter in contrast to the traditional sediment transport capacity, and the critical Shields parameter is modified by taking into account the permeability of the sediment layer and the stability of particles on a slope. The feedback of scoured sediment on the flow movement is considered by additional terms in the governing equations. Flume experiments of retrogressive erosion in literature were simulated to validate the model. The temporal variations of the longitudinal profiles of the free surface and channel bed and the sediment transport rate were well predicted. The algorithm calculating sediment entrainment in the proposed model also was validated for an experiment measuring entrainment rate from the literature. More importantly, it was found that the morphodynamic model using the sediment transport capacity equation predicts the trend of cumulative erosion contrary to the measurements, while results of the proposed model can follow a similar trend with the observed data in the retrogressive erosion process.

Morphodynamic model of the lower Yellow River: flux or entrainment form for sediment mass conservation?

Abstract. Sediment mass conservation is a key factor that constrains river morphodynamic processes. In most models of river morphodynamics, sediment mass conservation is described by the Exner equation, which may take various forms depending on the problem in question. One of the most widely used forms of the Exner equation is the flux-based formulation, in which the conservation of bed material is related to the stream-wise gradient of the sediment transport rate. An alternative form of the Exner equation, however, is the entrainment-based formulation, in which the conservation of bed material is related to the difference between the entrainment rate of bed sediment into suspension and the deposition rate of suspended sediment onto the bed. Here we represent the flux form in terms of the local capacity sediment transport rate and the entrainment form in terms of the local capacity entrainment rate. In the flux form, sediment transport is a function of local hydraulic conditions. However, the entrainment form does not require this constraint: only the rate of entrainment into suspension is in local equilibrium with hydraulic conditions, and the sediment transport rate itself may lag in space and time behind the changing flow conditions. In modeling the fine-grained lower Yellow River, it is usual to treat sediment conservation in terms of an entrainment (nonequilibrium) form rather than a flux (equilibrium) form, in consideration of the condition that fine-grained sediment may be entrained at one place but deposited only at some distant location downstream. However, the differences in prediction between the two formulations have not been comprehensively studied to date. Here we study this problem by comparing the results predicted by both the flux form and the entrainment form of the Exner equation under conditions simplified from the lower Yellow River (i.e., a significant reduction of sediment supply after the closure of the Xiaolangdi Dam). We use a one-dimensional morphodynamic model and sediment transport equations specifically adapted for the lower Yellow River. We find that in a treatment of a 200 km reach using a single characteristic bed sediment size, there is little difference between the two forms since the corresponding adaptation length is relatively small. However, a consideration of sediment mixtures shows that the two forms give very different patterns of grain sorting: clear kinematic waves occur in the flux form but are diffused out in the entrainment form. Both numerical simulation and mathematical analysis show that the morphodynamic processes predicted by the entrainment form are sensitive to sediment fall velocity. We suggest that the entrainment form of the Exner equation might be required when the sorting process of fine-grained sediment is studied, especially when considering relatively short timescales.

One-dimensional morphodynamic model coupling open-channel flow and turbidity current in reservoir

Abstract Traditional depth-averaged morphodynamic models for turbidity currents usually focus on the propagation of currents after plunging. However, owing to the unsteady characteristic of the plunge point locations and the tough conditions of field measurement within the plunge zone in a reservoir, it is difficult in practice to directly provide upstream boundary conditions for these models. A one-dimensional (1D) morphodynamic model coupling open-channel flow and turbidity current in a reservoir was proposed to simulate the whole processes of turbidity current evolution, from formation and propagation to recession. The 1D governing equations adopted are applicable to open-channel flows and turbidity currents over a mobile bed with irregular cross-section geometry. The coupled solution is obtained by a two-step calculation mode which alternates the calculations of open-channel flow and turbidity current, and a plunge criterion is used to determine the location of the upstream boundary for the turbidity current, and to specify the corresponding boundary conditions. This calculation mode leads to consecutive predictions of the hydrodynamic and morphological factors, from the open-channel reach to the turbidity current reach. Turbidity current events in two laboratory experiments with different set-ups were used to test the capabilities of the proposed model, with the effect of free-surface gradient also being investigated. A field-scale application of the coupled model was conducted to simulate two turbidity current events occurring in the Sanmenxia Reservoir, and the method for calculating the limiting height of aspiration was adopted to estimate the outflow discharge after the turbidity currents arrived in front of the dam. The predicted plunge locations and arrival times at different cross-sections were in agreement with the measurements. Moreover, the calculated interface evolution processes and the sediment delivery ratios also agreed generally with the observed results. Therefore, the 1D morphodynamic model proposed herein can help to select the design capacity of the outlets, and optimize the procedure for sediment release in reservoirs.

Interannual Variability of Two Offshore Sand Banks in a Region of Extreme Tidal Range

Lewis, M.J.; Neill, S.P., and Elliott, A.J., 2015. Interannual variability of two offshore sand banks in a region of extreme tidal range.Offshore sand banks play important roles for coastal flood protection and fisheries, and they are sources of marine aggregates. An 11-year record (1991–2002) of annual bathymetric surveys from two sand banks (Nash and Helwick) in the Bristol Channel (U.K.) were analysed. Both sand banks have a history of commercial dredging, and have dimensions of the order 10 km by 1 km, with a crest height rising to around 20–25 m above the surrounding sea bed. The crest at Nash Bank is exposed on the lowest spring tides, while Helwick Bank is always covered to a depth of at least 3 m. The volume of Nash Bank decreased over 10 years, and dredging was estimated to be responsible for around one third of this reduction. The volume of Helwick Bank also decreased over an 8-year period, but at a rate six times greater than the loss due to dredging. Significant interannual variability of sand bank morphology was calculated at both sites. The time during which waves alone could induce sediment transport over the sand banks was calculated between each survey date (the effective wave climate). The change in sand bank volume correlated well to the effective wave climate: a linear regression score of 77% (−0.88 Pearson correlation at the 95% significance level) and 69% (0.83 Pearson correlation at the 95% significance level) were found at Helwick and Nash, respectively. A one-dimensional morphodynamic model (UNIBEST-TC), simulated storm wave–induced changes to sand bank morphology that were consistent with those observed. Therefore, the interannual variability within storm wave events could be responsible for the observed natural variability of sand bank volume and morphology observed at both sites. We conclude that it is important to understand anthropogenic impacts upon sand banks within the context of natural variability.

Runoff-generated debris flows: Observations and modeling of surge initiation, magnitude, and frequency

[1] Runoff during intense rainstorms plays a major role in generating debris flows in many alpine areas and burned steeplands. Yet compared to debris flow initiation from shallow landslides, the mechanics by which runoff generates a debris flow are less understood. To better understand debris flow initiation by surface water runoff, we monitored flow stage and rainfall associated with debris flows in the headwaters of two small catchments: a bedrock-dominated alpine basin in central Colorado (0.06 km2) and a recently burned area in southern California (0.01 km2). We also obtained video footage of debris flow initiation and flow dynamics from three cameras at the Colorado site. Stage observations at both sites display distinct patterns in debris flow surge characteristics relative to rainfall intensity (I). We observe small, quasiperiodic surges at low I; large, quasiperiodic surges at intermediate I; and a single large surge followed by small-amplitude fluctuations about a more steady high flow at high I. Video observations of surge formation lead us to the hypothesis that these flow patterns are controlled by upstream variations in channel slope, in which low-gradient sections act as “sediment capacitors,” temporarily storing incoming bed load transported by water flow and periodically releasing the accumulated sediment as a debris flow surge. To explore this hypothesis, we develop a simple one-dimensional morphodynamic model of a sediment capacitor that consists of a system of coupled equations for water flow, bed load transport, slope stability, and mass flow. This model reproduces the essential patterns in surge magnitude and frequency with rainfall intensity observed at the two field sites and provides a new framework for predicting the runoff threshold for debris flow initiation in a burned or alpine setting.

One-dimensional numerical modeling of the long-term morphodynamic evolution of a tidally-dominated estuary: The Lower Fly River (Papua New Guinea)

We use a one-dimensional morphodynamic model to analyze the long-term evolution of the lower reaches of the Fly River, Papua New Guinea, from the Everill Junction to the delta mouth. The model shows how the break in the exponential trend of river width triggers deposition, thus producing a tidal region characterized by a higher bed elevation with respect to the river-dominated one. Numerical simulations indicate that the river attains a dynamic equilibrium configuration in which the amount of sediment entering upstream is flushed seaward. A sensitivity analysis is performed, in which the effect of varying solid discharge, tidal harmonics, and initial conditions is discussed. The model shows that an equilibrium configuration results from a delicate balance between the aggrading effect associated with channel divergence (acting mainly during neap tide and at slack water) and the opposite effect of tidal flushing driven by residual water discharge. A physically meaningful morphodynamic equilibrium occurs only for a small range of values of sediment discharge prescribed at the upstream boundary. In particular, an increase in sediment discharge leads to aggradation, while a decrease triggers extensive scour and a deepening of the estuary.

Numerical modelling of climate change impacts on Saint‐Lawrence River tributaries

AbstractThe impacts of climate‐induced changes in discharge and base level in three tributaries of the Saint‐Lawrence River, Québec, Canada, are modelled for the period 2010–2099 using a one‐dimensional morphodynamic model. Changes in channel stability and bed‐material delivery to the Saint‐Lawrence River over this period are simulated for all combinations of seven tributary hydrological regimes (present‐day and those predicted using three global climate models and two greenhouse gas emission scenarios) and three scenarios of how the base level provided by the Saint‐Lawrence River will alter (no change, gradual fall, step fall). Even with no change in base level the projected discharge scenarios lead to an increase in average bed material delivery for most combinations of river and global climate model, although the magnitude of simulated change depends on the choice of global climate model and the trend over time seems related to whether the river is currently aggrading, degrading or in equilibrium. The choice of greenhouse gas emission scenario makes much less difference than the choice of global climate model. As expected, a fall in base level leads to degradation in the rivers currently aggrading or in equilibrium, and amplifies the effects of climate change on sediment delivery to the Saint‐Lawrence River. These differences highlight the importance of investigating several rivers using several climate models in order to determine trends in climate change impacts. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Validity of Uniform Flow Hypothesis in One-Dimensional Morphodynamic Models

Local-uniform-flow (LUF) hypothesis is a simplification of the governing equations describing river morphodynamics, which is needed to determine the evolution of the bed profile and bed-material composition in the case of large time and space scales. This paper presents a rigorous analysis of the full one-dimensional river hydrodynamic and morphodynamic mathematical model compared to its LUF approximation. The analysis establishes two criteria to assess the validity of the LUF hypothesis: (1) a criterion for rivers in equilibrium and (2) a criterion for evolving rivers (i.e., in nonequilibrium). The first criterion is based on the concept of the morphological box. Variations of the river bed longer than the box length are adequately reproduced by the LUF hypothesis, whereas only spatially averaged values are resolved within the box. The second criterion is based on the concept of an evolution window. Temporal variations represented by wave periods larger than the evolution window can be adequately reproduced by the LUF hypothesis, whereas variations with shorter periods are averaged within this window. The minimum size of morphological box and evolution window that limit the error introduced by the LUF hypothesis increases when the Froude number decreases. Further, the minimum size of the evolution window increases for decreasing sediment concentration and increasing mixing layer thickness (i.e., for larger bed forms). The LUF hypothesis is therefore best applied to small mountain rivers for which both the minimum size of the morphological box and the evolution window is relatively small, so that spatial and temporal variations can be resolved in more detail. Applications using the LUF hypothesis for large watersheds (including the lowland portion of the fluvial network) are possible, but are limited to simulations over larger spatial and temporal intervals.

A quelle vitesse et sur quelle distance des conditions aux limites variables affectent-elles la morphodynamique des rivières?

The analytical solution of an one-dimensional morphodynamic model of a river reach with nonuniform grain size material under unsteady flow conditions is discussed. The model Harmonic River assumes an instantaneous propagation of the water flow along the river reach, a sinusoidal variation of the boundary conditions at both ends in time, as well as of the channel width in space, by accounting for two grain size classes of solid material. Apart from the instantaneous propagation of water flow, all information regarding the boundary conditions are conveyed along the river reach by three waves. Except for extremely low Froude numbers which may occur typically for dammed rivers, and for extremely long wave period (geological time scales), both the second and third waves may be neglected as virtually all information is transmitted by the first wave into the downstream direction. Moreover, the dominant boundary conditions affecting the river reach are represented by both the sediment transport rate and the sediment transport composition.

A modified morphodynamic model for investigating the response of rivers to short-term climate change

Near-future climate change will affect the discharge and base level of rivers and thus cause channel changes. The nature and pace of such changes can be simulated using morphodynamic models. As part of an investigation of how the changing hydrology of the St-Lawrence River, Quebec, Canada, will affect its tributaries we have made additions and modifications to a one-dimensional morphodynamic model developed for gravel-bed rivers (SEDROUT). The changes allow simulation of sand-bed rivers, variable discharge, downstream water level fluctuations, and flow and sediment routing in channels with islands. A revised formulation for calculating the grain size distributions of the surface and subsurface material is presented to allow for alternating sedimentation and erosion. We test the enhanced model using small-scale simulations and present-day conditions in four tributaries of the St-Lawrence River. The model is calibrated and validated for the tributaries and the capability to simulate river morphology over a 100-year period is tested. Good validation agreement on water level, cross-sectional mean velocity, and sediment transport rate is obtained for the four tributaries of the St-Lawrence River. With these modifications, modelling a very wide range of river morphodynamic problems is now possible.

Impact of water diversion on the morphological development of the Lower Yellow River

In this paper we carry out a theoretical analysis based on the general one-dimensional morphodynamic model for rivers in order to show how the morphological equilibrium of a river is influenced by water and sediment diversion/supply along the river. The results of the analysis show that large scale water diversions, like those along the Lower Yellow River, can cause the development of a convex riverbed profile in the long-term. Deposition will take place along the whole reach of the river, with an increasing deposition depth from downstream to upstream. The slope of the river bed increases from upstream to downstream. Furthermore, an analysis on the morphological time scale shows that this development in the Lower Yellow River will take a time period on the order of decades to centuries. The results of the analysis have been compared with observations in the Lower Yellow River. Since the second half of the 1980's large scale water diversions from the Yellow River have been taking place. The observations show that this has indeed led to significant sedimentation along the river.