The formation and maintenance of single-thread tie channels entering floodplain lakes: observations from three diverse river systems

Rowland, Joel C; Dietrich, William E; Day, Geoff; Parker, Gary

doi:10.1029/2008JF001073

The formation and maintenance of single-thread tie channels entering floodplain lakes: observations from three diverse river systems

Journal Article · Wed Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 2008 · Journal of Geophysical Research-Earth Surface

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JF001073· OSTI ID:956444

Rowland, Joel C ^[1]; Dietrich, William E ^[2]; Day, Geoff ^[3]; Parker, Gary ^[4]

Los Alamos National Laboratory
UC BERKELEY
NEWCREST MINING
UNIV OF ILLINOIS

Tie channels connect rivers to floodplain lakes on many lowland rivers and thereby play a central role in floodplain sedimentology and ecology, yet they are generally unrecognized and little studied. here we report the results of field studies focused on tie channel origin and morphodynamics in three contrasting systems: the Middle Fly River, Papua New Guinea, the Lower Mississippi River, and Birch Creek in Alaska. Across these river systems, tie channels vary by an order of magnitude in size but exhibit the same characteristic morphology and appear to develop and evolve by a similar set of processes. In all three systems, the channels are characterized by a narrow, leveed single-thread morphology with maximum width approximately one tenth the width of the mainstem river. The channels typically have a V shaped cross-section, unlike most fluvial channels. These channels develop as lakes become isolated from the river by sedimentation. Narrowing of the connection between river and lake causes a sediment-laden jet to develop. Levees develop along the margins of the jet leading to channel emergence and eventual levee aggradation to the height of the mainstem levees. Bi-directional flow in these channels is common. Outflows from the lake scour sediment and prevent channel blockage. We propose that channel geometry and size are then controlled by a dynamic balance between channel narrowing by suspended sediment deposition and incision and widening by mass failure of banks during outflows. Tie channels are laterally stable and may convey flow for hundreds to a few thousand of years.

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Research Organization:: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

Sponsoring Organization:: DOE

DOE Contract Number:: AC52-06NA25396

OSTI ID:: 956444

Report Number(s):: LA-UR-09-01044; LA-UR-09-1044

Journal Information:: Journal of Geophysical Research-Earth Surface, Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research-Earth Surface

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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The formation and maintenance of single-thread tie channels entering floodplain lakes: observations from three diverse river systems

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