Distributary Channel Networks as Moving Boundaries: Causes and Morphodynamic Effects

Ke, Wun‐Tao; Shaw, John B.; Mahon, Robert C.; Cathcart, Christopher A.

doi:10.1029/2019JF005084

Title: Distributary Channel Networks as Moving Boundaries: Causes and Morphodynamic Effects

Journal Article · 08 June 2019 · Journal of Geophysical Research. Earth Surface

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JF005084 · OSTI ID:1598314

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Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR (United States); University of Arkansas
Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR (United States)
Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR (United States); Univ. of New Orleans, LA (United States)

In this study, we propose an exploratory model to describe the morphodynamics of distributary channel network growth on river deltas. The interface between deep channels and the shallow, unchannelized delta front deposits is modeled as a moving boundary. Steady flow over the unchannelized delta front is friction dominated and modeled by Laplace's equation. Shear stress along the network boundary produces nonlinear erosion rates at the interface, causing the boundary to move and network elements (channels and branches) to form. The model was run for boundary conditions resembling the Wax Lake Delta in coastal Louisiana, 20 parameterizations of sediment transport, and 3 parameterizations of discharge. In each case, the model produced a complex channel network with channel number, width, bifurcation angle, and channel shape depending on the sediment transport formula. For reasonable sediment transport parameters and gradually increasing water discharge, the model produced network characteristics and progradation rates similar to theWax Lake Delta. Lastly, this suggests that the model contains the processes responsible for network growth, despite its abstract formulation.

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Research Organization:: Univ. of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22)

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0016163

OSTI ID:: 1598314

Journal Information:: Journal of Geophysical Research. Earth Surface, Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research. Earth Surface Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 124; ISSN 2169-9003

Publisher:: American Geophysical UnionCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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