A model-based characterization of confined meandering rivers

Amini, Hossein, Lanzoni, Stefano, Monegaglia, Federico, Tubino, Marco and Zolezzi, Guido 2024. A model-based characterization of confined meandering rivers. Geomorphology 466 , 109427. 10.1016/j.geomorph.2024.109427 Item availability restricted.

PDF - Accepted Post-Print Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 13 September 2025 due to copyright restrictions. Download (21MB)

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the dynamics of meandering rivers that flow in geologically confined floodplains. We use a state of art meander morphodynamic model in which the floodplain erodibility can be spatially variable, and can thus be highly reduced where nearly unerodible lateral walls are simulated. We propose a hybrid empirical and model-based indicator to estimate the degree of confinement relative to the potential, unconfined meander belt. Together with commonly used meander morphometric indicators, we propose two novel planform metrics to represent the observed tendency of confined meanders (i) to develop long reaches attached to the geological boundaries, and (ii) to develop more frequent crossing of the floodplain central axis. Results reproduce realistic planforms of confined meanders, quantitatively support previously suggested qualitative classifications of confined meandering rivers, and provide a rational framework to compare meandering rivers having different degree of confinement (strong, moderate, unconfined), as well as different hydro-morphological conditions. Good agreement between model predictions and the few existing field observations support the proposed approach.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Engineering
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0169-555X
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	29 October 2024
Date of Acceptance:	9 September 2024
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2024 07:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/172573

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item