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TitlePlanform geometry and kinetics of confined meandering rivers on the Canadian prairies
Publication TypeThesis
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsNicoll, T. J. - A.
VolumeGeography
IssueM. Sc.
Place PublishedSimon Fraser University
Publication Languageen
Keywordsbed load, bed load transport, Canadian Prairies, channel migration, confined meanders, fluvial geomorphology, meandering rivers, planform geometry, river channels, sediment transport
Abstract

The planform geometry and kinematics of migrating confined-meandering rivers at 24 locations in Alberta and British Columbia are examined. Migration rates range from 0.01 m/yr to 5.8 m/yr, consistent with those published for freely-meandering rivers. Relationships among planform geometry variables are also generally consistent with those described for freely-meandering rivers; exceptions are the increased ratios for channel wavelength/width and bend curvature. Attempts to predict migration rate based on channel flow and morphometry data are modestly successful. Stream power offers the best statistical predictor of migration rate, accounting for up to 52% of variance in migration rate. Bankfull width and mean annual flood account for respectively 32% and 30% of variance in migration rate. Bedload-transport rates are determined using morphologic methods for five of the sites. These estimates are consistent with the general trend of bedload-transport rates published elsewhere but are low when compared to rates for similar-sized drainage areas.

URLhttp://summit.sfu.ca/item/9099
Topics

Geography

Locational Keywords

Clearwater River, Pinto Creek, Wildhay River

Group

Science

Citation Key48915

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