Bedload flux modeling in large global rivers: controlling parameters and model sensitivity
Abstract
Bedload flux is notoriously challenging to measure and model. The dynamics of this sediment transport mechanisms therefore largely remains unknown in most fluvial systems worldwide. That is despite its important role in geomorphological, ecological and engineering functions of rivers, reservoirs and costal systems. We present a global scale bedload flux model as part of the WBMsed hydro-geomorphic modelling framework. The model is the first spatially and temporally explicit model of bedload at a global scale. While offering fairly coarse and first-order estimate of bedload flux, it allows us to study large scale universal dynamics and it offer a pathway for alleviating the acute scarcity in bedload flux data. Here we test a variety of bedload equations and analyze the importance of particle size, water discharge, river slope and stream power on the model predictive quality. We also analyze the dynamics between suspended sediment and bedload dynamics along major rivers and their controls.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AGUFMEP43A..02C
- Keywords:
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- 1824 Geomorphology: general;
- HYDROLOGY;
- 1825 Geomorphology: fluvial;
- HYDROLOGY;
- 1830 Groundwater/surface water interaction;
- HYDROLOGY;
- 1856 River channels;
- HYDROLOGY