| The channel and floodplain are intimately connected to one another through physical channel dynamics, fluid and sediment exchange, and ecological interactions. In addition, the width, depth, and shape of a stream channel are vital components of stream restoration design and are the main parameters by which the fluvial system self-organizes and maintains a dynamic equilibrium. This research area focuses on improving our understanding of the connections between channel and floodplain as well as the mechanics of channel geometry, its relation to channel planform, and the influence of vegetation and cohesive sediment on bank stability, channel planform, and flow dynamics.
Research plans
Develop generalizable conceptual, physical, and numerical models for the influence of vegetation on channel geometry
Develop conceptual approaches, analytical relationships, and numerical models/tools for predication of hydraulic geometry of sandbed and gravelbed rivers
Develop techniques for scaling bank strength and vegetation effects between laboratory scale and field scale
Develop methodologies for conducting scaled experiments of channel-floodplain processes
Develop conceptual and predictive models for lateral channel movement including point bar growth and bank erosion
Develop concepts, modeling capabilities, and tools for the hydraulics for straight and sinuous compound channels.
Develop qualitative and quantitative understanding for physical-chemical-ecological linkages for nutrient flux and retention in the channel-floodplain system
Research gathered
Dynamics of channel-floodplain co-evolution
Spawning gravel refresher
Predicting channel and bank stability and its relation to stream planform
Velocity distributions in trapezoidal channels
Effect of rigid cylinders on velocity distribution
Depth-averaged velocity distributions in compound channels
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