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Critical wavelength for river meandering

Boyd F. Edwards and Duane H. Smith
Phys. Rev. E 63, 045304(R) – Published 28 March 2001
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Abstract

A fully nonlinear modal analysis identifies a critical centerline wave number qc for river meandering that separates long-wavelength bends, which grow to cutoff, from short-wavelength bends, which decay. Exact, numerical, and approximate analytical results for qc rely on the Ikeda, Parker, and Sawai [J. Fluid Mech. 112, 363 (1981)] model, supplemented by dynamical equations that govern the river migration and length. Predictions also include upvalley bend migration at long times and a peak in lateral migration rates at intermediate times. Experimental tests are suggested.

  • Received 1 May 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.63.045304

©2001 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Boyd F. Edwards* and Duane H. Smith

  • National Energy Technology Laboratory, U. S. Department of Energy, 3610 Collins Ferry Road, Morgantown, West Virginia 26507-0880

  • *Permanent address: Department of Physics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6315.

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Vol. 63, Iss. 4 — April 2001

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