Abstract
A fully nonlinear modal analysis identifies a critical centerline wave number 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 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