A General Theory of Channel Adjustment in High Gradient Streams

by Gordon E. Grant, U.S. Forest Service, Corvallis, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

The paper presents a theory of channel adjustment in high gradient streams. This theory states that given sufficient energy, stream channels will adjust their dimensions and flow hydraulics to maintain critical flow over their length. Sufficient energy is defined by two conditions 1) critical flow is possible at a given slope and 2) flow is competent to transport the bedload and adjust channel boundaries thus total boundary shear stress ?_o exceeds critical shear stress ?_cr. This theory is consistent with Yang's theory of minimum energy dissipation rate but focuses on the hydraulic and morphologic mechanisms involved.

Subject Headings: Stream channels | Channel flow | Shear stress | Channels (waterway) | Critical flow | Boundary shear | Streamflow

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