Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2001/00445

The fluid dynamics and bed morphology of large natural open-channel confluences: 3D field quantification and numerical modelling.

Principal Investigator:: Professor JL Best, University of Leeds, School of Earth and Environment
Co-Investigator:: Professor SN Lane, University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Geosciences and Environment
Grant held at:: University of Leeds, School of Earth and Environment

ENRIs:: Pollution and Waste; Natural Resource Management; Environmental Risks and Hazards
Science Topics:: Earth Surface Processes; Pollution; Sediment/Sedimentary Processes

Abstract:: Channel confluences are ubiquitous features of all fluvial networks and represent sites of complex, three-dimensional flow and sediment dynamics. However, current understanding of these sites is based largely on laboratory experiments and study of small-scale field sites, and no studies have documented the dynamics of large, natural channel junctions. Our ability to model and manage these key sites is thus severely limited. Here, we propose use of acoustic Doppler current profiling and digital echo-sounding to quantify the fluid and sediment dynamics of one of the world's largest confluences between the Parana and Paraguay Rivers, Argentina. This will quantify scale-invariance in junction flow dynamics and provide validation data and output from a numerical model of flow. Study of bedform kinematics will also yield an understanding of the development of bed morphology at these sites.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £241,131

Total - Staff	Total - T&S	Total - Other Costs	Total - Indirect Costs	Total - Equipment
£111,325	£20,649	£10,371	£51,209	£47,577

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