Module 6: Fluvial Geomorphic Processes - Sediment movement and deposition in river systems

Background

Why we’re covering it

This chapter covers some of the most fundamental concepts surrounding fluvial geomorphic processes. We will take our time working through it slowly.

Learning Outcomes

1. Differentiate influence of extenrnal controls (e.g. climate and catchment) vs. local controls on form and process.
2. Recognize the primary controls on riverscape diversity, in which distinctive suites of physical and biotic processes (behavior) help shape the form and character of those landscapes.
3. Gain an appreciation of how geomorphic processes of erosion, deposition transport and storage of sediment shape topography and create, maintain, sculpt and destroy distincitive landforms.

Resources

We cover Module 6 and Chapter 6 by breaking it up into a bunch of smaller pieces. Please read the corresponding part of the chapter, watch one sequence of lectures, post questions on the discussion board. Then, move on to the next one.

Sediment Calibre & Loads - Slides & Handouts (Part 1)

This corresponds to the first two sections of the chapter (pages 81-84). There is way more in this section than you might first expect.

Part 1 - Lecture Playlist

36 minutes

Slides

Module 6 - Slides

Hjulström Diagram & Sediment Entrainment - Slides & Handouts (Part 2)

This corresponds to the next two sections of the chapter (pages 84-87).

Part 2 - Lecture Playlist

45 minutes

Slides

Module 6 - Part 2 - Slides

Sediment Transport and Material Properties that Affect Sediment Movement - Slides & Handouts (Part 3)

This corresponds to next two sections of the chapter (pages 88-102).

Part 3 - Lecture Playlist

1 hour 56 minutes

Slides

Module 6 - Slides

Sediment Deposition and Interpreting Sediment Sequences as a Tool to Read Riverscapes (Part 4)

This corresponds to next two sections of the chapter (pages 102-114).

Part 4 - Lecture Playlist

47 minutes
Note: No Lecture on Key Messages as this was covered in class lecture.

Slides

Module 6 - Part 4 Slides

Corresponding Chapter in Course Text

From: Fryirs KA, Brierley GA. 2013. Geomorphic Analysis of River Systems: An Approach to Reading the Landscape, First Edition. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.: Chichester, U.K.

This module focus on: CHAPTER SIX: Sediment movement and deposition in river systems

Relevant or Cited Literature

Follow up selected readings suggested by Fryris and Brierley (2013) are provided for every chapter in page 328-3334 of the text book.

Classes

Here at USU, we offer the following advanced classes on sediment transport:

• WATS 6900 – Sed Transport w/ Open Channel Flow (Fall)
• WATS 6900 – Sediment Transport in Restoration Design (Summer)
• CEE 5470/ 6470 - Sedimentation Engineering

Our very own Peter Wilcock is one of the world’s leading sediment transport experts.

Other Resources

Sampling Sediment in Field

Sediment Transport & Entrainment Lectures and Videos