Rivers turned to rock: Late Quaternary alluvial induration influencing the behaviour and morphology of an anabranching river in the Australian monsoon tropics     

Gerald C. Nanson  Brian G. Jones  David M. Price  Timothy J. Pietsch 《Geomorphology》2005,70(3-4):398

Late Quaternary alluvial induration has greatly influenced contemporary channel morphology on the anabranching Gilbert River in the monsoon tropics of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Gilbert, one of a number of rivers in this region, has contributed to an extensive system of coalescing low-gradient and partly indurated riverine plains. Extensive channel sands were deposited by enhanced flow conditions during marine oxygen isotope (OI) Stage 5. Subsequent flow declined, probably associated with increased aridity, however, enhanced runoff recurred again in OI Stages 4–3 (65–50 ka). Aridity then capped these plains with 4–7 m of mud. A widespread network of sandy distributary channels was incised into this muddy surface from sometime after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to the mid Holocene during a fluvial episode more active than the present but less so than those of OI Stages 5 and 3. This network is still partly active but with channel avulsion and abandonment now occurring largely proximal to the main Gilbert flow path.A tropical climate and reactive catchment lithology have enhanced chemical weathering and lithification of alluvium along the river resulting in the formation of small rapids, waterfalls and inset gorges, features characteristic more of bedrock than alluvial systems. Thermoluminescence (TL) and comparative optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages of the sediments are presented along with U/Th ages of pedogenic calcrete and Fe/Mn oxyhydroxide/ oxide accumulations. They show that calcrete precipitated during the Late Quaternary at times similar to those that favoured ferricrete formation, possibly because of an alternating wet–dry climate. Intense chemical alteration of the alluvium leading to induration appears to have prevailed for much of the Late Quaternary but, probably due to exceptional dryness, not during the LGM. The result has been restricted channel migration and a reduced capacity for the channel to adjust and accommodate sudden changes in bedload. Consequent avulsions have caused local stream powers to increase by an order of magnitude, inducing knickpoint erosion, local incision and the sudden influx of additional bedload that has triggered further avulsions. The Gilbert River, while less energetic than its Pleistocene ancestors, is clearly an avulsive system, and emphasizes the importance in some tropical rivers of alluvial induration for reinforcing the banks, generating nickpoints, reworking sediment and thereby developing and maintaining an indurated and anabranching river style.  相似文献   

Application of multi-seismic attributes analysis in the study of distributary channels     

《Marine and Petroleum Geology》2016

During the exploration of stratigraphic reservoirs, the key to locating these reservoirs is to identify the sandstone distribution. Seismic data can be used to recognize large-scale distributary-channel sedimentary bodies; however, depiction of sedimentary bodies in small distributary channels using traditional interpretation data from seismic profiles is extremely difficult. In the Upper Cretaceous first sandstone bed of the third member of the Nenjiang Formation (called the Nen 3 member for simplicity) in the XB area of the southern Songliao basin, distributary channels are the main sedimentary facies. The distributary channels migrate frequently; therefore, it is difficult to precisely depict the morphology of the channel and the distribution of sandstone. In this study, we investigated the deposition of distributary channels using equal-scale formation plane seismic attributes such as post-stack amplitude, instantaneous amplitude and seismic waveform classification, analyzed well logging data from target formations, and mapped the distribution of distributary channels. This study shows that seismic sedimentological study and stacking multiple attribute analysis can identify the distribution of distributary channels precisely and effectively. The attributes of equal-scale strata slices are evidently superior to those of time and horizon slices; Attribute extraction and selection of equal-scale formation slices is an essential step. The comprehensive selection of seismic attributes that show a good correlation to a single-well can be used to clearly depict channel bodies. The overlap of the 40-Hz single-frequency energy and the RMS amplitude depicts the sedimentary characteristics and shapes of sandstone bodies in main channels as well as small-scale distributary channels more clearly than a single attribute. These attributes show that the first sandstone bed of the Nen 3 member was from distributary channels with complex shapes. The distributary channels cut across each other vertically and laterally. It indicates that, during the deposition of the Nen 3 member in XB area, the direction of the main channel is from north to south, and the provenance could be from north and east. The method of this paper may provide some helpful suggestions to the geologist using seismic attributes to undertake research on sedimentary environment at other places in the world.  相似文献   

Simulation of flow over pool-riffle topography: A consideration of the velocity reversal hypothesis     

P. A. Carling  N. Wood 《地球表面变化过程与地形》1994,19(4):319-332

Computer flow simulations using the HEC-2 step-backwater routine are used to demonstrate the effect of systematically varying river channel width, riffle spacing and channel roughness on the shear velocity, section-mean velocity and energy slope in fixed-bed pool-riffle sequences. Initial scaling is obtained by utilizing published information on hydraulic parameters within reaches of the River Severn. Subsequently this restriction is relaxed and the effect of varying parameter combinations within realistic limits is explored. The purpose of this exercise is to isolate those scenarios which may preclude or promote the occurrence of a competence ‘reversal’, such that pools scour at high flow whilst deposition occurs on riffles. It is concluded that rivers in which pools are hydraulically rougher than riffles are likely to demonstrate a competence reversal. For prescribed conditions, the critical discharge at which a reversal occurs is a negative function of riffle spacing and riffle width relative to pool width. Downstream variation in hydraulic roughness also has implications for the phase relationship of shear velocity maxima and minima in relation to the extremes in pool-riffle topography.  相似文献   

50年代以来黄河下游河道的萎缩及其原因^*     

陈志清 《地理研究》1995,14(3):74-81

根据黄河下游7个控制断面的深泓高程、平均河底高程、滩槽高差及过水断面面积的历年变化,可以看出黄河下游河道的萎缩过程,大型水利工程的运用及引黄灌溉加速了下游河道的淤积和萎缩。  相似文献   

Slope-induced changes in channel character along a gravel-bed stream: The Allt Dubhaig,Scotland     

Rob Ferguson  Phil Ashworth 《地球表面变化过程与地形》1991,16(1):65-82

Changes in channel character along a small river in the Scottish Highlands are described using measurements in seven reaches over a 3 km length with no significant tributaries but a decline in slope from 0.02 to 0.00015 because of local baselevel control. This decline in slope is associated with rapid downstream fining of the gravel bed followed by an abrupt transition to a sand bed. The channel pattern alters progressively rather than abruptly, in the sequence (1) near-braided, (2) meandering with active point-bar chutes, (3) meandering with active outer-bank talweg, (4) stable equiwidth sinuous. The changes in channel pattern and hydraulic geometry are predicted better by rational approaches based on critical shear stress or other physical concepts than by purely empirical discriminant or trend equations. Measurements in five reaches confirm a downstream decrease in shear stress and the amount and calibre of bedload. It is argued that the downstream changes in channel character in this stream are induced by profile concavity inherited from deglacial conditions, are typical of many streams in mountainous areas and can be understood in terms of slope-induced changes in hydraulic properties.  相似文献   

Results from a new model of river basin evolution   总被引：1，自引：0，他引：1  

Garry Willgoose  Rafael L. Bras  Ignacio Rodriguez-Iturbe 《地球表面变化过程与地形》1991,16(3):237-254

This paper briefly describes a model of the erosional development of catchments and their channel networks. The model differentiates between the dominant transport processes in hillslope and channels. The development of channels and hillslopes occurs in an integrated manner as a function of physically observable mechanisms. The growth of a river basin is qualitatively described. The model concepts are used to study the basin during periods of growth (transient periods), as well as during dynamic equilibrium. This leads to hypotheses about the relationship between slopes, relief, tectonic uplift, erodability, runoff, and catchment area. It is shown that the model leads to very reasonable and desirable behaviour of hillslopes during retreat and degradation.  相似文献   

Test of Hack's slope to bed material relationship in the Southern Eifel Uplands,Germany     

Rolf Schruder 《地球表面变化过程与地形》1991,16(8):731-736

The local reach gradient of small gravel bed rivers (drainage area 0-8-110 km²) in the Eifel, West Germany, is adjusted to transport the river bed sediments. Transport of gravel becomes possible under high flow conditions (Shields entrainment factor ≈-03). Mean bed material size for riffle sections increases with distance downstream. For small drainage areas channel slope is a negative exponential function of drainage area, while for the larger region the additional influence of bedload size has to be considered. Good agreement with Hack's data (1957) for Virginia and Maryland, U.S.A., is achieved (S = 0.0066 (D₅₀/A)^{- 40.}, r = 0.67).  相似文献   

The management of sewage sludge by the water industry in England and Wales     

R. A. Crichton 《Geotechnical and Geological Engineering》1994,12(3):183-212

Summary The legislative framework within which the disposal of sewage sludge is managed in England and Wales and the methods employed are outlined. Those factors which affect management decisions are analysed and consideration is given to the environmental implications of those decisions. Sewage processes and sludge disposal are considered, and the problems, especially those of heavy metal contamination, are addressed. An indication is given as to how the Water Services Companies are likely to implement the more stringent controls on disposal. Finally, the future of sludge management in England and Wales is discussed.Abbreviations BAT Best available technology - BATNEEC Best available technology not entailing excessive cost - BOD₅ Biochemical oxygen demand - BPEO Best practicable environmental option - CBI Confederation of British Industry - CEST Centre for Exploitation of Science and Technology - COD Chemical oxygen demand - CSC Customer Services Committee - DAF Dissolved air flotation - DG Director General - DoE Department of the Environment - DS Dried solids  相似文献   

River adjustment to changes in sediment load: The effects of tin mining on the Ringarooma River,Tasmania, 1875–1984     

A. D. Knighton 《地球表面变化过程与地形》1989,14(4):333-359

The mining of alluvial tin in the Ringarooma basin began in 1875, reached a peak in 1900–20, and had virtually ceased by 1982. During that time 40 million m³ of mining waste were supplied to the main river, quickly replacing the natural bed material and requiring major adjustments to the channel. Based on estimates of sediment supply from more than 50 widely scattered mines and the frequency of flows capable of transporting the introduced load, the river's transport history is reconstructed using a mass-conservation model. Because of the lengthy time period (110 years) and river distance (75 km) involved, the model cannot predict detailed change but it does reproduce the main pattern of sediment movement in which successive phases of aggradation and degradation progress downstream. Peak storage is predicted in that part of the river where braiding and anastomosis are best developed. Aggradation was most rapid in the upper reaches close to major supply points, becoming slower and later with distance downstream. Channel width increased by up to 300 per cent where the valley floor was broad and braiding became relatively common. Bridges had frequently to be replaced. While bed levels were still rising in lower reaches, degradation began in upper ones, notably after 1950, and by 1984 had progressed downriver over 30 km. Rates of incision reached 0·5 m yr^?1, especially in the early 1970s when record high flows occurred. As a result of degradation the bed material became gravelly through either reexposure of the original bed or lag concentration of coarser fractions. Also a narrower unbraided channel has developed. The river is beginning to heal itself and upper reaches now have reasonably stable beds but at least another 50 years will be required for the river to cleanse its channel of mining debris.  相似文献   

Small channels: Their experimental formation,nature, and significance     

A. J. Moss  Patricia Green  J. Hutka 《地球表面变化过程与地形》1982,7(5):401-415

The manner in which small channels are generated, from plane beds beneath sheet flows, has been experimentally elucidated. On plane, erodible, sand beds, the transition from thin, supercritical sheet flows to the channelled condition was studied over ranges of discharge, slope, and temperature. Secondary flow of the second kind, its action facilitated by steep vertical velocity gradients in the primary flows, caused sheet-flow instability. Along junctions between neighbouring secondary cells, both either raised or lowered elements of the primary flow. In the latter case, fast surface water was lowered to the bed, causing relatively intense, local, longitudinal scour. Dislodged grains were moved divergently to either side, leaving straight, central trenches. Development of positive feedback between cells and trenches led to rapid enlargement of the latter and concomitant growth of paired levees. The resulting structures, ‘protochannels’, were themselves ephemeral, developing two types of instability associated with secondary flow of the first kind. Firstly, small deviations from bilateral symmetry were enhanced, causing evolution into meandering channels. Secondly, headcutting led to multiple tributary development and, at resulting confluences, the action of strong pairs of secondary cells led to the development of braiding channels. Because they are shortlived, protochannels are but rarely seen in nature. Their seeding is markedly temperature-sensitive, reflecting their frictional origin. The erosive power of shallow overland flow largely depends on flow-energy concentration by secondary flow, firstly into channels, then within the channels themselves. Suppression of secondary flow, as by intense raindrop bombardment, can stabilize sheet flows. In deeper water, the effects of secondary flow appear relatively less dramatic. However, even if such motion is weak, bedload divergence from attachment lines can favour entrainment locally and thus affect bed geometry. Analogy between our results and river behaviour appears close and. on continental shelves where water must often flow as sheets, structures resembling giant protochannels evidently persist.  相似文献