| Abstract: | Hydraulic modelling of a riffle-pool-riffle sequence in a straight reach of Dry Creek near Winters, California, indicates that while at low flow the mean (section average) velocity at riffles exceeds that of an adjacent pool, during high flow the mean velocity of the pool exceeds that of adjacent riffles. This supports the velocity-reversal hypothesis which is based on limited field measurements of near-bed flow velocity. A velocity reversal does not occur at the same discharge in both riffle-pool sequences modelled, and a more detailed explanation is necessary to account for complex aspects of channel form and process in riffle-pool sequences. Nevertheless, the velocity-reversal hypothesis helps to explain many of the observations and processes that operate in the riffle-pool environment. |
