| Abstract: | An hypothesis from which a general principle covering deformation of alluvial boundaries may be developed is proposed, namely—flow of fluid past a deformable boundary will deform the boundary so as to increase the resistance to flow. Upon attainment of a local maximum of resistance to flow the boundary shape will cease to change. Evidence from channel bed forms, meander geometry and armoured beds is presented to support the hypothesis. One implication of the hypothesis is that channels will adjust so that sediment movement is maximized. The authors would like geomorphologists to test this in their work on landscape evolution. |
