This course concerns bio-geomorphological processes in river. The course consists of two parts.
In the foregoing courses, the focus was on the modelling and quantification of the flow (Hydraulics) and sediment transport (Mixing and Transport Processes). The first part of the course concerns geomorphological processes. It focusses on how the interactions between the flow and the sediment transport shape the morphology of the river.
A first lecture considers geomorphological processes in trained rivers that can be modelled in the 1-D framework for flow and sediment transport developed in the foregoing courses. Analytical solutions are developed that provide insight in the geomorphological processes. A second lecture develops the regime theory for the slope and cross-sectional shape of natural rivers, based on the theory for flow and sediment transport developed in foregoing courses. A third lecture develops a process-based theory for the planform (meandering, anabranching, braiding) of natural rivers.
The second part of the course concerns bio-geomorphological processes. It focusses on how biota modulate the interactions between the flow and sediment transport and thereby influence the river morphology. The main focus is on the influence of vegetation. The mutual interactions between flow and sediment transport at the one hand and vegetation at the other are described and modelling approaches are discussed. The influence of other biota, such as benthic invertebrates and biofilms are also briefly discusses.
The acquisition of the course contents is based on a combination of three methods. The theory is taught in plenary lectures. The students apply the theory in project assignments inspired by real-world configurations. Additional contextualisation of the course content is acquired in the form of assignments that consist in reading recent scientific journal papers.
The exam is oral. It typically includes a discussion on a project assignment, one of the paper-reading assignments, and content from the course files.
This course builds further on the knowledge on flow processes acquired in the Bachelor course “Hydraulics” (222.564) and on sediment transport processes acquired in the Bachelor course “Mixing and Transport Processes” (222.586).
Successful completion of the lectures (VO) Technical Hydraulics (222.564) and Mixing and Transport Processes (222.586) is higly recommended.