The influence of coarse particle mobility on scour depth in salmonid spawning habitat

This study examined the influence of flow hydraulics and coarse particle mobility on bed scour adjacent to coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) redds in a coastal California watershed for a bankfull flood. It was theorized that coarse particle mobility (i.e., mobility of particles larger than the median bed particle size, D₅₀) exerts a strong control on bed scour depth. Maximum scour depth at the study sites was found to be negatively correlated with flow shear stress, which is dissimilar to findings from previous scour studies in spawning reaches. This resulted from a relatively similar coarse particle size (D₈₄) for all study sites and a negative relationship between shear stress and coarse particle exposure to flow (or the D₈₄/D₅₀ ratio), which together caused sites with low shear stress to have a high degree of localized coarse particle mobility and an associated high maximum scour depth. This study provides new insights into the vulnerability of spawning reaches with low flow energy to redd scour and highlights the need to consider the mobility of coarse particle sizes explicitly when examining the dominant controls on redd scour.     

Quantifying the habitat and zoogeomorphic capabilities of spawning European barbel Barbus barbus,a lithophilous cyprinid

Suitable gravel availability is critical for the spawning success of lithophilous fishes, including redd builders. Redd construction during spawning can alter substrate characteristics, thereby influencing hydraulic conditions and sediment transport, highlighting the importance of spawning as a zoogeomorphic activity. Here, interactions between redd‐building fish and their spawning environment were investigated for European barbel Barbus barbus with a comparative approach across three English rivers: Teme (western), Great Ouse (eastern) and Idle (central). Sediment characteristics of spawning habitats were similar across the rivers, including subsurface fine sediment (<2 mm) content (≈20% dry weight), but elevated subsurface silt content and coarser surface sediments were found in the river Teme. Water velocities were similar at spawning sites despite differences in channel width and depth. Redds were characterized by a pit and tailspill, with no differences in surface grain‐size characteristics between these and the surrounding riverbed, but with topographic alteration (dimensions and tailspill amplitude) in line with those of salmonids. Estimates of the fraction of the bed that spawning barbel were capable of moving exceeded 97% in all rivers. Estimated reproductive potential varied significantly between the rivers Idle and Teme (3,098 to 9,715 eggs/m²), which was largely due to differences in barbel lengths affecting fecundity. Larger barbel, capable of producing and depositing more eggs, but in more spatially extensive redds, meaning fewer redds per given surface area of riverbed. Predictions of barbel egg mortality based on sand content were low across both rivers. The effects of silt on barbel egg and larvae development are unknown, but the levels detected here would significantly impact salmon egg mortality. Similarities in fish length to redd area and the size of moveable grains by spawning barbel and salmon suggest they have similar geomorphic effects on sediments, although fine sediment tolerance is highly divergent.     

A high‐resolution hydrodynamic investigation of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) redds

High‐resolution velocity measurements were taken over a series of redds on a gravel‐bed stream using a Pulse Coherent Acoustic Doppler Profiler (PCADP) to quantify the hydrodynamics of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) redds. On redds studied, over 4500 velocity measurements per redd were acquired per day to quantify the flow velocity, flow depth and related fluid mechanics metrics of Reynolds numbers, Froude numbers and turbulent kinetic energy per unit area. Results showed that velocity and Froude numbers varied widely at the redd scale, but consistently showed higher velocities and Froude numbers over the tailspill regions relative to the surrounding study limits. Results of Reynolds numbers calculations showed no apparent correlations to spawning location preference and redd structure. Turbulent kinetic energy per unit area consistently demonstrated a strong correlation with redd locations. The metric maintained low values (i.e. unidirectional flow with little turbulence) where all redds and attempted redds were observed. The study also demonstrates that a number of hydraulic metrics and several spatial scales will likely be necessary to understand any inherent relationship between river hydraulics and redd placement. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A hydrodynamic investigation of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) redd selection at the riffle scale

High‐resolution velocity profile measurements were taken over a series of riffles on a gravel‐bed stream using a Pulse Coherent Acoustic Doppler Profiler (PCADP) to quantify the fluid structure of riffles and nests (redds) where brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) spawned. Velocity profiles were obtained on a highly discretized planometric scale ranging between 20 and 40 cm grid spacings, with vertical observations occurring every 1.6 cm. From the velocity profiles, between 15 000 and 38 000 velocity measurements were obtained over each riffle on any given day of measurement. Velocity profiles were converted to streamwise velocity magnitude, flow depth, Reynolds number, Froude number, shear stress, vertical velocity components and turbulent kinetic energy per unit area to evaluate the spatial structure of the riffles and the spatial structure of redds (pits and tailspills) relative to the surrounding riffle structure. Semi‐variograms were employed to evaluate the persistence of the fluid structure based upon the metrics evaluated. Results showed that discrete velocity observations poorly described the spatial structure of the flow system and poorly correlated with redd locations. Reynolds number analysis identified a relatively consistent fluid property for distances typically 2–3 times the longitudinal length of redds. Turbulent kinetic energy per unit area consistently identified common regions on all riffles studied that corresponded with the location selections for redds where flow was identified as essentially uni‐directional. Froude number was found to be insensitive in predicting the fluid spatial structure in wadeable flow depths and relating it to the fluid structure of redds. Results indicated that a series of metrics at varying spatial scales of turbulence may be necessary to understand the spatial complexity of redd selection. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Intergranular flow velocity through salmonid redds: sensitivity to fines infiltration from low intensity sediment transport events

This paper presents results from a novel technique allowing continuous monitoring through multiple storm events of interstitial flow in salmonid redds. Previous studies have shown that long‐term increases in fine sediment inputs into rivers can silt up spawning beds, reduce intergravel flow and threaten egg survival. Not enough is known, however, about the temporal and spatial scales of the physical processes affecting spawning habitat. The short‐term sensitivity of intergravel flow through salmon nests to low‐intensity sediment transport events has not been documented. Furthermore, it is unclear if the egg pocket flow vital to incubation is principally controlled by the hydraulic conductivity of the redd patch or by that, generally lower, of the ambient riffle substrate. The purpose of this study was to determine if individual runoff events could affect intergravel flow in salmon nests and to investigate the sensitivity of interstitial flow to the fines content and conductivity of the redd patch. During the summer and autumn of 2001, a new intergravel velocity sensor based on the hot wire principle made it possible to continuously monitor, over five months, interstitial velocities in artificial redds in four tributaries of the Cascapedia River, Quebec. Fifteen low and moderate intensity runoff events (up to 50% bankfull) were monitored. Data were obtained for each storm on suspended sediment transport as well as sand infiltration rates in sediment collectors emplaced in redd zones. It was found that redd interstitial velocities were reduced whenever a runoff event deposited more than 7 kg/m² of sands in infiltration traps. In addition, redd interstitial velocities were reduced four out of the five times that the event‐integrated suspended sediment dose exceeded 7 mg l^?1 day (dose is defined as the area under the concentration time curve). In the study conditions, where ambient riffle sediment has relatively moderate permeability and localized groundwater upwelling is negligible, our data suggest that significant intergravel flow (0.1–0.6 mm/s) can be triggered through 2 m long redd patches, in response to the redd‐scale water surface gradient and the relatively higher conductivity of the redd patch, after spawner activity. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quantifying the behavioral response of spawning chum salmon to elevated discharges from Bonneville Dam,Columbia river,USA

Chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta that spawn in main‐stem habitats below Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, USA, are periodically subjected to elevated discharges that may alter spawning behaviour. We investigated behavioural responses of spawning chum salmon to increased water velocities associated with experimental increases in tailwater elevation using acoustic telemetry and a dual‐frequency identification sonar. Chum salmon primarily remained near their redds at base tailwater elevations (3.5 m above mean sea level), but displayed different movement and behavioural responses as elevations were increased to either 4.1 or 4.7 m for 8‐h periods. When velocities remained suitable (<0.8 m s^?1) during elevated‐tailwater tests, female chum salmon remained near their redds but exhibited reduced digging activity as water velocities increased. However, when velocities exceeded 0.8 m s^?1, the females that remained on their redds exhibited increased swimming activity and digging virtually ceased. Female and male chum salmon that left their redds when velocities became unsuitable moved mean distances ranging from 32 to 58 m to occupy suitable velocities, but returned to their redds after tailwaters returned to base levels. Spawning events (i.e. egg deposition) were observed for five of nine pairs of chum salmon following tests indicating any disruptions to normal behaviour caused by elevated tailwaters were likely temporary. We believe a chum salmon's decision to either remain on, or leave, its redd during periods of unsuitably high water velocities reflects time invested in the redd and the associated energetic costs it is willing to incur. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of rainfall and beaver dams on upstream movement of spawning Atlantic salmon in a restored brook in Nova scotia,Canada

In a restored, third‐order stream in northern Nova Scotia, Canada, we used redd counts over 12 years to examine the influence of beaver dams and the timing and intensity of autumn rains on spawning activity of Atlantic salmon. Most beaver dams in most years had no detectable effect on the distribution of spawning redds, but in 2004 the density of redds downstream from a three‐dam complex was significantly greater than that above, suggesting the dams were a barrier to many fish. A second complex of dams blocked salmon passage completely in 2003 and 2004 until they were notched to provide access upstream. The length of stream used by salmon for spawning was linearly correlated with total precipitation in the basin in October plus November (R² = 0.60), to a ceiling of 325 mm, above which the fish had access to the entire brook, if beaver dams were notched. Number of redds in the whole brook was strongly correlated (R² = 0.94) with the coefficient of variation (CV) of daily rainfall in October, but only for 7 of 11 years. This relationship disappeared when the impassable beaver dam complex failed in 2005, allowing salmon free access to 4 km of the upper brook. Variation in rainfall, and hence discharge, in this flashy brook evidently influences migration and spawning of Atlantic salmon in conjunction with channel blocking by beaver dams. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Geomorphic controls,riffle substrate quality,and spawning site selection in two semi‐alluvial salmon rivers in the Gaspé Peninsula,Canada

The relationships between valley and channel morphology, spawning substrate quality (content of fine sediment < 2 mm) and the selection of spawning sites by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were investigated along 45 km of two semi‐alluvial, valley‐confined rivers in the Gaspé Peninsula, Canada. Linear and logistic regressions confirm that Atlantic salmon prefer spawning at riffles providing good rather than mediocre or poor spawning substrate, as defined by the percentage sand and the Sand Index of Peterson and Metcalfe. However, exceptionally large concentrations of redds were observed on the few riffles located at island heads, with sub‐optimal substrate quality. This observation suggests that, in addition to content of fine material in the substrate, the morphology of spawning reaches may be a significant factor controlling the intensity of inter‐gravel flow through redds and the consequent selection of spawning sites. In the study systems, the quality of spawning substrate was controlled by ‘large‐scale’ geomorphic attributes at the scale of valley segments (1–5 km here): segments located within a wide valley were actively meandering, had higher sinuosity and bank erosion rates, generally lower shear stresses and presented somewhat higher sand content than segments confined by a narrow valley. Although sand contents were significantly higher, laterally unstable segments in wide valleys still harboured good to excellent spawning substrate overall. The study data do not allow the roles of variations in levels of riffle‐zone shear stress to be distinguished from those of cut bank fines input, to explain the observed inter‐segment association between valley width and riffle fines content. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Micro-computed tomography scanning approaches to quantify,parameterize and visualize bioturbation activity in clogged streambeds: A proof of concept

Fine particle clogging and faunal bioturbation are two key processes co-occurring in the hyporheic zone that potentially affect hyporheic exchange through modifications in the sediment structure of streambeds. Clogging results from excessive fine sediment infiltration and deposition in rivers, and it is known to decrease matrix porosity and potentially reduce permeability. Faunal bioturbation activity may compensate for the negative effect of clogging by reworking the sediment, increasing porosity, and preventing further infiltration of fines. Although both processes of clogging and bioturbation have received significant attention in the literature separately, their combined effects on streambed sediment structure are not well understood, mostly due to the lack of a standard methodology for their assessment. Here, we illustrate a novel methodology using X-ray computed tomography (CT), as proof of concept, to investigate how, together, clogging and bioturbation affect streambed porosity in a controlled flow-through flume. By visualising gallery formations of an upward conveyor macroinvertebrate; Lumbriculus variegatus as a model species, we quantified bioturbation activity in a clogged streambed, focusing on orientation, depth, and volume at downwelling and upwelling areas of the flume. Gallery creation increased the porosity of the streambed sediment, suggesting a potential improvement in permeability and a possible offset of clogging effects. We illustrate the promising use of X-ray CT as a tool to assess bioturbation in clogged streambeds, and the potential role of bioturbation activity supporting hyporheic exchange processes in streambeds, warranting further studies to understand the extent of bioturbation impacts in natural systems.     

A hydrogeomorphic dynamics approach to assess in‐stream ecological functionality using the functional flows model,part 1—model characteristics

The functional flows model integrates hydrogeomorphic processes and ecological functions for stream physical habitat evaluations. Functional flows are discharge values that serve ecological uses. Assessments of functional flows are based on evaluation of shear stress dynamics. The analysis is based on the occurrence of sediment transport regimes defined by threshold values of Shields stress estimated from discharge (Q), a parameter (f) governing depth response to incremental discharge changes, water surface slope (S) and media grain size (D₅₀). As an example, the model was tuned for fall‐run Chinook salmon spawning. Ecological functions studied were bed occupation (spawning, incubation and emergence) and bed preparation (river bed reworking periods)—both reliant on shear stress dynamics. A numerical experiment and sensitivity analysis using a wide range of realistic values of input variables indicated the effect of each variable on flow functionality. Combinations of S = 0.001, 0.005 and 0.01, D₅₀ = 0.02, 0.05, 0.1 m, f = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and four sediment transport stages produced 144 scenarios. Ranges of functional flows were greater for scenarios for low f (0.2) with low slope (0.001,0.05), for high f (0.5) with small grain size (0.02 m) and for intermediate low f (0.3) with coarse grain size (0.1 m). The functional flows model incorporates in‐stream habitat processes by including metrics of hydrologic, hydraulic, geomorphic and ecologic dynamics. Model uncertainties related to input data, calculation algorithms, and model structure are analysed. Functional flows analysis can be useful in studying water management alternatives to improve habitat conditions for target species and lifestages. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydrochemistry of the hyporheic zone in salmon spawning gravels: a preliminary assessment in a degraded agricultural stream

Hydrochemical changes were monitored in a simulated, sea run salmon redd in a small agricultural stream in northeast Scotland following the 1998–1999 spawning season. Immediately after redd construction, the hydrochemical characteristics of hyporheic water, at depths of 0.1 m and 0.3 m, were very similar to stream water. These apparently well‐mixed waters were alkaline, well‐oxygenated and enriched in nutrients. In the weeks and months following redd construction, clear and statistically significant differences in the chemistry of stream and hyporheic waters were observed. Typically, hyporheic water had lower concentrations of dissolved oxygen (mean 7.35 mg L^?1 at 0.3 m depth) than stream waters (mean=11.26 mg L^?1). Alkalinity, calcium, sulphate and conductivity levels tended to be higher in hyporheic waters, with concentrations increasing with depth. These data implied an increasing influence of groundwater with depth in the hyporheic zone following redd construction; an inference supported by subsequent hydraulic head measurements, which revealed an upwards groundwater flux in the stream bed. However, groundwater–surface water interactions were dynamic and complex: road salts eluted into the stream during periods of snowmelt simulated tracer experiments that implied that a reversed hydraulic gradient may occur at high flows with deeper streamwater penetration and mixing in the hyporheic zone. High flows also result in the mobilization of fine sediments from the stream bed which subsequently infiltrated into spawning gravels. These appear to cause ‘capping’ of redds and probably reduce the hydraulic conductivity of the redd matrix. Infiltrating sediments also contain a small, but probably important organic component, the decomposition of which may contribute to oxygen consumption and nutrient mineralization in the hyporheic zone. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Large wood aids spawning Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in marginal habitat on a regulated river in California

To determine whether large wood (LW, ≥1‐m length, ≥10‐cm diameter) plays a role in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) redd (i.e. egg nest) placements in a regulated, Mediterranean‐climate, medium‐sized river (where channel width is less than the upper quartile of length of potential instream wood pieces), characteristics of 527 large wood pieces, locations of 650 redds, and mesohabitat delineations (riffle, run, glide, pool) were collected during a spawning season along a 7.7 km reach directly below Camanche Dam on the Mokelumne River, CA. LW was regularly distributed across the study reach an average 70 LW pieces km^‐1. Some LW clustering was evident at islands and meander bends. Spawners built 85% of redds within one average channel width (31 m) of LW. Spawners utilized LW within a 10 m radius 36% of the time in the upper 3 km rehabilitated reach, and 44% of the time in the lower 4.7 km marginal habitat reach. A greater percentage of LW was utilized in riffles in the upper 3 km reach where 90% of redds were built, while a larger percentage of spawners used LW in riffles in the lower 4.7 km reach. LW‐redd interactions occurred at greater rates than by random chance alone in the lower 4.7 km reach, which implies that LW aids spawning in marginal habitats. River managers and salmonid spawning habitat rehabilitation (SHR) projects should take LW additions into consideration as an important component of river rehabilitation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Migratory salmonid redd habitat characteristics in the Salmon River,New York

Non-native migratory salmonids ascend tributaries to spawn in all the Great Lakes. In Lake Ontario, these species include Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho salmon (O. kisutch), steelhead (O. mykiss), and brown trout (Salmo trutta). Although successful natural reproduction has been documented for many of these species, little research has been conducted on their spawning habitat. We examined the spawning habitat of these four species in the Salmon River, New York. Differences in fish size among the species were significantly correlated with spawning site selection. In the Salmon River, the larger species spawned in deeper areas with larger size substrate and made the largest redds. Discriminant function analysis correctly classified redds by species 64–100% of the time. The size of substrate materials below Lighthouse Hill Dam is within the preferred ranges for spawning for these four species indicating that river armoring has not negatively impacted salmonid production. Intra-specific and inter-specific competition for spawning sites may influence redd site selection for smaller salmonids and could be an impediment for Atlantic salmon (S. salar) restoration.     

GRAVEL AUGMENTATION INCREASES SPAWNING UTILIZATION BY ANADROMOUS SALMONIDS: A CASE STUDY FROM CALIFORNIA,USA

Anadromous salmonid diversity and abundance worldwide have been adversely impacted by anthropogenic forces, and millions of dollars are spent each year on stream habitat restoration and enhancement. However, there is a paucity of data comparing site use by salmonids before and after enhancement implementation, and few studies examine the specific environmental conditions that determine whether salmonids utilize an enhanced site. This study examines the use of gravel augmentation to improve spawning site utilization by Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on the Lower American River, California, USA. Spawning increased across all augmentation sites for both species, although there were species‐specific and year‐specific differences in the degree to which a site was utilized and in the spatial distribution of redds in relation to substrate size, habitat features and other redds. There were also differences in redd architecture across sites that were related to differences in gravel size. This study illustrates that gravel augmentation projects can enhance spawning habitat for salmonids where spawning beds have degraded but that species‐specific and site‐specific attributes and gravel size can influence the relative effectiveness of a project. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Study of bedload transport in backwater flow

This paper studies the flow structure and the bedload transport regime in backwater flows, to provide a theoretical support for solving the sediment transport and bed scour problems in rivers or reservoirs with backwater. The bedload transport rates under different conditions are analyzed first on the basis of theoretical analysis, measurement comparison and flume experiment, and it is pointed out that the existing formulas for the bedload transport rate are not applicable for the bedload transport rate in backwater flows. Next, the flow structure in a non-uniform flow is observed by flume experiments, and by introducing the backwater degree index, the quantitative relation between the relative bed shear stress and the backwater degree is obtained. Finally, the formula for the bedload transport rate applicable for the reservoir channel segment with backwater flows is obtained through measurements and flume experiments.     

Identification of salmon redds using RPV-based imagery produces comparable estimates to ground counts with high inter-observer variability

An integral part of population monitoring within fisheries is ground-based surveys of fish redds. Remotely piloted vehicles or drones (RPVs) could provide a complementary method but need verification due to a host of methodological differences. To compare methods, we counted summer Chinook redds (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) (~6 m² in size) using RPVs and compared them to ground-based counts in the Wenatchee River (WA, USA). We found individual aerial counts were many times twice the corresponding ground counts. We also found large inter-observer variability among aerial counters. The coefficient of variation among multiple aerial counts were 37%, 38%, and 50% across three sites, which are comparable to published variation in ground counts. We attribute inter-observer variability to inherent uncertainties in redd identification similar to ground counting, and importantly, we did not see evidence that the clarity of substrate in the image influenced observer bias. Overall, our data suggest that redd counting using RPVs is an effective method, particularly in high-density spawning locations. We conclude that RPV imagery accurately identifies redds in a clear, relatively wide (60 m) river, but suggest continuing research into increasing precision, limiting observer variability, and assessing the accuracy across methods and locations.     

Scaling of sediment dynamics in a laboratory model of a sand-bed stream

A movable bed model was designed in a laboratory flume to simulate a mixed load sand-bed stream. The modelling objectives were to reproduce bedload and suspended sediment transport as well as downstream and transverse sediment fluxes in ratios similar to the field site. To meet these objectives the model contained an exact geometric scale and graded lightweight sediments to simulate migrating dunes and suspended load transport. The experiments are somewhat novel in that most mobile bed models have vertical exaggeration, whereas in these experiments exact geometric similitude of channel dimensions was maintained. The goal of this paper is to review the scaling strategy and the level of similarity among dimensionless parameters between model and field. Similarity in dimensionless bed shear stress and the particle Reynolds number enabled the experiments to replicate the dominant sediment dynamics present in the stream during a bankfull flow. There was a conflict in the strategy, in that grain roughness was exaggerated with respect to nature. However, the paper shows that geometric similarity of bedforms and the resulting drag is much closer to what is predicted for nature. In addition, measurements of sediment transport are compared to values computed from well-supported formulations, which is shown to reinforce the validity of the scaling strategy. Lastly, criteria for movable bed equilibrium are defined and it is shown that lightweight sediments contributed to the rapid development of near-equilibrium conditions. Overall, the paper shows a methodology that can be used to model mixed load streams at an exact geometric scale.     

局部冲刷坑发展过程的泥沙输运特性

为揭示水流作用下沙质河床结构物周围床面冲刷过程中的泥沙输运特性,采用三维紊流、考虑推移质和悬移质运动的河床变形数值模拟,研究了清水冲刷和动床冲刷条件下,墩柱型结构物局部冲刷过程中悬移质和推移质泥沙输运贡献及其与马蹄涡流特征量、床面切应力以及泥沙悬浮指数的相关性。研究发现,清水冲刷条件下,悬移质输运占比较小,推移质泥沙输运占优;动床冲刷条件下,悬移质输运的贡献随悬浮指数的减小迅速增大;冲刷过程中悬移质和推移质输沙率与床面切应力变化趋势一致,结构物周围局部切应力的大小与马蹄涡涡量呈正相关关系。     

INITIAL MOTION AND BEDLOAD TRANSPORT DISTANCE DETERMINED BY PARTICLE TRACKING IN A LARGE REGULATED RIVER

Reservoir releases on large regulated rivers are increasingly being used to rejuvenate riverine habitat downstream of dams. Determining the effective flow level is complicated by the trade‐off between mobilizing bed particles and retaining coarse sediment in rivers with low sediment supply. This study determined mobilization and transport distance of bed particles using motion‐sensing radio transmitting particles that approximated the reach‐average D₈₄ grain size. The distribution of shear stress at initial motion varied substantially between flood events, and suggests that the sequence of flood events and the history of under‐threshold flows may be an important determinant of bed strength and thus particle mobility. In addition, particle activity was greatest on the rising limb of each flood and was maximized at near bankfull flow. Travel distances did not vary between floods when scaled by transport event duration, and a negative exponential distribution was a good fit to the data. Results of this study provide important insight into individual particle movement, which can be used to inform flow releases and understand the effects of flood magnitude on particle mobility and transport. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A STUDY ON NONEQUILIBRIUM TRANSPORT OF NONUNIFORM BEDLOAD IN STEADY FLOW

In the case of steady flow, an equilibrium state for an alluvial reach referring tothe input of sediment over a sufficiently long time (time interval in the order of months) is equalto the output of sediment. A nonequilibrium state exists under steady flow when the sedimenttransport rate changes with time and space, so that there is no balance between input and outputof sediment. The experiments were performed in an open circuit tilting flume with the bed slope of 0.001-0. 009, the flume length of 30m and flume width of 0. 5m. The boundary condition atupstream and in all experiments, the rate of sedimant supply was zero. The coal or sand was se-lected as the Wed material. The grain diameter of the bed material varied in the range of 0.05-20. 00ram. The equation of nonequilibrium transport of nonuniform bedload is derived. Thegrain distribution of the size distribution of bedload is calculated by modified Gessler's formula.The grain size distribution of bed material is calculated by CARICHAR mixed layer model. These equations are applied to numerical simulation of armoring of riverbeds. The results ofthe bedload transport rate and the grain size distribution of the bedload at the end of the down-stream in the process of time, as well as the grain size distribution of the bed material in the pro-cess of time and distance are all in close agreement with the measurements.