A Cellular Model of River Meandering

Authors

Tom J. Coulthard, University of Hull, Hull, UK
Marco J. Van De Wiel, The University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2006

Volume

31

Issue

1

Journal

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms

First Page

123

Last Page

132

URL with Digital Object Identifier

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/esp.1315

Abstract

River meandering has been successfully modelled using vector based methods, but these cannot simulate multiple or braided channels. Conversely, cellular braided river models fail to replicate meandering. This paper describes a new method to simulate river meandering within a cellular model (CAESAR). A novel technique for determining bend radius of curvature on a cell by cell basis is described, that importantly allows regional information on bend curvature to be transferred to local points. This local curvature is then used to drive meandering and lateral erosion through two methods. Key difficulties are identified, including the deposition of material on point bars and cut off development, but the method illustrates how meandering can be integrated within a cellular framework. This demonstrates the potential to produce a single model that can incorporate both meandering and braiding.