Collaborative Research on Analysis of the Principles Governing Spatial Distribution and Morphology of Flood Generated Erosion Features on Alluvial Bottomlands

米勒和沃尔曼教授将研究西弗吉尼亚州东部波托马克河沿岸的一个地区，该地区在1985年11月遭受了灾难性的洪水袭击。他们将研究地形、水力和水文条件如何决定冲积河流滩地的具体侵蚀特征。将使用水流模拟模型来产生河流动态模式，并将其与记录在案的洪水造成的谷底侵蚀和沉积模式进行比较。灾难性洪水是河谷底部演变的主要决定因素，但它们很难被纳入泛滥平原演变的模型中。这项研究将加深我们对滩地过程的理解。这项研究的结果将对对滩涂土地利用和管理感兴趣的科学家和政策制定者具有相当大的价值。

Professors Miller and Wolman will examine an area along the Potomac River in eastern West Virginia that was struck by a catastrophic flood in November 1985. They will study the ways physiographic, hydraulic, and hydrologic conditions determine specific erosion features on alluvial river bottomlands. Flow simulation modelling will be used to produce patterns of river dynamics that will be compared with documented patterns of erosion and deposition on the valley floor produced by the flood. Catastrophic floods are major determinants of the evolution of river valley floors, but they are poorly incorporated into models of floodplain evolution. This research will augment our understanding of floodplain processes. The results of this research will be of considerable value for scientists and policy makers interested in floodplain land use and management.