Collaborative Research: Anabranching Channels in Jointed Bedrock: An Integrated Flume and Field Study

0228853Wohl我们的主要研究目标是定量描述的过程和变化率的相互作用，在基岩通道上形成的节理，抗岩石，特别是指anbranching河流。分支河段有多个渠道，这些渠道分支和汇合，并被干燥或很少被洪水淹没的表面分开。我们将使用水槽实验和南非橙子河的实地研究，探索在节理上开发的通道几何形状的关系，抗岩石泥沙流量，岩性，构造体制，和关节间距。水槽实验和野外工作将使我们能够确定一个分支基岩渠道的形成和持续的条件。变量的多重替换，通过在田间的空间替换和在水槽中的运行设计来完成，将使我们能够直接推断每个变量的相对影响。通过进行系统的实验和田间研究，我们将提高我们建立因果关系的能力。这将有利于基岩河流的研究，一般直接有助于参数化基岩河道过程的能力，并最终模拟景观演变的能力。此外，我们将利用这个项目作为培训青年科学家和促进南非与美国之间科学和文化交流的机会。研究生将是研究计划的组成部分，我们将与南非和威尔士的同事合作。研究生将获得重要的科学和文化知识，我们将获得宝贵的国际经验，我们的南非和威尔士同事将通过我们的工作获得国际曝光。

0228853WohlOur primary research objective is to quantitatively describe the interplay of the processes and rates of change in bedrock channels formed on jointed, resistant rock with particular reference to anabranching rivers. An anabranching river reach has multiple channels that branch and rejoin and are separated by surfaces that are dry or rarely flooded. We will use flume experiments and field studies of the Orange River in South Africa to explore the relationship of channel geometry developed on jointed, resistant rock to sediment discharge, lithology, tectonic regime, and joint spacing. The flume experiments and fieldwork will allow us to determine the conditions under which anabranching bedrock channels form and persist. Multiple substitutions of variables, accomplished by space substitution in the field and run design in the flume, will allow us to directly infer the relative influences of each variable.By conducting a systematic examination with experimental and field studies, we will increase our ability to establish cause and effect. This will benefit studies of bedrock rivers in general by directly contributing to the ability to parameterize bedrock channel processes, and ultimately the ability to model landscape evolution. Furthermore, we will use this project as an opportunity to train young scientists and to foster scientific and cultural exchange between South Africa and the United States. Graduate students will be integral parts of the research program and we will work collaboratively with colleagues in South Africa and from Wales. The graduate students will gain important scientific and cultural knowledge, we will gain valuable international experience, and our South African and Welsh colleagues will gain international exposure through our work.