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

[00:22885 . 53]我们的主要研究目标是定量地描述在节理的、耐蚀的岩石上形成的基岩河道的过程和变化率的相互作用，特别是在分支河流方面。一条分叉的河段有多条河道，这些河道分叉又汇合，被干燥或很少被洪水淹没的地表分开。我们将利用水槽实验和对南非奥兰治河的实地研究来探索在节理、抗沉积物排放的岩石上形成的河道几何形状、岩性、构造制度和节理间距之间的关系。水槽实验和实地考察将使我们能够确定分支基岩通道形成和持续存在的条件。通过现场的空间替换和水槽的运行设计来完成变量的多次替换，将使我们能够直接推断出每个变量的相对影响。通过实验和实地研究进行系统的检查，我们将提高建立因果关系的能力。这将有利于基岩河流的研究，因为它直接有助于参数化基岩河道过程的能力，并最终能够模拟景观演变。此外，我们将把这个项目作为培训年轻科学家和促进南非与美国之间的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视野。

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.