Selection of Gravel‐Transport Formula for Stream Modeling

A method for selecting a sediment‐transport formula for mathematical modeling of a specific gravel stream is described and illustrated with an example. This method is based on the measured changes in stream morphology instead of site‐specific gravel transport data. In the approach, several transport formulas are tested based on their applicabilities in simulating stream‐channel changes. It is the working hypothesis that a sediment formula suitable for mathematical application should generate stream‐channel changes that can be substantiated by measurements. For Stony Creek in California, the Meyer‐Peter Muller, Yang, Parker, and Engelund‐Hanson formulas were tested separately. Sediment deliveries obtained using the Yang and Parker formulas are more or less similar. Simulated erosional and depositional changes are also similar and compare favorably with the measurements. The Meyer‐Peter Müller formula predicted lower transport rates while the Engelund‐Hanson formula produced higher transport rates. On the basis of the tests, the Yang formula and Parker formula were selected for Stony Creek applications.