Hydraulics and Sedimentation of Rivers

This chapter provides information on hydraulics and sedimentation processes common to inland waterways to provide background information for environmental situations. Natural inland waterways include most rivers and lakes where water is already available, even if not always at a depth necessary for navigation. Canals are often constructed by excavation to extend or connect natural waterways. The US-Canadian Great Lakes are the prime example of natural waterways consisting of water impounded by natural geographic features and connected by rivers. Hydrology, weather, and climate are described in statistical terms when used in waterway studies. Sedimentation processes—the erosion, transport, deposition, and consolidation of sediment—driven by wind and flowing water cause significant issues in inland waterways. Sediment eroded from hills and mountains deposits when the ground slope flattens out, creating delta splays.