Sediment Transportation Mechanics: Fundamentals of Sediment Transportation

Data from field and laboratory investigations of sedimentation problems are presented and compared with a view to clarifying some of the characteristics of alluvial streams. When possible, data are compared with theoretical results. In the first section the pertinent variables governing sediment transportation are given along with a discussion of the problem of selecting dependent and independent variables. Bed forms are then discussed theoretically and some data on bed forms in streams are given. The subject of stream forms is merely mentioned. Basic concepts on which theories of sediment transportation are based are discussed and some observed relations not explained by the theories are presented. Data and ideas on the comparative sizes bed sediment and sediment load are presented and discussed in the light of stream-bed armoring. The final section deals with the effect of water temperature on sediment movement. This paper will become a part of the chapter on mechanics of the proposed book on Sedimentation Engineering being prepared by a Task Committee.