Formation Processes and Configuration of Channel-Flow Dominated Alluvial Deltas by Numerical Simulation

Abstract

A horizontal two-dimensional mobile bed model for simulating the formation of river-dominated deltas in the river mouth or reservoir is presented, which is composed of shallow water equations, sediment transport formula, and a sediment continuity equation. Geometry similarity of river deltas during the processes of formation is discussed. Stability analysis and sensitivity analysis of parameters in the model are analyzed, which indicates that bed configuration is sensitive to the incipient-motion criteria of bed–load particles. The effect of gravity component on the initiation of sediment movement, therefore, is recommended to be considered in the modeling. The bed configuration including the reverse slope in the longitudinal profile and concave in the transverse profiles are correctly simulated with help from the correction of incipient-motion criteria. Simulation results are verified with a series of experiments and are consistent with series geometric functions and dimensionless profiles inducted from experimental data. This reflects the great reliability of the model. Historical topographical records of two typical in-land deltas depicting their earlier developmental stages are discussed to show the usefulness of this study.