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The downstream gradation of particle sizes in the Squamish river, British Columbia
Author(s) -
Brierley Gary J.,
Hickin Edward J
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
earth surface processes and landforms
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9837
pISSN - 0197-9337
DOI - 10.1002/esp.3290100607
Subject(s) - hydrology (agriculture) , fluvial , downstream (manufacturing) , geology , sediment , sediment transport , debris , channel (broadcasting) , transect , environmental science , geomorphology , geotechnical engineering , oceanography , operations management , engineering , structural basin , electrical engineering , economics
The exponential downstream decline in particle size predicted by Sternberg (1875) is examined within a highly active alpine fluvial environment, the gravel‐bed Squamish River in southwestern British Columbia. Transect survey procedures for sampling within the coarse alluvial gravels are described in detail. Downstream trends for various particle size statistics, plotted with distance from a major sediment source, are considered according to two scenarios. Evaluation of overall trends indicates that the downstream expression derived by Sternberg (1875) is not the most appropriate; rather, curves are better described by power functions. This reflects a very rapid decline in particle size immediately downstream of the major sediment source. Secondly, evaluation of downstream trends in relation to channel planform determines that exponential functions with different coefficients describe adequately relations within individual planform reaches. There is insufficient evidence to suggest which of these two scenarios may be appropriate. Several lines of evidence suggest that the trends found are more the result of selective sediment transport phenomena than of abrasion, a condition attributed to channel competence within a system dominated by sediment‐supply conditions.