Open AccessA new framework for modeling sediment fining during transport with fragmentation and abrasion
Author(s) -
Le Bouteiller C.,
NaaimBouvet F.,
Mathys N.,
Lavé J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: earth surface
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2010jf001926
Subject(s) - fragmentation (computing) , breakage , abrasion (mechanical) , sediment transport , mechanics , geology , sediment , grain size , materials science , geotechnical engineering , mineralogy , soil science , physics , geomorphology , computer science , composite material , operating system
A new framework for modeling sediment fining during transport is proposed. The model is based on a physical description of both abrasion and fragmentation processes. It attempts to describe and explain the changes in the grain‐size distribution of sediments during their transport in a water flow. Abrasion and fragmentation are modeled through the use of breakage frequency functions and daughter size distributions. These functions are determined experimentally for the specific case study which is presented. Comparison between the predictions from the model and experimental data from the case study show that (1) both abrasion and fragmentation are involved in the degradation, (2) fragmentation efficiency decreases during the experiment, and (3) the shape of the pebbles provides feedback between abrasion and fragmentation. This type of model is therefore appropriate for explaining degradation mechanisms, which is promising for a future application to rivers.