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Geomorphology of Scour Holes at Tidal Channel Confluences
Author(s) -
Ferrarin Christian,
Madricardo Fantina,
Rizzetto Federica,
Kiver William Mc,
Bellafiore Debora,
Umgiesser Georg,
Kruss Aleksandra,
Zaggia Luca,
Foglini Federica,
Ceregato Alessandro,
Sarretta Alessandro,
Trincardi Fabio
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: earth surface
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-9011
pISSN - 2169-9003
DOI - 10.1029/2017jf004489
Subject(s) - confluence , geology , channel (broadcasting) , fluvial , bedform , beach morphodynamics , seafloor spreading , bathymetry , geomorphology , tidal river , geometry , estuary , oceanography , sediment transport , sediment , structural basin , mathematics , computer science , electrical engineering , programming language , engineering
The morphology of scour holes at tidal channel confluences was investigated through high‐resolution acoustic mapping of the channel network in the Venice Lagoon (Italy). Our investigation identified 29 confluence scours ranging in depth from 7 to 26 m and characterized by different confluence geometry and scour properties. Scours were found at the confluence of two or more channels, having equal or unequal bed heights and a diverse confluence planform geometry. The main morphological characteristics of the scours were compared to literature data from fluvial environments. Like in rivers, the scour depth tends to increase with the angle of the confluence. Moreover, the maximum depth of the confluence scours in the Venice Lagoon is positively correlated with the tidal prism of the channels joining the confluence. The investigation of the seafloor features in the scour holes highlighted that, generally, small‐ and medium‐scale bedforms are present on the gentle slope. The scours' seafloor roughness indicated that in tidal channels both ebb and flood flows combine in shaping the confluence morphology. In addition, the analysis of historical bathymetric datasets dating back to the 1800s allowed us to analyze the morphological evolution of two of these erosive features. Our findings revealed the century‐scale morphological dynamics of scour holes, as a consequence of changes in the flow regime.