Regime theory of alluvial channels based upon the concepts off stream power and probability

摘要

A new rational regime theory for stable alluvial channels is developed in this paper. Based on the concepts of stream power and fluvial process probability, a basic regime equation with a modified aspect ratio relationship is analytically derived. Most existing explicit regime equations can be transformed into the format of the proposed basic regime equation. A relationship for the basic regime coefficient is derived after introducing the concept of a 'fluvial processes index'. A suitable resistance relationship and a sediment transport formula are then coupled with the basic regime equation to determine the depth, width and slope of the regime channel. The new regime theory is compared with existing regime equations and is also applied to field data and laboratory data. The predicted channel dimensions are in good agreement with observed values.