Initial formation of channels and shoals in a short tidal embayment

摘要

Using a simple model, the formation of bedforms in a short tidal embayment due to a positive feedback between tidal currents, sediment transport and bedforms is demonstrated. The stability of a constantly sloping equilibrium bottom profile is studied for various combinations of the model parameters. Further it is shown that, using an asymptotic expansion for the concentration as given in earlier literature is valid only for small or moderate mode numbers and the technique is extended to large mode numbers.