Theoretical explanation for the incipient formation of meanders in straight rivers

This paper advances a theoretical explanation for the lateral periodicity and geometric similarity of meanders observed in rivers of many sizes. Invoking the static equilibrium of a straight river bed, it is shown analytically that the equilibrium shape of the bed is a unique sinusoid. The theoretical wavelength of the sinusoidal shape is proportional to the width of the river, in agreement with visual observations of rivers of all sizes. Copyright 1982 by the American Geophysical Union.

Duke Scholars

Author Adrian Bejan Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...