Is sinuosity a function of slope and bankfull discharge? – A case study of the meandering rivers in the Pannonian Basin

Abstract

Abstract. Pre-regulation channel sinuosities of the meandering rivers of the Pannonian Basin are analysed in order to define a mathematical model to estimate the influence of the bankfull discharge and the channel slope on them. As a primary database, data triplets of slope, discharge and sinuosity values were extracted from historical and modern datasets and pre-regulation historical topographic maps. Channel slope values were systematically modified to estimate figures valid before the river regulation works. The bankfull discharges were estimated from the average discharges using a robust yet complex method. The "classical" graphs of Leopold and Wolman (1957), Ackers and Charlton (1970b) and Schumm and Khan (1972) were compiled to a set up a theoretical surface, whose parameters are estimated by the real values of the above database, containing characteristics of the Pannonian Basin rivers. As a result it occurred that there is a two-dimensional function of the bankfull discharges, which provides a good estimation of the most probable sinuosity values of the rivers with the given slope and discharge characteristics. The average RMS error of this estimation is around 15% on this dataset and believed to be the effect of the non-analysed changes in the sediment discharge and size distribution.

Linkages Between Sinuosity Index and Flood Sustainability: A Study of Morna River (Maharashtra), India

“…According to Petrovszki et al, 2014, a downward slope and less sediment supply causes a straight channel of a river. 32 Similarly, in this case, Morna river has a lake and a dam constructed in the upper part of the basin reduces the sediment discharge to the lower basin turns to stable morphometric characteristics of river in the middle part. Dam construction in the upstream region affects the sediment transportation in the channel controlled by the geology of the river basin and generates new processes in the downstream channel, and influences the downstream hydrology.…”

Specifying the External Impact on Fluvial Lowland Evolution: The Last Glacial Tisza (Tisa) Catchment in Hungary and Serbia

“…Explaining the large meander sizes requires consideration of the specific energy conditions in the fluvial systems during the Middle Pleniglacial (~MIS 3) and early Late Pleniglacial (~MIS 2). The available energy for meander development is especially determined by the discharge and the river gradient [26,86] as applied for the Tisza by Petrovszki et al [87]. Due to the geographical position of the Tis(z)a within the Pannonian Basin, river slopes are very low (see below).…”

Specifying the External Impact on Fluvial Lowland Evolution: the Last Glacial Tis(Z)a Catchment In Hungary and Serbia

“…Explaining the large meander sizes requires consideration of the specific energy conditions in the fluvial systems during the Middle Pleniglacial (~MIS 3) and early Late Pleniglacial (~MIS 2). The available energy for meander development is especially determined by the discharge and the river gradient [26,85]) as applied for the Tisza by [86]. Due to the geographical position of the Tis(z)a within the Pannonian Basin, river slopes are very low (see below).…”