New opportunities for experiments in fluvial geomorphology: the flume PTETHYS

Abstract

In recent decades both physical modelling and computer simulation of fl uvial processes has undergone rapid progress. The paper summarizes the achievements of both international and Hungarian laboratory experiments in fl uvial geomorphology. Then, the new automatically governed fl ume facility, called PTETHYS (Project for Tectonical and Hydrological Simulations) recently set up at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Pécs, is presented. Finally, some of the new opportunities it off ers for research in fl uvial geomorphology are briefl y demonstrated: the identifi cation of geomorphological thresholds; modelling the generation of (fl ash) fl oods and its application for the reconstruction of the architectural elements and geomorphic evolution of fl oodplains. Some important channel parameters can be quantitatively investigated: channel cross-section change, amount of bedload infl uencing braiding, current velocity distribution etc. The novelty of the facility is the easy adjustment of channel slope and continuous experimenting (no need for interruption as in the case of laserscanned experiments). The scaling necessary for quantitative analyses is also tackled.

The influence of changes in flow regime caused by dam closure on channel planform evolution: insights from flume experiments

“…These motions are controlled by computer-governed electro-engines. Thus water and sediment could leave the flume only through a sink in its downstream part (Pirkhoffer et al 2014).…”