Author(s): Luiz E. D. De Oliveira; Johannes G. Janzen; Frederik Folke; Florian Wittmann; Nils P. Huber; Mario J. Franca; Carlo Gualtieri
Linked Author(s): Mário Franca, Luiz E. D. de Oliveira, Nils P. Huber
Keywords: Turbulence; Floodplain forest; Compound channel; Vegetated flows
Abstract: Floodplains in compound channels are crucial in flood mitigation strategies, owing to their ability to store floodwaters and trap debris. They also represent an important source of ecosystem services in riverine environments. Often, floodplains are the interface between rivers inland areas and its main channel. It is here that mixing processes occur, promoting the settlement of nutrient-rich fine sediments from the main channel, which in turn fosters vegetation growth (Juez et al., 2019). With or without vegetation, floodplains can be simulated in 1D to 3D numerical models. The selection of a suitable simulation type (scaling and turbulence model) hindered by the limited understanding of turbulence in compound channel with vegetated floodplains. Additionally, hydrodynamic knowledge on these flows originates often in research with arbitrary vegetation characteristics and density. Herein, to aid on model informed choices, we experimentally explore the turbulence nature in compound-channel flows, utilizing real floodplain forest characteristics obtained from surveys conducted in the upper Rhine region.
Year: 2024