Skip to main content Accessibility help

We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.

Close cookie message
×
  1. Home
  2. Search

Refine search

Refine search

Access:
Content type:
Publication date:
Apply   From and To filters
Subject: Show more
Journals Show more
Publishers: Show more
Societies Show more
Series: Show more
Collections: Show more

Actions for selected content:

Select all | Deselect all
  • View selected items
  • Export citations
  • Download PDF (zip)
  • Save to Kindle
  • Save to Dropbox
  • Save to Google Drive

Save Search

You can save your searches here and later view and run them again in "My saved searches".

Please provide a title, maximum of 40 characters.
Cancel
×

1 results

  • Chapter 13 - The Vertical Dimension of Rivers: Longitudinal Profiles, Profile Adjustments, and Step-Pool Morphology

  • Bruce L. Rhoads, University of Illinois
  • Book:
    River Dynamics
    Published online:
    30 April 2020
    Print publication:
    07 May 2020, pp 294-318

  • Summary

    This chapter examines the third dimension of channel form: change in the elevation of the channel bed over distance along a river, or the longitudinal profile. Because the longitudinal profile of a river develops in conjunction with the development of river networks over geologic timescales, this topic is linked to the evolution of drainage basins. The main controls of profile form – water discharge, sediment discharge, and sediment caliber – are introduced. Both empirical and theoretical analyses of longitudinal profile development are presented. Downstream fining of bed material in rivers and the interplay of this phenomenon with longitudinal profile development is explored. At a more local scale, the factors that influence channel gradients are explored. Transient adjustments of the longitudinal profile in response to uplift or changes in base level are considered for bedrock and alluvial systems, including the development and migration of knickpoints. Variations in channel form in relation to the longitudinal profile are presented, with a detailed examination of step-pool channels in steep mountain streams.