From an analysis of a time-dependent 2-D model for river bed topography, results are obtained which deepen the understanding of the processes of river bed deformation.With a non-steady state analysis the occurrence and behavior of propagating alternate bars are described.Due to the relatively large propagation velocity of these bars, this type of bed perturbation cannot give an explanation for the much more steady meandering process, which is characterized by the point bar-pool configuration.A steady state analysis turns out to be more appropriate to describe the meandering process.In terms of wave length and longitudinal damping rate, this analysis provides a good description of the phenomena involved.For conditions prevailing in meandering rivers. it appears that the result of the interaction between water and sediment motion depends on the ratio of two characteristic adaptation lengths which govern the two independent equations for the flow and for the bed deformation, respectively. In addition, it is shown that the degree of non-linearity of the sediment transport with flow velocity is also an important parameter.Finally, the results of the analysis are compared with data from a straight flume experiment with movable bed, in which at the inflow a steady perturbation was imposed, and with data from a curved flume experiment with movable bed and fixed banks.
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