Project research is focused on two general objectives: first, to better understand the basic physics of coupled flow and sediment transport in geophysical flows; second, to develop practical tools based on that understanding that can be used in a predictive manner to aid in the management of the Nation’s rivers. Within the context of this overarching pair of long-term goals, the project has a number of specific shorter-term objectives, some of which are research oriented, and others of which are related to technology transfer or consultation on specific riverine issues. Our current research objectives are as follows:
1) Develop and test physically based methods for predicting the initiation, development, and response to time-varying flows of riverine bedforms (ripples and dunes).
2) Develop, test, and refine methods for predicting bar response to time-varying flows.
3) Develop, test and distribute algorithms that construct explicit linkages between physical river characteristics and habitat or other biological considerations.
4) Develop, test, and refine methods for collecting river bathymetry using remote-sensing techniques. This involves using multi/hyperspectral scans, visible-wavelength LiDAR, infrared videography and other optical techniques to determine river characteristics.
5) Develop new understanding and basic laboratory data sets on the interaction of turbulence and sediment transport. This work uses a combination of particle-image velocimetry, phase-Doppler velocimetry, and high-speed videography to develop relations between instantaneous flow conditions (including turbulent fluctuations) and sediment dynamics.
Our current objectives for technology transfer and consultation on specific riverine issues are as follows:
1) Develop, maintain, distribute, and provide training on state-of-the-art river modeling software.
2) Provide consultation, modeling services, review and oversight for the Kootenai River Restoration Project at the request of BPA and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho.
3) Provide consultation, review, and oversight on river flow and sediment transport modeling for the Coeur D’Alene River Superfund site at the request of EPA.
4) Many smaller projects carried out cooperatively with USGS WSC staff and University researchers, including work on Copper River, Fountain Creek, Klamath River, Trinity River, Russian River, Green River, Colorado River, Platte River, Cedar River, Missouri River, Flint River, Red River, Mississippi River, etc.
