USE OF INCISED CHANNEL EVOLUTION MODELS IN UNDERSTANDING REHABILITATION ALTERNATIVES

Incised channels are caused by an imbalance between sediment transport capacity and sediment supply to the stream. The resulting bed and bank erosion alter channel morphology and stability. Geomorphological models of incised channel evolution can provide guidance in the selection of engineering design alternatives for incised channel rehabilitation. This paper describes how incised channel evolution models may be coupled with a dimensionless stability diagram to facilitate evaluation of rehabilitation alternatives. In combination, the models provide complementary views of channel processes from geomorphic and engineering perspectives.