(IRM1)

Guido Zolezzi, Walter Bertoldi, Marco Tubino

Summary: The general aim of the course is to show how the integration of different approaches can lead to a comprehensive insight into river morphodynamics. The course strategy is to focus on one specific morphodynamic pattern, i.e. alternate bars in channelized streams, a subset of river bars that can be taken as an example of other patterns evolving at different time and spatial scales. Basic knowledge of fluid mechanics and sediment transport are recommended

Module 1 (20 hours): Analytical theories of river bars. This module provides an overview of assumptions and outcomes of analytical morphodynamic theories and a step-by-step development of a linear stability analysis for free bars in straight channels.

Skills acquired: learn the “machinery” that lays behind the linear stability analysis of free bars, and, more in general, behind linear stability analyses in morphodynamic problems and develop and use simple computational tools to predict the main properties of free bars in straight channels.

Module 2 (8 hours): Bars in rivers: processes, forms and implications for river behaviour. This module describes river bars in different fluvial systems, their relationship with river planform style, the effect of flow unsteadiness, the role of vegetation, and the relationship with hyporheic flow.

Skills acquired: develop an understanding of how to integrate multiple approaches to investigate morphodynamics of river bars

Module 3 (4 hours): Numerical simulation of river bars. This module illustrates the potential of 2D numerical models resolving the shallow water equations to investigate alternate bars dynamics and quantify their properties.

Skills acquired: ability to use a 2D numerical model to reproduce alternate bars dynamics.

Evaluation procedure: Presentation. 

Course schedule available here.

NB in order to register please, please send and e-mail to both dicamphd@unitn.it and phd.aes@unitn.it