Multiple effects of sediment transport and geomorphic processes within flood events: modelling and understanding

Flood events can induce considerable sediment transport which in turn influences flow dynamics. This study investigates the multiple effects of sediment transport in floods through modelling a series of hydraulic scenarios, including small-scale experimental cases and a full-scale glacial outburst flood. A non-uniform, layer-based morphodynamic model is presented which is composed of a combination of three modules: a hydrodynamic model governed by the two-dimensional shallow water equations involving sediment effects; a sediment transport model controlling the mass conservation of sediment; and a bed deformation model for updating the bed elevation. The model is solved by a second-order Godunov-type numerical scheme. Through the modelling of the selected sediment-laden flow events, the interactions of flow and sediment transport and geomorphic processes within flood events are elucidated. It is found that the inclusion of sediment transport increases peak flow discharge, water level and water depth in dam-break flows over a flat bed. For a partial dam breach, sediment material has a blockage effect on the flood dynamics. In comparison with the ‘sudden collapse’ of a dam, a gradual dam breach significantly delays the arrival time of peak flow, and the flow hydrograph is changed similarly. Considerable bed erosion and deposition occur within the rapid outburst flood, which scours the river channel severely. It is noted that the flood propagation is accelerated after the incorporation of sediment transport, and the water level in most areas of the channel is reduced.