Mathematical Modeling of Delta Deposits and Retrogressive Erosion in Reservoirs

A hybrid computer model which simulates mainly delta deposition and retrogressive erosion in reservoirs is described. Basic equations that govern the flow and bed changes used in the model include the continuity equation for water, momentum equation for water, and continuity equation for sediment. Meyer-Peter bed load formula and the suspended load transport formula based on the concept of stream power per unit channel width previously developed by the first author are applied. In the numerical approach, the model combines the double sweep method of weighted implicit finite-difference scheme developed by Preismann with the backward explicit finite-difference scheme in order to account for different patterns of channel changes. Additional aspects of the subject are discussed.