title: Critical wavelength for river meandering.
abstract: A fully nonlinear modal analysis identifies a critical centerline wave number q(c) for river meandering that separates long-wavelength bends, which grow to cutoff, from short-wavelength bends, which decay. Exact, numerical, and approximate analytical results for q(c) rely on the Ikeda, Parker, and Sawai [J. Fluid Mech. 112, 363 (1981)] model, supplemented by dynamical equations that govern the river migration and length. Predictions also include upvalley bend migration at long times and a peak in lateral migration rates at intermediate times. Experimental tests are suggested.
authors: National Energy Technology Laboratory, U. S. Department of Energy, 3610 Collins Ferry Road, Morgantown, WV 26507-0880, USA.
authors: B F
authors: BF
authors: Edwards
authors: D H
authors: DH
authors: Smith