A study of sedimentary bedwaves

Sediment bedload transport and bedform formation are considered for both steady and oscillatory flow of water. Some new theoretical results are quoted and experimental results are reported which tend to substantiate the theory. For steady flow, criteria based on Froude number and mean velocity are developed for predicting the types and dimensions of bedforms which occur under various flow conditions and different sediment properties. The flow depth is found to be an important variable linking Froude number with the mean velocity. For oscillatory flow, general agreement is found with the work of Mogridge and Kamphuis and the earlier work of Bagnold. The free surface wave parameters and the water flow depth are confirmed to be dominant factors in determining ripple characteristics. The experimental results give some confirmation of a new kinematic model proposed to explain sediment ripple behavior.Applied Science, Faculty ofCivil Engineering, Department ofGraduat