Model analyses of the contribution of in-channel processes to sediment concentration hysteresis loops

SummarySediment concentration (SC)–water discharge (Q) relations in rivers are typically governed by multiple and relatively complex processes. Due to hysteresis effects, sediment discharges can differ for similar or equivalent water discharges, which causes scatter in empirical datasets and may decrease the predictive power of SC rating curves. Such hysteresis effects must therefore be understood and accounted for to make dependable predictions for river system management. The overall objectives of this study are to develop modelling approaches suitable for reproducing and predicting hysteresis effects at larger scales and to investigate the possible contribution of in-channel processes (erosion and deposition) to sediment concentration hysteresis loops. To investigate relevant field-scale conditions, we develop a one-dimensional dynamic sediment transport model of the downstream Tuul River (northern Mongolia), investigating in-channel processes along a 141km stretch during a hydrological year. The results show that the present modelling approach can reproduce both anti-clockwise and clockwise hysteresis effects. Importantly, in-channel processes alone can cause considerable anti-clockwise hysteresis effects without being reinforced by catchment processes such as hillslope erosion. Such specific contributions from in-channel processes introduced data scatter into the sediment rating curves, decreasing their R2-values from unity to approximately 0.5 to 0.6. More generally, possible changes in the number or magnitude of high-flow events, caused by climatic or other anthropogenic factors, could influence total sediment deposition, which was primarily found to occur during relatively short high-flow events. Such potential changes also have important implications for the possible spreading of polluted sediments