Channell Morphology
Channell Morphology
Channell Morphology
CAPE Geography
Unit 1
Module 2: HYDROLOGICAL, FLUVIAL, COASTAL AND LIMESTONE ENVIRONMENTS
Channell Morphology
Cross-sectional Area
Cross-sectional area is the width of the channel multiplied by the depth of the channel.
River Velocity
River Velocity is the speed at which water flows through a channel. River Velocity is Influenced
by.
a. Gradient of the channel
b. Roughness of the channel
c. Channel shape in cross-section
River Discharge
River Discharge is the amount (volume) of water passing a particular point in the channel. River
Discharge is calculated by multiplying the cross-sectional area by the velocity of the river.
River discharge= A*V. Formula:
Q= V*(W*D)
Where, Q is discharge, V is the velocity, W is the average width and D is the average depth of the
flow.
Stream discharge varies over both time and space.
Wetted Perimeter
This is the total length of the bed and bank sides in contact with the water.
This is the ratio of cross-sectional area of the channel to its wetted perimeter. The actual shape of
any channel is influenced by rock structure, biotic forces, and mass wasting.
The nature of the bed and banks influences the type of flow and speed of flow in the channel.
Rough surfaces with large boulders increase friction and slow the water, whereas smooth
surfaces and fine deposits result in increased velocity. This helps to explain increasing channel
velocities downstream of the river. Friction also plays a part within the channel cross section.
Highest velocities are recorded just below the surface of the water away from the frictional drag
of the bed, banks, and air.
Activity 8.1
1. If the channel is 20m wide and 4m deep what is its wetted perimeter?
2. Give an example of other channel dimensions which could have the same wetted
perimeter.
3. What is the hydraulic radius of a channel
i)12m wide and 4m deep?
ii) 8m wide and 2m deep?
4. Compare the two channels in 3 above and explain why the hydraulic radius offers a better
comparison of the shape of the channel than the wetted perimeter.