On the formation of current ripples

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelfagfællebedømt

For grain sizes finer than coarse sand, the first flow-transverse bedforms to develop are current ripples. Although numerous studies have analysed different aspects of bedform morphodynamics, to date no comprehensive physical explanation for the formation of ripples has been given. We offer such an explanation based on a virtual boundary layer concept, and present a model predicting ripple height on the basis of grain size, current velocity and water depth. The model contradicts the conventional view of current ripples as bedforms not scaling with flow depth. Furthermore, it confirms the dependence of ripple dimensions on grain size, and their relative insensitivity to flow strength.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
Artikelnummer11390
TidsskriftScientific Reports
Vol/bind5
Antal sider9
ISSN2045-2322
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 12 jun. 2015

ID: 140708802