Analysis of bed change based on the geometric characteristics of channel cross-sections

Abstract

A methodology has been proposed to understand the spatiotemporal changes of the river topography through the longitudinal change of the geometric characteristics of the cross-sections and the properties related thereto. Three-dimensional spatial information of the riverbed was obtained through the detailed bathymetry survey using an acoustic echo sounder for the reach from Gumi Weir to Chilgok Weir in the Nakdong river. Geometric informations for the reference sections were extracted using the acquired bathymetry survey data. By comparing the geometric properties for the reference sections, it was possible to catch the topographic characteristics and its changes over a reach of the channel. Through comparison with past survey data, it was also possible to quantitatively grasp the amount of change in cross-sectional area and volumetric change of riverbed. It is expected that a quantitative evaluation of river topography changes will be possible by applying the method proposed in this study.