Author(s): Carlo Gualtieri; Marco Ianniruberto

Linked Author(s): Carlo Gualtieri

Keywords: River morphodynamics; Sediment transport; Amazon river; ADCP; Multibeam echosounder

Abstract: Few studies are available about hydrodynamics and morphodynamics processes in large anabranching rivers. A field study was carried out using ADCP, high-resolution MBES and remote sensing data in the lower reach of Solimoes-Amazon River around the Marchantaria Island to provide insights into the hydrodynamics, bedforms features and channel migration. Confluence-like features (stagnation zone, helical cells, scour hole) were observed downstream of that island and in the secondary channel. Grain sizes were in the range of medium or fine sand and medium silt, while erosion was the main pattern observed in high flow conditions. Finally, the analysis of satellite images showed a downstream migration of the Marchantaria Island, with erosion upstream and deposition downstream as well as a progressive formation of islands and bars in the secondary channel.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-90-833476-1-5_iahr40wc-p1488-cd

Year: 2023