Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of tributary inflow on reservoir turbidity current

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Environmental Fluid Mechanics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Fluvial flows carrying high sediment loads may plunge into reservoirs to form turbidity currents. However, the effects of tributary inflows on reservoir turbidity currents have remained poorly understood to date. Here a 2D double layer-averaged model is used to investigate a series of laboratory-scale numerical cases. By probing into the hydro-sediment-morphodynamic processes, we find that tributary location and inflow conditions have distinct effects on the formation and propagation of reservoir turbidity currents, and lead to complicated flow dynamics and bed deformation at the confluence. Two flow exchange patterns are generated at the confluence: turbidity current intrusion from the main channel into the tributary; and highly concentrated, sediment-laden flow plunging from the tributary into the turbidity current in the main channel. Tributary sediment-laden inflow may cause the stable plunge point to migrate downstream and is conducive to propagation of the turbidity current, whilst the opposite holds in the case of clear-water inflow from the tributary. Tributary inflow leads to a lower sediment flushing efficiency as compared to its counterpart without a tributary. Yet a high sediment concentration in the tributary may reinforce turbidity current in the reservoir, thereby increasing sediment flushing efficiency. Around the confluence, the planar distributions of velocity and bed shear stress of the turbidity current resemble their counterparts in confluence flows carrying low sediment loads or clear water. Yet, the bed exhibits aggradation near the confluence due to the turbidity current, in contrast to pure scour in a river confluence with a low sediment load. Appropriate account of tributary effects is required in studies of reservoir turbidity currents, and for devising strategies for long-term maintenance of reservoir capacity.

Article highlights

  • Tributary inflow may cause the stable plunge point of reservoir turbidity current to migrate either upstream or downstream and modify its propagation.

  • Tributary inflow may lead to lower sediment flushing efficiency by reservoir turbidity current.

  • Tributary discharge and sediment concentration may lead to disparate bed deformation at confluence.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Wang GQ, Xia JQ, Zhang HW (2002) Theory and practice of hyperconcentrated sediment-laden flow in China. Advances in Hydraulics and Water Engineering—13th IAHR-APD Congress, Singapore.

  2. Wang ZY, Qi P, Melching CS (2009) Fluvial hydraulics of hyperconcentrated floods in Chinese rivers. Earth Surf Proc Land 7(34):981–993. https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.1789

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Wan ZH, Wang ZY (1994) Hyperconcentrated flow. IAHR monograph series. Balkema, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

  4. Clerici A, Perego S (2000) Simulation of the Parma River blockage by the Corniglio landslide (Northern Italy). Geomorphology 33(1):1–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-555X(99)00095-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Cao ZX, Pender G, Carling P (2006) Shallow water hydrodynamic models for hyperconcentrated sediment-laden floods over erodible bed. Adv Water Resour 29(4):546–557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advwatres.2005.06.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Li W, Su Z, van Maren DS, Wang Z, de Vriend HJ (2017) Mechanisms of hyperconcentrated flood propagation in a dynamic channel-floodplain system. Adv Water Resour 107:470–489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advwatres.2017.05.012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Li W, van Maren DS, Wang ZB, de Vriend HJ, Wu B (2014) Peak discharge increase in hyperconcentrated floods. Adv Water Resour 67(4):65–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advwatres.2014.02.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Li W, Xie GH, Hu P, He ZG, Wang YJ (2019) Mechanisms of peak discharge increase in the Yellow River floods and its influencing factors. J Hydraulic Eng 50(9):1111–1122 (in Chinese). https://doi.org/10.13243/j.cnki.slxb.20190103

  9. Best J (2019) Anthropogenic stresses on the world’s big rivers. Nat Geosci 12(1):7–21. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-018-0262-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Armanini A (2013) Granular flows driven by gravity. J Hydraul Res 51(2):111–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221686.2013.788080

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Cantero Chinchilla FN, Dey S, Castro Orgaz O, Ali SZ (2015) Hydrodynamic analysis of fully developed turbidity currents over plane beds based on self-preserving velocity and concentration distributions. J Geophys Res Earth Surf 120(10):2176–2199. https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JF003685

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Cao ZX, Li J, Pender G, Liu QQ (2015) Whole-process modeling of reservoir turbidity currents by a double layer-averaged model. J Hydraul Eng 141(2):04014069. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)HY.1943-7900.0000951

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Chamoun S, De Cesare G, Schleiss AJ (2016) Managing reservoir sedimentation by venting turbidity currents: a review. Int J Sedim Res 31(3):195–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsrc.2016.06.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Ford DE, Johnson MC (1983) An assessment of reservoir density currents and inflow processes. Ford Thornton Norton and Associates LTD, Vicksburs Ms

  15. Hu P, Cao ZX, Pender G, Tan GM (2012) Numerical modelling of turbidity currents in the Xiaolangdi reservoir, Yellow River, China. J Hydrol 464:41–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2012.06.032

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Wang Z, Xia J, Li T, Deng S, Zhang J (2016) An integrated model coupling open-channel flow, turbidity current and flow exchanges between main river and tributaries in Xiaolangdi Reservoir, China. J Hydrol 543:548–561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2016.10.023

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Xia CC (2019) Coupled mathematical modelling of shallow water flow and substance transport in open channels (in Chinese). Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

    Google Scholar 

  18. Georgoulas AN, Angelidis PB, Panagiotidis TG, Kotsovinos NE (2010) 3D numerical modelling of turbidity currents. Environ Fluid Mech 10(6):603–635. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10652-010-9182-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. An S, Julien PY (2014) Three-dimensional modeling of turbid density currents in Imha Reservoir, South Korea. J Hydraul Eng 140(5):05014004. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)HY.1943-7900.0000851

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Lai YG, Huang J, Wu K (2015) Reservoir turbidity current modeling with a two-dimensional layer-averaged model. J Hydraul Eng 141(12):04015029. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)HY.1943-7900.0001041

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Wang Z, Xia J, Zhang J, Li T (2018) Modeling turbidity currents in the Xiaolangdi Reservoir with the effect of flow exchanges with tributaries. Adv Eng Sci 50(01):85–93 (in Chinese). https://doi.org/10.11660/slfdxb.20171205

  22. Dai A, Garcia M (2009) Analysis of plunging phenomena. J Hydraul Res 47(5):638–642. https://doi.org/10.3826/jhr.2009.3498

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Li Y, Zhang J, Ma H (2011) Analytical Froude number solution for reservoir density inflows. J Hydraul Res 49(5):693–696. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221686.2011.593905

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Lee HY, Yu WS (1997) Experimental study of reservoir turbidity current. J Hydraul Eng 123(6):520–528. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(1997)123:6(520)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Li J, Cao ZX, Liu QQ (2019) Waves and sediment transport due to granular landslides impacting reservoirs. Water Resour Res 55:495–518. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018WR023191

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Li J, Cao ZX, Cui Y, Borthwick A (2020) Barrier lake formation due to landslide impacting a river: a numerical study using a double layer-averaged two-phase flow model. Appl Math Model 80:574–601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apm.2019.11.031

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Li J, Cao ZX, Cui Y, Fan X, Yang WJ, Huang W, Borthwick A (2021) Hydro-sediment-morphodynamic processes of the Baige landslide-induced barrier Lake, Jinsha River, China. J Hydrol 596:126134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2021.126134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Xiong ZW, Xia JQ, Wang ZH, Li T, Zhang JH (2019) Whole-processes modeling of flow movement and sediment transport during the period of water-sediment regulation in Xiaolangdi Reservoir. Scientia Sinica (Technologica) 49(4):419–432 (in Chinese). https://doi.org/10.1360/N092017-00295

  29. Zhang T, Feng MQ, Chen KL (2020) Hydrodynamic characteristics and channel morphodynamics at a large asymmetrical confluence with a high sediment-load main channel. Geomorphology 356:107066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2020.107066

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Dou ST, Yu X, Zhang JH, Xie WM, Wang WZ, Du XK (2020) Process-based modelling of tributary mouth sandbar evolution in a high sediment-load reservoir. River Res Appl 36(2):199–210. https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.3579

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Han QW (2003) Reservoir deposition (in Chinese). Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  32. Zhang YF, Wang P, Wu BS, Hou SZ (2015) An experimental study of fluvial processes at asymmetrical river confluences with hyperconcentrated tributary flows. Geomorphology 230:26–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2014.11.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Zhang YF, Wang P (2017) Deposition pattern and morphological process at hyperconcentrated flow confluences in upper Yellow River. J Hydroelectric Eng 36(12):39–48 (in Chinese). https://doi.org/10.11660/slfdxb.20171205

  34. Bonnecaze RT, Hallworth MA, Huppert HE, Lister JR (1995) Axisymmetric particle-driven gravity currents. J Fluid Mech 294:93–121. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022112095002825

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Parker G, Fukushima Y, Pantin HM (1986) Self-accelerating turbidity currents. J Fluid Mech 171(3):145–181. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022112086001404

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Zhang RJ, Xie JH (1993) Sedimentation research in China: Systematic selections (in Chinese). China and Power Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  37. Taylor EH (1944) Flow characteristics at rectangular open-channel junctions. Trans Am Soc Civ Eng 109(1):893–902. https://doi.org/10.1061/TACEAT.0005772

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Webber NB, Greated CA (1966) An investigation of flow behaviour at the junction of rectangular channels. Proc Inst Civ Eng 34(3):321–334. https://doi.org/10.1680/iicep.1966.8925

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Best JL, Reid I (1984) Separation zone at open-channel junctions. J Hydraul Eng 110(11):1588–1594. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(1984)110:11(1588)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Best JL (1987) Flow dynamics at river channel confluences: implications for sediment transport and bed morphology. Recent Dev Fluvial Sedimentol 39(5):27–35. https://doi.org/10.2110/pec.87.39.0027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Sukhodolov AN, Rhoads BL (2001) Field investigation of three-dimensional flow structure at stream confluences: 2. Turbulence Water Resour Res 37(9):2411–2424. https://doi.org/10.1029/2001WR000317

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Bradbrook KF, Lane SN, Richards KS, Biron PM, Roy AG (2001) Role of bed discordance at asymmetrical river confluences. J Hydraul Eng 127(5):351–368. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(2001)127:5(351)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Ribeiro ML, Blanckaert K, Roy AG, Schleiss AJ (2012) Flow and sediment dynamics in channel confluences. J Geophys Res 117(F1):F01035. https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JF002171

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Lyubimova T, Lepikhin A, Konovalov V, Parshakova Y, Tiunov A (2014) Formation of the density currents in the zone of confluence of two rivers. J Hydrol 508(1):328–342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2013.10.041

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Ismail H, Viparelli E, Imran J (2016) Confluence of density currents over an erodible bed. J Geophys Res Earth Surf 121(7):1251–1272. https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JF003768

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Best JL (1988) Sediment transport and bed morphology at river channel confluences. Sedimentology 35(3):481–498. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3091.1988.tb00999.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Shaheed R, Yan X, Mohammadian A (2021) Review and comparison of numerical simulations of secondary flow in river confluences. Water 13(14):1917. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13141917

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Herrero H, DíazLozada JM, García CM, Szupiany R, Best J, Pagot M (2017) The influence of tributary flow density differences on the hydrodynamic behavior of a confluent meander bend and implications for flow mixing. Geomorphology 304:99–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.12.025

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Sambrook Smith GH, Nicholas AP, Best JL, Bull JM, Dixon SJ, Goodbred S, Sarker MH, Vardy ME (2019) The sedimentology of river confluences. Sedimentology 66(2):391–407. https://doi.org/10.1111/sed.12504

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Gupta HV, Sorooshian S, Yapo PO (1999) Status of automatic calibration for hydrologic models: comparison with multilevel expert calibration. J Hydrol Eng 4(2):135–143. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1084-0699(1999)4:2(135)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Nash JE, Sutcliffe JV (1970) River flow forecasting through conceptual models part I—a discussion of principles. J Hydrol 10(3):282–290. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1694(70)90255-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work has been funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 12072244. 

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China

    Yining Sun, Ji Li & Zhixian Cao

  2. Faculty of Science and Engineering, Zienkiewicz Centre for Computational Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK

    Ji Li

  3. Institute for Infrastructure and Environment, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JL, UK

    Alistair G. L. Borthwick

  4. School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK

    Alistair G. L. Borthwick

  5. Department of Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1111, Budapest, Hungary

    János Józsa

  6. MTA-BME Water Management Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1111, Budapest, Hungary

    János Józsa

Authors
  1. Yining Sun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ji Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Zhixian Cao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Alistair G. L. Borthwick
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. János Józsa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zhixian Cao.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary file1 (DOC 3029 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Sun, Y., Li, J., Cao, Z. et al. Effect of tributary inflow on reservoir turbidity current. Environ Fluid Mech 23, 259–290 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10652-022-09856-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10652-022-09856-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation