Re: river meanders

Arthur V. Chadwick (chadwicka@swac.edu)
Tue, 16 Apr 1996 11:33:19 -0700

>The nonlinear dynamicist in me can't help asking whether the specific
>geometric form of the meanders might not give some insight into flow rates,
>deposition rates, and how old the formations are.

Although I cannot cite reference now, experimental studies demonstrated
conclusively that meanders are the consequence of rapid flow, not slow flow.
It makes sense, because the meander results from the water behind pushing
on the water ahead. You can of course demonstrate this by pushing on any
deformable column. I am sure you could think of better examples than I.
Art
http://chadwicka.swac.edu