Modeling of a mixed-load fluvio-deltaic system

Abstract

Present-day observations and classical classification schemes of alluvial deltas address feeder channel dynamics and multiple sediment fractions. However, high-resolution physics-based mathematical models have not been applied to address formation of both fluvio-deltaic links (channels) and nodes (diffluences and confluences), and their stratigraphy. Here, we present a simulated delta system under riverine forcing that shows striking similarity to its counterparts recognized in field and laboratory studies. These findings include distinct shifts in river planimetrical mode and altimetry, deltaic mouth bar and distributary formation, lateral fining in migrating-meander bend axes and fining-upward patterns in passive delta-plain distributaries. Copyright © 2010 by the American Geophysical Union.