Vertical velocity distributions through and above submerged, flexible vegetation

Abstract

A one-dimensional steady-state model was constructed and used to study vertical profiles of longitudinal velocities in open channel flows through, and above, submerged vegetation. The eddy viscosity was evaluated by using the analogue of the mixing length theory. The model of water velocity profiles takes into account the surface roughness of the channel bottom and the drag exerted by submerged flexible stems. The verification of the calculated velocity profiles was carried out based on data obtained in laboratory experiments. The proportionality coefficients for the analogue of the mixing length formulae in both layers - within homogenous flexible stems and above them - were determined. Copyright © 2008 IAHS Press.