Multiscale structure of meanders

B. Vermeulen*, A.J.F. Hoitink, G. Zolezzi, J.D. Abad, R. Aalto

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

River meander planforms can be described based on wavelet analysis, but an objective method to identify the main characteristics of a meander planform over all spatial scales is yet to be found. Here we show how a set of simple metrics representing meander shape can be retrieved from a continuous wavelet transform of a planform geometry. We construct a synoptic multiple looping tree to establish the meander structure, revealing the embedding of dominant meander scales in larger-scale loops. The method can be applied beyond the case of rivers to unravel the meandering structure of lava flows, turbidity currents, tidal channels, rivulets, supraglacial streams, and extraterrestrial flows.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3288-3297
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume43
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Keywords

  • bends
  • meanders
  • multiple loops
  • scale space tree
  • valley cuvature
  • wavelets

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Multiscale structure of meanders'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this