Articles | Volume 13, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1059-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-13-1059-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
22 Oct 2025
Research article |
| 22 Oct 2025
| 22 Oct 2025
Influence of network geometry on long-term morphodynamics of alluvial rivers
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
now at: Institute of Geosciences, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24–25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
Taylor F. Schildgen
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Institute of Geosciences, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24–25, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
Jens M. Turowski
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
Andrew D. Wickert
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Short summary
Alluvial rivers form networks, but many concepts we use to analyse their long-term evolution derive from models that treat them as single streams. We develop a model including tributary interactions and show that, while patterns of sediment output can be similar for network and single-segment models, complex signal propagation affects aggradation and incision within networks. We argue that understanding a specific catchment's evolution requires a model with its specific network structure.
Alluvial rivers form networks, but many concepts we use to analyse their long-term evolution...
