Articles | Volume 14, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-14-553-2026
© Author(s) 2026. 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-14-553-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
15 Jul 2026
Research article |
| 15 Jul 2026
| 15 Jul 2026
Sediment storage and routing in bedrock canyons
School of Environmental Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
Department of Earth Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
Julia C. Carr
School of Environmental Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
Jeff E. Larimer
School of Environmental Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
Max Hurson
School of Environmental Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4, Canada
Leonard S. Sklar
School of Environmental Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
Morgan Wright
School of Environmental Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
Nick Viner
Hakai Institute, Victoria, V8W 1T4, Canada
Jeremy G. Venditti
School of Environmental Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, Canada
Related authors
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Gary Parker, Chenge An, Michael P. Lamb, Marcelo H. Garcia, Elizabeth H. Dingle, and Jeremy G. Venditti
Earth Surf. Dynam., 12, 367–380, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-367-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-12-367-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
River morphology has traditionally been divided by the size 2 mm. We use dimensionless arguments to show that particles in the 1–5 mm range (i) are the finest range not easily suspended by alluvial flood flows, (ii) are transported preferentially over coarser gravel, and (iii), within limits, are also transported preferentially over sand. We show how fluid viscosity mediates the special status of sediment in this range.
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Short summary
Sediment cover in bedrock rivers can protect or expose bedrock to incision, yet little is known about sediment storage dynamics in deep canyons since it is difficult to observe the bed. We use repeat bed surveys to identify changes in storage, observing vertical changes up to 15 m. Local flow and channel shape determine where storage occurs, yet storage can vary plenty over a single footprint. The location and timing of sediment inputs to the river influence whether storage is gained or lost.
Sediment cover in bedrock rivers can protect or expose bedrock to incision, yet little is known...
