Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Researchers link fluvial terraces based on ages and elevation to create records of previous longitudinal river profiles. Researchers use these reconstructed profiles to understand past climatic change, fluvial responses and establish rates of incision. Here, we use a discrete numerical modeling approach, based on physical law based rules, to predict fluvial responses to change in baselevel. Changes in baselevel are transmitted upstream as knickpoints, overly steep reaches with high incision rates. Terraces form as the river incises its channel when knickpoints pass through a reach. The terrace surfaces are diachronus and have different elevations above the channel. While we did not produce any profiles where the current methods of age height correlation would be impossible, several of the profiles would need careful consideration using current techniques. We suggest further study in mechanisms of bedrock erosion to create better models, and to model profiles with reaches that have differing susceptibilities to erosion.
Date Awarded
2004
Department
Geology
Advisor 1
Gregory S. Hancock
Recommended Citation
Coppinger, C. Scott, "Numerical Modeling of Terraces with River Longitudinal Profiles" (2004). Geology Senior Theses. William & Mary. Paper 128.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/geologyseniors/128
