The Need for Full-Scale Experiments in River Science
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Eos
Volume
89
Issue
1
Publisher
Transactions, Am. Geophys. Union
Publication Date
1-1-2008
Keywords
Full-Scale Experiments, River Science
First Page
2
Last Page
2
Abstract
Studying river processes in the laboratory offers important advantages, particularly the opportunity for precise experimental control and the ability to isolate specific processes. There is, however, a key trade-off. To control essential variables and support tractable technical measurements, experiments are typically conducted at a reduced scale, which introduces a potential loss of realism. The methods and limitations of scale modeling are well developed in some aspects of river science (such as hydraulics and sediment transport) and are emerging in others (such as biogeochemical transport and flow/organism interactions).
Recommended Citation
Wilcock, P.R., C.H. Orr, and J.D.G. Marr, 2008. The need for full-scale experiments in river science. Eos, Transactions, Am. Geophys. Union, 89(1):2, 1 January 2008.
