River pattern discriminant method based on resistance parameter and activity indicators

A new river discriminant system is presented based on resistance law. A parameter characterizing river morphology and indicators reflecting activity of bed and bank are derived. They are defined as river morphology parameter and river activity indicators respectively. By relating river morphology to river activity through a comprehensive resistance factor, the discriminant curves characterizing river patterns, namely resistance thresholds, were derived, which make it possible to calculate the activity of bed and bank by just a few easy-obtaining hydraulic variables. In addition, the effect of riparian vegetation on riverbank strength is incorporated into this study. The discriminant method proposed in this paper has proved to be applicable in distinguishing river patterns by selected data sets of the model and natural rivers and in improving the understanding of patterning process.