Change in bed soil characteristics and flood potential in response to sediment transport and flood mitigation structures

Abstract

In wadi system, the impact of flood mitigation structures on channel pedology, lithology, and flood potential is still not fully understood. Thus, a critical linkage between changing soil characteristics and flood potential needs to be identified. Previous studies show that such structures contribute to reducing the flow velocity. Consequently, deposition takes place, causing soil clogging. The soil clogging in wadi systems results from physical clogging. Physical clogging phenomena (PCP) occurs when fine suspended particles in the floodwater deposit inside the topmost porous surface layer of the basin or stream bed. This research focuses on understanding the impacts of the three types of PC (surface, inner, or mixed) on infiltration rates. Through this research, each type of clogging and its effect on the infiltration rates for different soil and suspended particle size combinations are examined.