Abstract
The appearance of alluvial channel networks is similar to that of trees
and their roots what have self-similarity. In the process of a fluvial
evolution, alluvial channels are inner-shaping, adjust to achieve a
stable equilibrium state, and form some channel patterns that establish
balance relationships between the parameters of the local turbulence
field of the channel flow and the supplies of the water discharge,
sediment transport rate and sediment composition in a river basin.
Therefore, the characteristic dimension lΩ of the representing eddy of
the turbulence field of the channel flow and the dynamic characteristic
length ld of a catchment are supposed to respectively represent the
local dynamic factor and the dynamic factor stream along. The geometric
dimension of the cross section of a channel is deduced. And then, it is
clarified that the self-similarity equation of cross section morphology
has similarity relationship conjugated with the self-similarity equation
of the widths of a channel network. One of the hydraulic geometry
relationship equations reveals that the nominal dimension lΩ and the
gravitational acceleration g have the same effects on shaping channel
patterns in the fluvial processes. Finally, the governing equations for
channels in regime are derived. It is considered that the regime
situation can be regarded approximately to that of the bankfull water
level of channels, and exponential relationship equations of channels in
regime are given systematically. All the results of the study are
consistent with the actual statistical data of the channels of Songhua
River Basin.