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Downstream change of velocity in rivers

January 1, 1953

Because river slope generally decreases in a downstream direction, it is generally supposed that velocity of flow also decreases downstream. Analysis of some of the large number of velocity measurements made at stream-gaging stations demonstrates that mean velocity generally tends to increase downstream. Although there are many reaches in nearly all rivers where mean velocity decreases downstream, the general tendency for conservation or for downstream increase was found in all data studied.

Computations of bed velocity indicate that this parameter also tends to increase downstream.

Near the streambed, shear in the vertical profile of velocity (rate of decrease of velocity with depth) tends to decrease downstream. This down-valley decrease of shear implies decreasing competence downstream.

Publication Year 1953
Title Downstream change of velocity in rivers
DOI 10.2475/ajs.251.8.606
Authors Luna Bergere Leopold
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title American Journal of Science
Index ID 70184457
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
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