Bank erosion of an incised upland channel by subaerial processes: Tasmania, Australia

Abstract

The headwaters of many rivers are characterized by gullies and incised streams that generate significant volumes of sediment and degrade downstream water quality. These systems are characterized by harsh climates, ephemeral flows that do not reach bank top, and bare cohesive banks of clay and weathered bedrock. We investigated the rates and processes of bank erosion in an incised canal that has such characteristics. Detailed measurements of bank position were made over two years with a purpose-built groundprofiler and photo-electronic erosion pins (PEEPs). Stage height and turbidity were also monitored. The bare banks eroded at 13 ± 2 mm a-1. Erosion is controlled by subaerial processes that..