An assessment of the accuracy of the Spatial Integration Method (SIM) for estimating coarse bedload transport in gravel-bedded streams using tracers

Description/Abstract

The accurate estimation of coarse sediment transport rate remains one of the goals of geomorphological and engineering studies of river channels. This paper describes an experiment designed to assess the accuracy of the Spatial Integration Method (SIM) of determining sediment transport rate or yield, using passive tracers. Tracer dispersion results are presented from five events of different magnitude. The study concludes that the SIM is capable of producing estimates of sediment transport rate that correspond with trapped values. Sources of error are quantified and guidance is given on the appropriate methods for deploying passive tracers for the estimation of coarse sediment transport rates.