Secondary currents induced mixing at channel confluences

Abstract

Channel confluence is a common feature in river systems. The flow dynamics associated with channel confluence are highly three-dimensional with strong flow circulations and secondary currents and can result in enhanced river mixing downstream. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical model was employed to estimate the secondary currents induced streamline curvatures and the resulting mixing rate at channel confluences with different junction angles and discharge ratios. The results show that while twin secondary circulations are found at channel confluence, their contribution to the mixing depends on their local positions with respect to the river streams. With the secondary current growing downstream, the mixing rate is accelerated, in particular for the cases with the side channel perpendicular to the main channel and having a relatively large discharge. Turbulent diffusion can contribute up to about half of the rapid mixing. The mixing rates for different simulation cases are examined.