Modeling the effects of weathering on bedrock-floored channel geometry

• Published in: Journal of Geophysical Research Vol. 116; no. F3
• Main Authors: Hancock, Gregory S., Small, Eric E., Wobus, Cameron
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.09.2011
• Subjects: bedrock channels; channel geometry; Geomorphology; Hydrology; Rivers; weathering
• ISSN: 0148-0227; 2169-9003; 2156-2202; 2169-9011
• DOI: 10.1029/2010JF001908

Field and modeling studies suggest that bedrock channels equilibrate to base‐level change through geometry and slope adjustment to imposed discharge, sediment supply, and substrate erodibility conditions. In this study we model the influence of bedrock weathering on channel geometry and slope as mean peak discharge (Qm) and uplift rate (U) vary. We find that channels in which weathering is allowed to increase erodibility are wider, deeper, and less steep than nonweathering channels with the same initial conditions. While fixed erodibility channels maintain similar width/depth ratios regardless of Qm or U, the width/depth ratio of weathering channels is sensitive to uplift rate. At low uplift rates, weathering outpaces erosion, and channels obtain similar width/depth ratios but are wider and less steep than fixed erodibility channels with equal initial conditions. At high uplift rates, erosion outpaces weathering and erodibility remains near the unweathered value, with channel shape and slope nearly identical to a fixed erodibility channel with equal initial conditions. Weathering channels differ most from fixed erodibility channels at intermediate uplift rates, with greater width/depth ratios and lower slopes than fixed erodibility channels with the same initial conditions. Our results support the hypothesis that cross‐channel variations in erodibility created by weathering may be an important control on channel geometry and provide guidance for further testing of this hypothesis in natural systems. Key Points Spatial variation in weathering is a first‐order control on bedrock channel form Differential weathering produces wider, deeper, and less steep channels Weathering effectiveness depends on balance of weathering and erosion rates