Probability Analysis and Control of River Runoff–sediment Characteristics based on Pair-Copula Functions: The Case of the Weihe River and Jinghe River

Analyzing the encounter frequency of high–low runoff and sediment yield is important for the appropriate dispatching of runoff–sediment resources, as well as river regulation. However, there have been no reports on the utilization of the pair-copula function in analyzing the runoff–sediment characteristics from a probabilistic perspective and conducting probability control on the runoff–sediment yields of different hydrologic stations. This paper builds marginal distribution functions on the basis of kernel distribution theory. In addition, this paper builds the joint distribution functions through pair-copula functions in order to analyze the encounter probability and the compensation characteristics of high–low runoff and sediment at different stations on the Weihe River in China, as well as the origins of runoff–sediment, to conduct probability control of river runoff–sediment resource allocation. The results show that, in different periods, the synchronous probability of high–low runoff of the Weihe River’s Xianyang and Huaxian Stations, and the Jinghe River’s Zhangjiashan Station differ, while that of high–low sediment at the three stations changes little—remaining at around 54%. Therefore, the sediment and runoff of the Weihe River apparently have different origins. In years of high and low runoff, if the runoffs of the Xianyang and Zhangjiashan Stations can be kept within a certain range, then the runoff of the Huaxian Station will be in a particular range, at a certain probability. Sediment at the Huaxian Station can be controlled, in a similar way. These results are of great significance for the water and sediment management department of the Weihe river, in order to reasonably allocate water and sediment resources.

On Uncertainties in Determination of Sediment Transport Rates in Coastal Regions

The paper deals with research uncertainties, difficulties, inaccuracies and unreliabilities related to the modelling of physical phenomena involving coastal lithodynamics. The considerations are focused on processes of wave transformation, wave-driven currents and sediment transport itself. It is shown that possible inaccuracies at individual stages of the modelling of coastal hydrodynamics can lead to serious uncertainties with respect to the ultimate modelling output, namely bed shear stresses and sediment transport rates. These inaccuracies result mostly from arbitrarily assumed parameters and constants. Other modelling biases discussed in the paper comprise simplifications and approximations with respect to sediment resources and size-graded properties, randomness of hydrodynamic impacts, bottom roughness and land-borne factors involved in coastal lithodynamics.

Challenges of ecosystem restoration in Louisiana – availability of sediment and its management

Human intervention has impaired the Mississippi River’s ability to deliver sediment to its delta wetlands, and as a consequence acute land loss in coastal Louisiana has resulted in an unprecedented ecocatastrophe. To mitigate this degradation, an unparalleled restoration effort is underway. For this effort to be successful and sustainable, various sediment input mechanisms must be integrated, including: building appropriate sediment-diversions; beneficially using the millions of cubic metres of sediment dredged annually from navigational channels; harvesting deposits of sand and suitable sediment from the river and offshore; and related sediment management activities that are compatible with other uses of the river. A comprehensive sediment management plan has been developed to identify and delineate potential sediment sources for restoration, and to provide a framework for managing sediment resources wisely, cost effectively, and in a systematic manner. The Louisiana Sediment Management Plan provides regional strategies for improved comprehensive management of Louisiana's limited sediment resources.