The tortuosity of a meandering river is defined as the ratio of__________________?
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Answer: C. curved length along the channel to the direct axial length of the river reach
Explanation
Tortuosity is defined mathematically as the actual curved channel length divided by direct axial length. A highly meandering river has a large tortuosity ratio exceeding unity. This ratio quantifies how much a river deviates from a straight path across its valley. River meandering is a natural geomorphological process in alluvial valley floors. Axial length represents the straight-line distance between two points along the valley axis. Channel length measures the actual distance water travels following all curves and loops.
Civil engineers analyze river tortuosity when designing bridge crossings and bank protection works. High tortuosity indicates sluggish flow velocities and potential susceptibility to avulsion during floods. Navigation planners assess tortuosity to evaluate transport distances and travel times along waterways. Option a reverses the relationship by comparing meander belt to meander length incorrectly. Option b incorrectly ratios length to belt width rather than comparing channel to axial length. Option d inverts the correct ratio, yielding values always less than one for meandering streams.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Civil Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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