Abstract

MESA, Oscar José. Four Models of Channel Networks. Rev. acad. colomb. cienc. exact. fis. nat. [online]. 2018, vol.42, n.165, pp.379-391. ISSN 0370-3908.  https://doi.org/10.18257/raccefyn.641.

We review four quantitative models of drainage networks. The main characteristic of channel networks is self- similarity. But networks are not deterministic, there is natural variability that needs to be taken into account. The first model is simple, it takes into account variability and can be tested. Nevertheless, it does not reproduce observations adequately because self-similarity is not explicitly considered in the model construction. The second model does consider self-similarity in the construction but it does not take into account variability and it cannot be tested. The third model considers both self-similarity and variability. The fourth model defines a firmer theoretical basis but it also needs testing against observations. We conclude stressing the need for a thorough test of the model against observations and analysing implications for hydraulic geometry and hydrologyc similarity.

Keywords : Geomorphology; drainage networks; hydrology; self-similarity.

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