Characteristics of side channels in the river Ain, France

Abstract

Side channels are popular methods to reduce flood levels or to increase the ecological value of rivers. Here we asses four side channels in the River Ain (France). In combination with 1D model simulations, we identify the characteristics and processes regarding the erosion and sedimentation patterns. The relative slope of the channels, the bifurcation angle, bend flow and bank erosion turn out to be important parameters for the identification of the processes.