Possible control of natural channel initiation processes by a minimum energy dissipation rate principle

Department of Physics, University of Oslo - P.O. Box 1048 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway Center for Advanced Study at The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, P.O. Box 7606 Skillebekk, 0205 Oslo, Norway

Received: 5 July 1996
Accepted: 15 October 1996

Abstract

A minimum rate of energy dissipation model was used to study channel initiation processes. This model suggests that natural processes arrange channels heads in such a way that the total energy dissipation rate on hillslopes and in channel networks as well is minimized. The minimum energy dissipation rate model generates realistic drainage patterns and the drainage densities of the minimum energy dissipation rate basins are close to those observed in nature. This study shows that the spatial distribution of channel heads is not determined by a classical channel initiation functions alone, but may be determined by channel initiation functions in combination with a minimum energy dissipation rate requirement.