Riverbed stability assessment under Lithuanian conditions

Abstract

In many cases riverbed self-regulation processes are similar in natural and canalized channels, however dynamic equilibrium is steady in natural rivers, while hydrodynamics processes are in progress in regulated ones. Prof. Grischanin’s criterion M was used as one of the criteria to evaluate bed stability of natural and regulated rivers. This hydrodynamics criterion is widely known and used in large rivers of the former USSR, but it has not been sufficiently studied under Lithuanian natural conditions. The following research showed that values of this criterion are close to 1 (0.9 +/–0.12) in small natural rivers of Lithuania, and much lower or higher in regulated ones. This indicates that the natural riverbeds are relatively stable, while recovery processes of riverbeds are still in progress in canalized streams. We consider that Grischanin’s stability criterion M could assess recovery level of river beds.