The role of increasing riverbank vegetation density on flow dynamics across an asymmetrical channel

Abstract Over the last two decades, role of vegetation in environmental and ecological restoration surface water bodies has received much attention. In this context, momentum exchange between flow through main channel riparian zone is a key mechanism. The primary goal study to investigate bank density on dynamics across whole channel. This experimental presents major findings from series measurements having sloping with at varying densities. experiments are conducted under same, uniform fixed bed conditions, for range six linear rectilinear arrangements incremental streambank A set ten velocity profiles obtained test cross-section channel, including riverbank, each density. These analyzed derive roughness coefficients, which related bulk velocities riverbank discuss redistribution velocities. An approximate doubling estimates time-averaged boundary shear stress observed case no dense vegetation, enable further discussing implications stability material. It found that arrangement, addition density, can have strong impact modifying mean low densities ( φ < 0.6%). Highlights Flow measured vegetated riverbank. As stem increases, increases while decreases. arrangement be as important field Bed stresses estimated increase reducing stream’s surface.