Comparison of Sediment Transport Models on River Omi, South-Western Nigeria

The processes of sediment transport, scour, and deposition in an alluvial channel are extremely complex. Theoretical developments of sediment transport functions for different flow and sediment conditions are based on assumptions of different degrees of complexity [1]. Some of the simplified assumptions are based on idealized laboratory conditions that may not be true for the much more complicated natural river systems [2,3]. Ahmed & Medhaat [4] and Chang [5] opined that sediment transport is an important part in the quantitave and qualitative management of river engineering. The rate of sediment transport in water bodies depends on availability of transport materials and transport capability of the water bodies. For a scientific approach to sedimentation, morphology and behaviour of the river must be understood. Morphology (of river) is a field of science which deals with the change of river plan form and cross sections due to sedimentation and erosion. In this field, dynamics of flow and sediment transport are the principal elements [6]. The morphological studies, therefore, play an important role in planning, designing and maintaining river engineering structures. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about the need for taking up morphological study of rivers in the country, especially with particular reference to their unique problems [7,8].