Meander Migration Modeling (MMM)

Type of Method: 
Phase 1
Feature Image: 
Graphic of a meander zone in Sacramento

Part of the Sacramento River Ecological Flows Study, this model was designed to predict how a river will migrate over time under different management scenarios. The model maps the effective stream power - that which is above a minimum threshold value to produce erosion but below a maximum threshold value at which point the channel overtops its bank and no longer increases its bank-shear-stress. Basic riparian cover and geology are used to determine erodibility. Stream power, erodibility, and historical flow rates are used to predict site-specific migration rates.

Method Summary