Stream Trough Experiments and Terrace Formation

Abstract

Experiments in the stream trough of the Physiographical Laboratory (1) of the Department of Geography at Cambridge had proceeded far enough, before the laboratory was closed for the remainder of the war, for some of the results to be described. These initial experiments were planned so as to isolate for study certain factors in stream action, such as the influence of load on gradient. When possible the behaviour of the little model streams was compared with that of full scale streams and rivers. This comparison seemed to throw some light on the development of certain features associated with flood plains, in particular, river terraces formed without change of sea-level.