Simulation of flow over pool‐riffle topography: A consideration of the velocity reversal hypothesis

Abstract Computer flow simulations using the HEC‐2 step‐backwater routine are used to demonstrate the effect of systematically varying river channel width, riffle spacing and channel roughness on the shear velocity, section‐mean velocity and energy slope in fixed‐bed pool‐riffle sequences. Initial scaling is obtained by utilizing published information on hydraulic parameters within reaches of the River Severn. Subsequently this restriction is relaxed and the effect of varying parameter combinations within realistic limits is explored. The purpose of this exercise is to isolate those scenarios which may preclude or promote the occurrence of a competence ‘reversal’, such that pools scour at high flow whilst deposition occurs on riffles. It is concluded that rivers in which pools are hydraulically rougher than riffles are likely to demonstrate a competence reversal. For prescribed conditions, the critical discharge at which a reversal occurs is a negative function of riffle spacing and riffle width relative to pool width. Downstream variation in hydraulic roughness also has implications for the phase relationship of shear velocity maxima and minima in relation to the extremes in pool‐riffle topography.