章节大纲

  • About this module

    This module, offered by Prof. Yoshihiko Shimizu, introduces the fundamentals of sediment transport and describes how sediment processes shape river channels and contribute to sediment-related disasters. It explains basic concepts such as sediment production, transport and deposition, riverbed forms, sediment movement, and the role of channel slope and flow conditions. 

    The module also introduces the mechanisms of slope failure and debris flows, examples of debris-flow disasters and countermeasures, and flood disasters associated with channel migration and bank erosion. It further presents basic measures for reducing sediment-disaster risks, including sabo structures and bank erosion control. 

    Learning objectives

    By the end of this module, participants should be able to:

    • describe the basic processes of sediment production, transport and deposition within a river basin;
    • explain, in basic terms, how river slope, flow conditions and sediment characteristics influence sediment movement and channel form;
    • describe the basic mechanisms of slope failure and debris-flow development;
    • recognize how channel migration, alternate bars and meandering flow can contribute to bank erosion and flood-related damage; and
    • identify basic structural and river-management measures used to reduce debris-flow and bank-erosion risks.

    This course takes approximately 65 minutes to complete.