Construction and application of actualistic sedimentological models for coarse-grained fluvial sediments must address the preservation potential of features observed in modern streams. Effective evaluation of preservation potential requires a detailed comparison of modern fluvial bedforms, barforms, and hydraulic parameters with the sedimentary structures, clast size, and vertical/lateral variability of ancient fluvial sediments.

Comparative study of the Platte River system, Great Plains, U.S.A., with fluvial sediments of the Oligocene White River Group has shown the utility of discharge and preservation potential in interpreting gravel and sand-size fluvial sediments. Results of this study include a revision of the classic Platte model for braided stream sedimentation based on discharge fluctuation data, aerial photography at high discharge, and a historical analysis of the effects of human modification on the Platte.

Application of the Platte model to Oligocene bed configuration reconstruction indicates that some widely held concepts of longitudinal and transverse bars need revision to adequately describe modern barforms and provide a workable model for recognition of ancient barforms. Vertical and lateral sequences of White River Group sedimentary structures indicate high discharge bed configuration may have a great preservation potential in variable discharge streams.