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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Journal of Sedimentary Research (SEPM)

Abstract


Journal of Sedimentary Petrology
Vol. 39 (1969)No. 4. (December), Pages 1302-1309

Antidunes as Trochoidal Waves

Bryce M. Hand (2)

ABSTRACT

Computer-generated trochoids, matched to their prototypes with respect to wave height/wavelength ratio, accurately describe the profiles of both natural and laboratory antidunes. Flume studies confirm that the water waves accompanying antidunes are also trochoidal. The ratio of current velocities at crest and trough can be calculated for flow over stationary trochoidal waves of any particular steepness, and must equal the inverse ratio of water depths at these positions. Antidune height (Hb) can therefore be expressed as a function of water wave height (Hw), wavelength (L), and mean water depth (d):

Hb = Hw(1 - [2^pgrd]/[L])

By assuming the steepest possible water waves (Hw/L = 0.142), it is possible to derive a maximum estimate of water depth for a set of preserved antidunes. A technique for reconstructing the original bedform from a small amount of preserved cross-lamination allows these calculations to be applied even where the antidunes themselves have not been preserved.


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