Theoretical morphodynamics: straight channels

This monograph presents the mechanistic foundations of the theory of Morhodynamics, a discipline that inves- tigates the shape of the erodible boundary of natural water bodies. We focus on the fluvial Morphodynamics of straight erodible channels, providing the basis for sub- sequent extensions to meandering rivers (treated in the companion monograph 2 of this series) and braided rivers. We present basic notions on the Mechanics of Turbulent Flows and Sediment Transport in straight open channels with mobile beds. We then investigate their morphody- namic equilibrium and its instability, that leads to the formation of a variety of bedforms observed in natural rivers. In particular, fluvial bars will deserve special at- tention as the fundamental building block of large scale fluvial patterns.