Application of Hydraulic Geometry to High Gradient Rivers in Southern Ecuador

Using hydraulic geometry (HG) theory, we investigated three rivers typical of the Ecuadorian mountainous region with longitudinal slopes ranging from 0.8% to 10% and coarse bed material d50 3 54 mm values d90 up 908 mm. Extensive field measurements were performed characterize geometric properties at 33 sites. these data, at-a-station HG relationships obtained for top width, average flow depth, velocity. Dimensional dimensionless downstream relations parameters as well channel slope using bankfull discharge estimated HG. The correlation coefficients indicate that equations adequately represent observed data all quantities exception slope. In addition a low coefficient, exponent on non-dimensional was small in relation This indicates is not dependent discharge. Based this finding, reformulated both independent variables. These new show improved demonstrate role determining velocity high gradient rivers.