| Abstract: | In an effort to further our understanding of multiple channel systems, this paper presents data on the flood response of channels in one of the last wooded, semi-natural anastomosing systems in Europe. The Gearagh, Ireland, is characterized by hundreds of small islands separated by interconnected channels of low slope. These include channels that cross islands at right angles to the main flow and blind anabranching channels. Islands are relatively stable and wooded, with evidence of division by channel erosion and growth by in-channel sedimentation. Four active zone cross-profiles were surveyed, each containing between seven and 13 channels. Velocities were measured in several channels before and during two separate floods. From these observations channels have been categorised into three types: fast (shallow and trapezoidal); slow (deep and more irregular); and flood channels. During the floods, interchannel flows were caused by variations in water surface elevations due to backing-up behind debris dams, and it is suggested that this is the origin of the anomalous cross-island channels and one cause of island division. Another potential cause of island division, blind anabranching channels, is the result of concentrated bank scour between root masses. Biotic components such as debris dams, tree root masses and tree-throw pits play a key role in the partitioning of flow, and cause variations in channel velocities and the overbank velocity distribution. The implications of these observations for channel pattern maintenance are briefly discussed. |
