Laboratory experiment and digital simulation of multiple fill-cut terrace formation

The formation mechanism of multiple erosional terraces which develop in the dissection process of sedimentary valley fills was investigated by laboratory experiments and computer simulations. Sequences of unpaired terraces were produced on experimental fan-like deposits under conditions of constant water discharge, no base-level change, and no sediment supply. The terraces developed as a result of the repetition of lateral shifting and stillstand of the stream channel at each cross-section during continuous downcutting. This mode of channel migration was caused by meander growth during which amplitude and wavelength increased with time. The terrace formation process was well-reproduced by computer simulations using a meander model having a similar wave mode.