Surface tension and friction coefficients in shallow,laminar overland flows through organic litter

This study investigates the contribution of surface tension forces to friction coefficients in shallow, laminar interrill flows. Friction coefficients in these flows are known to be increased greatly by organic litter and by stems. Fine litter provides extensive edges along which surface tension menisci can be drawn up, and evaluating the significance of this in the frictional retardation of flow was the primary objective of the experiments reported here. Using both standardized ‘litter particles’ (small wooden blocks of fixed dimensions) and natural plant litter, meniscus behaviour and the Darcy–Weisbach friction coefficient were evaluated in shallow flows on a laboratory sand board. For some tests, the surface tension of ordinary water was reduced by 40 per cent by the addition of a surfactant, and the friction coefficient redetermined. Results show that the presence of surface tension menisci flanking litter particles provides areas of deeper flow that are up to 7 mm in width and which can increase flow depths by 100–300 per cent. These zones support significantly higher flow speeds. Increased water depths within menisci are additionally associated with reduced depths beyond the menisci, so that an increase in the spatial variability of flow depths is a second consequence of meniscus formation. These modifications of flow depth by surface tension menisci are shown to reduce rather than increase the overall friction coefficient applicable to the flow. Consequently, additional frictional retardation does not arise within the menisci flanking litter particles and so cannot account for the greater drag arising from litter than from other surface features. Different factors, possibly the direct obstruction of flow paths, must therefore underlie the frictional drag. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.