Qualitative and quantitative experiments using the EM4 physical river model

Work with experimental fluvial models is an important part of understanding processes that operate in natural systems. Much work has been done with geomorphological physical models over the past century, and much progress has been made in understanding the formation and evolution of various landforms. Experimental models also have a great value in educational endeavors, as interactive learning is an essential part of geoscience education.;This work seeks to understand processes operating in the formation and modification of bedforms in fluvial systems using a mobile bed stream table. The EM4 stream model has already shown great promise as an educational tool in the qualitative observation of fluvial processes. It is the goal of this research to obtain a greater understanding of the EM4 and lay the groundwork for future geomorphological research using this equipment.;Several sets of experiments were conducted on the EM4 by modifying both the longitudinal and latitudinal gradients of the stream table and simulating base level change. These experiments were conducted in an effort to evaluate the experimental stream's response to induced perturbations in light of previous research with both specific field sites and other experimental physical models. Results from the "Base Level Change" experiments on the EM4 are consistent with previous research investigating the effects of base level change. Although certain parameters were difficult to constrain on the EM4, overall trends and geometrical relationships within the fluvial system were consistent between experiments.