A combined experimental and modeling approach will be utilized in an investigation of sediment transport and flow characteristics over topographically uniform and nonuniform bed forms. Three areas will be addressed: bedform mechanics, bedload transport, and suspended load transport. The theoretical aspects involve development of a model which includes the coupling of flow and erosion of the sediment bed. A novel feature is the utilization of a moving belt to hold a migrating dune in place for experimental observations. Predictions of sediment transport by ocean currents and in rivers is still unreliable and based on empiricism from limited data; this investigation will adavance understanding and predictive capabilities.
