Sediment Routing

Sediment transport in the channel network is a function of two processes, deposition and degradation, operating simultaneously in the reach. SWAT+ will compute deposition and degradation using the same channel dimensions for the entire simulation. Alternatively, SWAT+ can also simulate downcutting and widening of the stream channel and update channel dimensions throughout the simulation. Sediment transport consists of two components 1) Landscape component and 2) Channel component. From the landscape component, SWAT+ keep tracks of the particle size distribution of eroded sediments and routes them through ponds, channels, and surface water bodies. In the channel, degradation or deposition of sediment can occur depending on the stream power, the exposure of channel sides and bottom to the erosive force of the stream and the composition of channel bank and bed sediment.