Interaction of Flow and Sediment Discharge To Formation of Point Bars That Lead to Bifurcation – A Review

This paper highlights the progress in theory and experimentation of previous researches on the interaction of flow and sediment discharge to formation of point bars that lead to bifurcation. Numerous studies had made emphasis to the mechanics of point bar development that include chute cutoff and transverse bar conversion. These point bars formation are controlled by the threshold of width to depth ratio of the channel, depending on the shields stress and roughness. The complexity of flow and sediment distribution at bifurcation would depend on many factors namely the nose angle, cross-sectional areas and slopes of the downstream channels. In addition, the stability of the bifurcation depends on the shield stress and incoming flow of the river. In summary, the division of flow and sediment at bifurcation are affected by regional as well as local factors.