Forced mid-channel bar (pendant bar, lee bar, wake bar)

Forced mid-channel bar (pendant, lee or wake bar)

Position: In-channel

 

Form

A mid-channel bar form that is induced by a flow obstruction (e.g. bedrock outcrop, boulders, large wood, vegetation). The resultant bar form often has a downstream dipping slip face as the bar extends downstream.

 

Process description

Perturbations in flow and subsequent deposition are induced by obstructions. The resultant bar morphology is shaped by the flow obstruction, which forces flow around the obstruction and deposition in its wake in secondary flow structures. Depending on flow stage, these secondary flow structures may locally scour the bed. These bars build in a downstream direction and may become vegetated.