An analytical model for transition zone of velocity distribution in submerged inflexible vegetative channels

Estimating discharge and velocity in natural channels and flood plains for inflexible vegetative cover is important. In such waterways, velocity profile can be divided into three zones: uniform zone which is close to bed with uniform velocity distribution, logarithmic zone which involves the main channel without vegetative cover and the middle zone (transition zone) that is affected by the momentum of upper zone. Existing methods for estimating the discharge and velocity are based on average velocity. In this paper, an analytical model for calculating the velocity profile and transition zone thickness is presented. The results imply desirable correlation between calculated and observed parameters.