ABSTRACT Assessing spatial and temporal variability of clogging in gravel‐bed rivers is challenging because field methods typically rely on labor‐intensive measurements of fine‐sediment content, porosity, or hydraulic conductivity. Clogging is also highly dynamic, driven by hydro‐sedimentary conditions; yet few studies have examined it at large scales or in relation to flow and sediment dynamics. To address this gap, a field campaign was conducted using practical assessment techniques, including infiltration tests to estimate hydraulic conductivity and interstitial sediment pumping to quantify fine‐sediment concentrations. The study focused on a riffle–pool system influenced by backwater effects and a nearby water extraction well field. Results revealed strong spatial heterogeneity in clogging intensity. Distinct clogging levels corresponded to hydro‐morphological units and backwater influence. Pools and backwater‐affected areas showed low hydraulic conductivity and high interstitial sediment concentrations, indicating significant clogging. A one‐dimensional hydro‐sedimentary numerical model was used to simulate flow dynamics and fine‐sediment dynamics along the system. Model outputs demonstrated a strong relationship between clogging intensity in hydro‐morphological units and spatial variations in flow velocity. Deposits that could be related to deposition‐driven clogging were successfully reproduced. Analysis of a three‐year discharge and sediment concentration record further clarified clogging evolution during flood events and highlighted modeling limitations. In riffle‐pool systems, the model predicted no deposition because of high velocities, yet field data indicated fine‐sediment infiltration. These differences suggest that turbulence‐driven infiltration is a key mechanism not implemented in the model, but discussed here using a conceptual model. Overall, the study showed the interest of combining field‐based methods and 1D modeling for large‐scale clogging assessment.
Hernandez et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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