Erosion modeling using particle laden flows over granular beds

Maintaining a balance of erosion and deposition is important in natural systems. An imbalance due to increased erosion can reduce the capacity of wastewater reservoirs and negatively impact coral reef health. We aim to understand landscape erosion by studying the dynamics of laminar flow over particles down an incline. Previous work shows the effect of flow rate and particle size in determining the regimes of erosion, transportation, and deposition. We examine what happens when thin-film fluids flow over granular matter while changing the inclination angle, fluid viscosity, particle lump shape, and grain concentration. By quantifying the amount of erosion that occurs, we can categorize the different regimes into a phase diagram.