Researchers from the University of California, Davis, have developed a new mathematical model that calculates how river networks move across a landscape. The model, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, could help scientists better understand how rivers respond to changes in climate and land use.

"Rivers are constantly changing," said lead author Jessica Annadale, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources. "They move across the landscape, erode the land, and deposit sediment. Our model provides a way to quantify these changes and predict how rivers will respond to future changes."

The model is based on the idea that rivers are constantly trying to reach a state of equilibrium. When a river is in equilibrium, the amount of sediment it erodes is equal to the amount of sediment it deposits. However, when a river is not in equilibrium, it will either erode or deposit sediment until it reaches a new state of equilibrium.

The researchers used their model to simulate the evolution of river networks over time. They found that the model was able to accurately predict how rivers move across the landscape, and how they respond to changes in climate and land use.

"Our model is a powerful tool for understanding how rivers work," said co-author Jeffrey Mount, a professor in the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources. "It can be used to help scientists manage rivers for a variety of purposes, including flood control, water supply, and conservation."

The researchers are currently working on applying their model to real-world problems. They are using the model to study how rivers respond to climate change, land use changes, and dam construction. The model could also be used to help scientists design new rivers and restore damaged rivers.