Temporal variations in point bar morphology within two incised river meanders, Goodwin Creek, Mississippi

Two meander bends along Goodwin Creek, Mississippi, were chosen to examine incised-meander migration processes, bank failure mechanics, and point bar response. Detailed topographic surveys of the point bars over a two-year period reveal discrete episodes of net change in bar morphology. Sediment erosion generally occurred during Winter/Spring months, was associated with moderately high flow discharges, and bar surface texture tended to become coarser-grained. Sediment deposition generally occurred during Summer/Fall months, was associated with the highest flow discharges, and bar surface texture tended to become finer-grained. Net changes at each bendway site occurred in synchronicity and of nearly equal magnitude, and show net vertical accretion rates of 30 mm yr^-1.