Inception of sediment transport on steep slopes

Using dimensional and theoretical analysis together with available experime ntal data, it has been shown how flow conditions and stream bed slope affec t the beginning of sediment transport. The dimensional analysis shows that, in general, the Shields parameter is a function of the stream slope and th e Reynolds number. The traditional Shields diagram is a special case of thi s relationship for a zero of near zero slope. The theoretical treatment is an adaptation of work from earlier authors, which is used in conjunction wi th dimensional analysis to show the interdependence of dow conditions and f orces contributing to the critical point of particle motion. Additional exp eriments are recommended.