The study of sediment transport is complex, and in this book the authors aim to bring together the most recent research with which to present the updated theories of sediment transport. The authors summarize the classical and statistical approaches of the subject, before going on to review common problematic issues that researchers frequently encounter. Only then do they start to present the subject area from a micromechanical standpoint. These chapters centre on the turbulence of flow–sediment interactions and flow separation as it applies to bedforms. It ends with some practical advice on the application of the theories and its formulations. The authors state that they intend for the book to be a course textbook as well as a manual for engineers.
Unfortunately, there isn't really enough room in the initial chapters to cover the classical theories in sufficient detail. The authors recognize this, and they provide an extensive reference list for those interested in more details. However, this makes the book most suited for those students and researchers for whom the initial chapters will be a review rather than an introduction, and who will be more concerned with the later chapters. The authors themselves state that to be useful amongst the large volume of books already available on the mechanics of sediment transport, such a book must include the most recent research results – and the book becomes most interesting as it starts to detail the latest research into turbulent theory, bringing much recent research together in one place. The last chapter, which gives an indication of where each theory should be applied, and when it is acceptable to rely on the classical theories, manages to bring everything together at the end, and will probably be of most use to those looking to apply the theories.
The book is firmly based around transport in rivers, and as such there are certain areas missing that might be expected by those who approach sediment transport from a coastal or marine viewpoint. There is little discussion of cohesive sediments, and there is no coverage of wave-related transport theories, although the material covered is generally applicable outside rivers also.
For a book intended as a textbook the maths is probably off-putting to most students, especially as it starts early on, and uncompromisingly. This book is perhaps not suitable for readers without a firm grasp of mathematics. In sediment transport research as a whole, there is little consistency of symbols, and as such the reader should be prepared to see some symbols he or she may not be familiar with.
On the whole, the book accomplishes what it set out to do: present the most up-to-date theories of sediment transport. However, it is not the easiest book to read, with difficulties in the clarity of the English and large amounts of maths. And for those readers interested in the classical theories, there are clearer and more thorough books on the market.
