Abstract:

Professor Shen Yuchang, as a pioneer and founder of modern river geomorphology research in China and his original idea created a new era of experimental research of fluvial geomorphology. The author wrote this article to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Professor Shen. The article introduces the following developments: (1) A vision for river geomorphological experiments and preparing for building the fluvial geomorphic laboratory, including Prof. Shen's original idea, research and preparation for the laboratory, test operation and starting experiments. (2) Expansion of the fluvial geomorphological laboratory and booming experimental research, including a series of experimental research ranging from major national research projects and local projects, pioneering experimental research on the evolution of watershed geomorphic systems and slope systems, and establishing the process-response similarity theory for fluvial geomorphological experiments. (3) Recent progress in river geomorphological experiments, including the development of the river geomorphological laboratory and updating lab equipment, phylogenetic evolution experiment of channel patterns, and river geomorphic system's response to dome and depression of non-uniform uplift and subsidence, among others. (4) Finally, the article points out that in order to advance the study on fluvial geomorphological experiments in China, it is needed to continue innovations in six areas, including strengthen the experiments on non-steady state river geomorphological process caused by tectonic movement, climate change, and rapidly changing human activities to reveal the complexity, sensitivity, and precursory characteristics; and strengthen collaboration and integration of experimental research forces to enhance comprehensiveness of research and cross fertilization.

Key words: celebrating the original idea, river geomorphology, experiment, innovation and development