Erosion and Sedimentation

Abstract

According to legend, a conversation that took place more than 70 years ago between Albert Einstein and his eldest son, Hans Albert Einstein, gives rise to the favorite anecdote of every scientist or engineer working in the field of sediment transport. During this conversation, Hans told his father of his intent to carry out research on the mechanics of sediment transport. Albert had done some work in this area, notably on hindered settling in sediment suspensions, and he advised his son not to pursue study in this field, as he felt sediment transport was so difficult that it was intractable. Like many good sons before him, Hans ignored this advice, and went on to be one of a handful of prominent scientists that shaped modern sediment‐transport theory and practice.