Suspended sediment transport along an idealised tidal embayment: settling lag, residual transport and the interpretation of tidal signals

Pritchard, D. (2005) Suspended sediment transport along an idealised tidal embayment: settling lag, residual transport and the interpretation of tidal signals. Ocean Dynamics, 55. pp. 124-136. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10236-005-0004-7

PDF PritchardOceanDyn55(2005).pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (635kB)

Abstract

We present semi-analytical solutions for suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and residual sediment transport in a simple mathematical model of a short tidal embayment. These solutions allow us to investigate in some detail the characteristic tidal and semi-tidal variation of SSC and the processes leading to residual sediment transport, including settling and scour lags, the roles of ‘local’ and ‘advective’ contributions, and the presence of internally or externally generated overtides. By interpreting the transport mechanisms in terms of the classic conceptual models of settling lag we clarify how these models may be expressed in mathematical terms. Our results suggest that settling lag is usually a more important process than scour lag, and that a local model which neglects advection may predict the direction of net sediment transport incorrectly. Finally, we discuss our results in the context of other transport processes and morphodynamic feedback.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	2005 AREP 2005 P BPI IA49
Subjects:	99 - Other
Divisions:	99 - Other
Journal or Publication Title:	Ocean Dynamics
Volume:	55
Page Range:	pp. 124-136
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10236-005-0004-7
Depositing User:	Sarah Humbert
Date Deposited:	11 Nov 2010 14:55
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2013 09:59
URI:	http://eprints.esc.cam.ac.uk/id/eprint/1783

Actions (login required)

View Item