Development of the Turbidity Maximum in a Coastal Plain Estuary.
Abstract
A study of the turbidity maximum in the Rappahannock Estuary, Virginia was conducted to determine how high concentrations of suspended sediment accumulate to form a maximum. Time-series observations of current velocity, salinity and suspended sediment over 8 to 18 tidal cycles reveal that the maximum forms in a convergence of bottom residual currents near the transition between fresh and salty water. Sediment supplied mainly by the river, is transported into the convergence by density currents and accumulates since velocity is nearly zero and settling exceeds upward mixing. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0773595
Entities
People
- Galen Thompson
- Maynard M. Nichols
Organizations
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science