Processes Controlling Transfer of Fine-Grained Sediment Within and Between Channels and Flats on Intertidal Flats

Abstract

A long-term goal of the sediment transport and accumulation investigations is to link sediment-transport processes to the formation and preservation of event beds in sediment deposits. The general goal of this project is to investigate how forcing processes (e.g., tidal asymmetry) cause sediment transport that imports fine-grained sediment to form the mud-flat environment with its complex morphology (e.g., multiple scales of tidal channels and different elevations of flats). This project investigates processes that transfer fine-grained sediment within and between channels and flats in intertidal settings, and relates them to the temporary and longer-term deposits found in those environments - when, why and how do suspended sediments transfer from the loose, unconsolidated (possibly fluid mud) deposits to and from the flat environments. Specifically, we are trying to answer the question: What role do tidal (diurnal, and spring/neap), riverine and other seasonal (winds/waves, temperature, and biological glue) processes have on the transfer of sediment between the flats and channels and within the channels and how is this manifested in terms of channel and flat deposits (temporary and longer).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA514797

Entities

People

  • A. S. Ogston

Organizations

  • University of Washington

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boundary Layer
  • Deployment
  • Elevation
  • Environment
  • Grain Size
  • High Resolution
  • Information Operations
  • Measurement
  • Platforms
  • Salinity
  • Sedimentation
  • Sediments
  • Shallow Water
  • Suspended Sediments
  • Tidal Currents
  • Transport Ships
  • Water

Readers

  • Coastal Oceanography