Shallow Turbulence in Rivers and Estuaries
Abstract
The long-term goal of the Shallow Turbulence in Rivers and Estuaries" project is to improve our understanding of turbulent mixing processes and energy dissipation in estuaries and rivers. Specifically, the project goals are to improve understanding of the eddying motion occurring at horizontal length scales greater than the water depth, and their interaction with bottom boundary turbulence. Our study is leading to an improved understanding of shallow turbulence and its role in lateral transport and dispersion in estuaries and rivers, and better interpretation and use of remotelysensed signatures. The parameterization of lateral transport and its interpretation within hydrodynamic models may also be improved. The Shallow Turbulence in Rivers and Estuaries project is analyzing and comparing existing field data, remotely sensed data, and Delft3D numerical data for evidence of large scale, quasi-2D eddies that are much larger than the depth. Specific objectives are to: 1. Determine spatial patterns of shallow turbulence from in-situ and remote sensing data and investigate the effects and interactions of these structures with bottom boundary layer processes and turbulence statistics; 2. Elucidate shallow turbulence properties and processes through numerical modeling studies, and statistically reproduce the large-scale turbulence observed from in-situ records; and 3. Synthesize and understand the implications of shallow turbulence by means of the turbulent kinetic energy balance, statistical methods, and collapsing data onto a phase diagram.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA598235
Entities
People
- C. Chris Chickadel
- Edward D Zaron
- Stefan A. Talke
Organizations
- Portland State University