Recent advances in basic and applied research in cohesive sediment transport in aquatic systems

An overview of cohesive sediment transport processes is given in this paper, and a mass-balance equation that is commonly used to treat cohesive sediment transport is reviewed. The equation highlights transport parameters and processes that are important for modelling the transport of cohesive sedim...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering
Main Author: Krishnappan, Bommanna G
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2007
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/l06-043
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/l06-043
Description
Summary:An overview of cohesive sediment transport processes is given in this paper, and a mass-balance equation that is commonly used to treat cohesive sediment transport is reviewed. The equation highlights transport parameters and processes that are important for modelling the transport of cohesive sediment. The flocculation mechanism that distinguishes cohesive sediment from its noncohesive counterpart is elaborated using a laboratory study that was carried out in a rotating circular flume using sediments from Hay River, Northwest Territories, Canada. A mathematical model of flocculation suitable for predicting flocculation of sediment in rotating circular flumes is reviewed. Other cohesive sediment transport processes such as erosion and deposition processes at the sediment-water interface, entrapment of fines in gravel beds, consolidation, fluid mud, and fluidization due to wave action are reviewed. Additional challenges and knowledge gaps that exist in the area of cohesive sediment transport are identified. Key words: cohesive sediment, flocculation, mathematical modelling of flocculation, rotating circular flume, erosion, deposition, fine sediment entrapment, fluid mud, consolidation, fluidization, waves.