Suspended particle dynamics in a well-mixed estuary: Deviations from morphodynamic equilibrium

M. Díez-Minguito, M. Ortega-Sánchez, A. Baquerizo, H. E. De Swart, M. A. Losada

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of turbidity and suspended sediment transport during low river flows in the Guadalquivir river estuary (Spain). The distribution and sources of the suspended particulate matter (SPM) are identified. The analysis of the transport rates allow us to devise a semi-analytical model for transport of SPM in well-mixed estuaries. The model solves the mass balance equation for SPM on a tidally-averaged timescale. The main inputs are the along-channel transport rates and the vertical turbulent diffusion coefficients at several locations. The model is applied to the Guadalquivir estuary, where a comprehensive monitoring network was installed from 2008 to 2011. Its application to this estuary allows to check how the SPM concentrations in different reaches of the estuary deviate from their equilibrium values. The results indicate that erosion is dominant in the stretches near to the mouth and that the estuary seems to move towards equilibrium during weak tidal forcing conditions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 34th International Conference on Coastal Engineering, ICCE 2014
EditorsPatrick Lynett
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
ISBN (Electronic)9780989661126
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event34th International Conference on Coastal Engineering, ICCE 2014 - Seoul, Korea, Republic of
Duration: 15 Jun 201420 Jun 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Coastal Engineering Conference
Volume2014-January
ISSN (Print)0161-3782

Conference

Conference34th International Conference on Coastal Engineering, ICCE 2014
Country/TerritoryKorea, Republic of
CitySeoul
Period15/06/1420/06/14

Keywords

  • Box model
  • Estuarine turbidity maxima
  • Guadalquivir estuary
  • Morpho-dynamic equilibrium
  • Suspended sediment transport

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Suspended particle dynamics in a well-mixed estuary: Deviations from morphodynamic equilibrium'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this