Mechanics of sediment suspension and transport within a fringing reef

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Abstract

Large bottom roughness is a characteristic of most coral reef environments and this has been shown to have a substantial impact on hydrodynamic processes in these environments. In this paper, we evaluate suspended sediment concentration (SSC) data as well detailed hydrodynamic data over a coral reef flat in Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia, to understand how this bottom roughness affects these processes. A well-developed logarithmic velocity layer consistently developed above a canopy layer during the experiment. Estimates of bottom stresses from these logarithmic profiles were comparable with estimates obtained directly from turbulent Reynolds stresses, and an order of magnitude greater than those typically reported for sandy beach environments having similar flow. Nevertheless, the sediment grain size distribution of the suspended load was very fine relative to what should be mobilized by these stresses, indicated the large roughness substantially suppressed sediment transport.

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Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Mechanics of sediment suspension and transport within a fringing reef
DOI 10.1142/9789814689977_0086
Year Published 2015
Language English
Publisher World Scientific
Contributing office(s) Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description 14 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title The proceedings of the coastal sediments 2015
Conference Title Coastal Sediments 2015
Conference Location San Diego, CA
Conference Date May 11-15, 2015
Country Australia
City Tantabiddi
Other Geospatial Ningaloo Reef
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