Author(s): Maria Rita Maggi; Maria Eletta Negretti; Emil J. Hopfinger
Linked Author(s): Maria Rita Maggi
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The hydrostatic imbalance between two adjacent fluids, characterized by density differences due to temperature, salinity, or sediment concentration gradients, frequently initiates the development of gravity currents. These phenomena play a pivotal role in diverse geophysical and engineering applications, influencing atmospheric, terrestrial, and subaqueous environments. Gravity currents in nature span a wide array of topographical settings. Substantial alterations in topography and seafloor irregularities can be attributed to the influence of these currents. The high velocities near the bed, characteristic of such flows, contribute to their transformative potential. Consequently, rapid morphological alterations may occur in river and estuarine beds due to the passage of these currents, leading to significant sediment transport, erosion, and deposition. Following Martin et al. (2019) with a linear slope of 7° and a initial stable interface, we investigate the effects of such a current on a sediment bed. It is shown how sediment entrainment develops until reaching an equilibrium state of maximum entrainment capacity. The observed bedforms are discussed.
Year: 2024