Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Scientists’ inability to reliably predict the settling velocity of suspended particles is critically limiting the accurate modeling of fine sediment transport and water quality in estuaries. Seasonal and spatial trends in the concentration and settling velocity of estuarine suspended aggregates were examined at two contrasting sites in the York River estuary between January and December 2007. The Gloucester Point site is characterized by generally higher biological activity while the Clay Bank site is characterized by generally more intense sediment transport. At times of relatively low concentration at each site, greater sediment concentration was associated with greater settling velocities. This relationship between concentration and settling velocity was reversed at higher concentrations at Clay Bank in the spring and early summer. This is most likely due to rapid deposition at Clay Bank in spring that amassed layers of light unconsolidated sediment, blanketing the biota residing upon the bed floor. This is believed to largely nullify the influence of pelletization and other biologic mechanisms that are normally prominent, allowing stress to drive up suspended sediment concentration with extremely light particles, which simultaneously lowers settling velocity.
Date Awarded
2008
Department
Geology
Recommended Citation
Bruno, Sam, "Seasonal and spatial trends in biological versus physical influences on sediment setline velocity in the York River Estuary" (2008). Geology Senior Theses. William & Mary. Paper 191.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/geologyseniors/191
