Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Until recently, observations of suspended sediment particle size have been a difficult prospect. Optical instruments now allow suspended sediment sizes to be observed in-situ, without disturbing the delicate flocs. In this study, suspended sediment particle size data were gathered at two sites along the York River estuary. The Gloucester Point site is characterized by higher biologic activity while the Clay Bank site is characterized by higher physical activity and intense sediment transport. It was found that as water velocity and stress along the bed increased, suspended sediment particle size decreased. This relationship was most prominent in the larger particle size classes and at the physically dominated Clay Bank site. The smallest size particles seemed to have little correlation with water velocity and stress, suggesting they are either much more cohesive than the larger particles or are individual grains. Water temperature had no noticeable effect on particle size, suggesting that it may not be an appropriate proxy for organic activity or that increased organic activity may not lead to larger observed particles in the York River estuary.
Date Awarded
2009
Department
Geology
Recommended Citation
Lewis, Benjamin D., "Controls on Suspended Sediment Particle Size in the York River Estuary" (2009). Geology Senior Theses. William & Mary. Paper 215.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/geologyseniors/215
