Lock–release laboratory experiments are performed to examine saline and particleladen flows down a slope into both constant-density and linearly stratified ambients. Both hypopycnal (surface-propagating) currents and hyperpycnal (turbidity) currents are examined, with the focus being upon the influence of ambient stratification on turbidity currents. Measurements are made of the along-slope fro...

Three approaches have been taken to the study of submarine debris flows. 1) Measurements laterally constrained debris flow dynamics and pore pressure variation have been performed in the “Fish Tank” facility. 2) The dynamics of unconfined debris flows have been studied using the “Main Channel.” 3) A numerical model of muddy debris flows is being extended to a) sandy debris flows and b) the rewo...

During floods, sediments are transported from watersheds into reservoirs, slowly decreasing water volumes and this leading to economic losses. Thus, in the long term, sedimentation endangers reservoirs’ sustainability. Sediments can also block low-level hydraulic structures such as bottom outlets and powerhouse intakes and cause abrasion of gates and turbines. Additionally, the trapped sediment...

ABSTRACT Turbidity currents triggered at river mouths form an important highway for sediment, organic carbon, and nutrients to the deep sea. Consequently, it has been proposed that deposits of these flood-triggered turbidity provide long-term records past floods, continental erosion, climate. Various depositional models have suggested identify river-flood-triggered turbidite deposits, which are...

Flume experiments were performed to study the flow properties and depositional characteristics of high-density turbidity currents that were depletive and quasi-steady to waning for periods of several tens of seconds. Such currents may serve as an analogue for rapidly expanding flows at the mouth of submarine channels. The turbidity currents carried up to 35 vol.% of fine-grained natural sand, v...