Hydrodynamics of Turbid Underflows. II: Aggradation, Avulsion, and Channelization

• Published in: Journal of hydraulic engineering (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 125; no. 10; pp. 1016 - 1028
• Main Authors: Bradford, Scott F, Katopodes, Nikolaos D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reston, VA American Society of Civil Engineers 01.10.1999
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Canada, British Columbia, Rupert Inlet; Channel flow; Computational fluid dynamics; Computer simulation; Exact sciences and technology; Finite volume method; Freshwater; Hydraulic constructions; Marine; Mathematical models; North America, Superior L., Reserve Fan; Sensitivity analysis; TECHNICAL PAPERS; INE, Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver I., Rupert Inlet; Canada, British Columbia, Superior L., Reserve Fan; Bedform; Sensitivity analysis; Hydrodynamics; Finite volume method; Bathymetry; Two dimensional model; Water flow; Sedimentation; Water erosion; Hydrography; Parametric method; Numerical simulation; Particle transport; Underwater pipe; Turbidity current
• ISSN: 0733-9429; 1943-7900
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9429(1999)125:10(1016)

A two-dimensional, depth-averaged finite-volume model is used to study the hydrodynamics of turbid underflows. A sensitivity analysis is performed with regard to model input parameters and the initial bed properties. Simulations are then performed to illustrate aggradation and avulsion in an existing submarine channel. The conditions under which channelization of deposits occur are also examined. The effect of numerical dissipation on flow ignition is examined and the high resolution properties of the model are found to produce satisfactory results. The model is applied to historical field-scale events, including the Reserve Fan in Lake Superior and Rupert Inlet in British Columbia.