Studies of estuarine sediment dynamics using Cs-137 from the Tjernobyl accident as a tracer

• Published in: Estuarine, coastal and shelf science Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 249 - 259
• Main Authors: Brydsten, L, Jansson, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1989
• ISSN: 0272-7714

Turnover of particles in the Ore river (Sweden) estuary associated with caesium-137 in surface sediments and sediment traps was studied during 1986, following the Chernobyl accident. Material transported by the river was deposited in the estuary and redistributed by resuspension and redeposition during the ice-free period. Resuspension was due to wind induced waves. Resuspended material from water less than 20 m deep was transported to deeper areas and material from water greater than 20 m deep was redeposited at approximately the same depth. Net transport of particles out of the estuary was slow. Mean residence time (RT) of particles was several years and RT increased because of a storm which caused redistribution of particles towards the inner estuary.