An unusual turbidity maximum
Nelson, B.W. (2002). An unusual turbidity maximum, in: Winterwerp, J.C. et al. (Ed.) Fine sediment dynamics in the marine environment. Proceedings in Marine Science, 5: pp. 483-497 In: Winterwerp, J.C.; Kranenburg, C. (Ed.) (2002). Fine sediment dynamics in the marine environment. Proceedings in Marine Science, 5. Elsevier: Amsterdam. ISBN 0-444-51136-9. XV, 713 pp., more In: Proceedings in Marine Science. Elsevier: New York. ISSN 1568-2692; e-ISSN 2352-2860, more |  |
| Keyword | | | Author keywords | estuaries; sediment; turbidity maximum; Malaysia |
| Abstract | Turbidity maxima develop upstream from an arrested salt-wedge and near the limit of salinity intrusion under partially-mixed conditions in Sungai Selangor, a tropical, mesotidal estuary in Malaysia. The TM has peak surface suspended sediment concentrations of 300 mg./l. on neap, tides and > 2,000 mg./l. on spring tides. The TM occurs in a "muddy reach" where discontinuous "fluid mud" patches form on the bottom during neap tides. Tidal range and cur-rent speed determine the amount of sediment entrained, but the vertical density gradient, which varies greatly with changes in freshwater discharge and tidal range, determines the amount of sediment that reaches the surface layer. A "lag" in sediment transport associated with the vertical density gradient needs to be considered in modelling sediment transport in estuaries. |
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