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Sediment control in watersheds requires information about soil erosion and sediment yield hotspot areas. Sediment connectivity is an emerging concept contributing to this field and structural sediment connectivity is a concept derived from sediment connectivity. Determining structural sediment connectivity in a watershed can yield a comprehensive image of sediment management possibilities applicable at the watershed scale. However, in most studies, the validity of extracted sediment connectivity maps has not been evaluated holistically. The current study is, therefore, designed to determine a valid structural sediment connectivity map and to use it to validate findings of sediment fingerprinting of the Idelo watershed in Zanjan province, Iran. Digital elevation model (DEM), slope, vegetation cover, and flow accumulative layers have been used in compiling the structural sediment connectivity map. Field observations were made to calculate the field connectivity index. The results showed that the mean structural sediment connectivity index of the target watershed is −6.18. Moreover, areas in the downslope section near the outlet and the narrow strips around the watershed boundaries have moderate to high structural connectivity. The results of field validation showed there is an acceptable agreement between the field connectivity index and the structural connectivity map. Also, these results confirmed previous findings of sediment fingerprinting in the study area. Based on the findings of the current study, determining the structural sediment connectivity index is an efficient method to make management and conservation decisions and control erosion and sediment in the watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annual sediment load transportation in the Indus River varies from 0.725 to 1.0 Mt/d and varies from 260 to 300 Mt/y. Sediment accumulation upstream of the inline structure (Guddu Barrage) has frequently increased. Consequently, the sediment accumulation reduces the intake canal supply, design withdrawals, and flood-carrying capacity of the Guddu Barrage. Furthermore, the Indus River changes its behavior, channel dimensions, pattern, and flooding frequency with respect to temporal and spatial morphology with braided high to low meanders. In the current study, the Hydrologic Engineering Center- River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) model, in combination with ArcGIS, were used to study sediment dynamics, analyze flood profile/water surface elevation, and assess erosion and deposition of sediment. In addition to this, a quasi-unsteady flow analysis method was used to simulate sediment transport from July to September 2010. It was found the invert change due to sediment transport maximum aggradation was 6.40 ft (1.950 m), and the maximum degradation was 30 ft (9.144 m), which further varies with the hydraulic conditions of the model. Cumulative mass bed change, sediment transport aggradation was 10.50 million tons (9.53 million t), and degradation was 3.7 million tons (3.3 million t). Moreover, it was found cumulative longitudinal mass change, sediment transport aggradation was 155 million tons (140.62 million t), and degradation was 10 million tons (9.07 million t). The cumulative mass inflow was 320 million tons (290.3 million t). Whereas the model revealed that the flood level upstream and downstream of the hydraulic structure was 264 ft (80.467 m) and 260.29 ft (79.34 m), respectively. Therefore, the HEC-RAS model accurately represents the sediment transport and water levels observed at a gated weir, which is an inline structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment residence time (SRT) is a key parameter of the Earth's surface system, bridging the realms of sediment transport, biogeochemical cycles, sedimentary archives, and watershed management. SRT in mountainous catchments includes the time particles have spent in the subsurface weathering zone, which has been challenging to measure thus limiting our understanding of the magnitude and controlling factors of SRT in steep terrains. In this study, we apply the 234U/238U activity ratio, (234U/238U), which reveals particle comminution age, to estimate SRTs in 32 catchments (drainage area of 6.79–143.67 km2) draining an active mountain range at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The uranium comminution age allows us to account for the time that particles have spent in the weathering zone. The sampled catchments span a range of erosional, topographic, climatic and lithologic conditions, providing a unique opportunity to explore the controlling factors on SRTs. We measured the (234U/238U) of the 20–25 µm size fraction of the collected riverbed sediment samples and used the results to calculate particle comminution ages, which are used to approximate SRTs of fine sediment in the catchment. We then investigated the relationships between estimated SRTs and denudation rates, topography, climate, and lithology to assess controls on SRTs. The estimated SRTs range from 5.0 to 149.2 ka, and exhibit strong negative correlations with the 10Be-derived denudation rates and metrics for landscape steepness (relief, gradient, and channel steepness), with weak-to-moderate correlations with climatic and lithologic conditions. By combining the SRTs and denudation rates and assuming a steady-state weathering zone, we estimate a catchment-average comminution depth of 1.98 to 28.7 m, comparable to the depth of weathering zone estimated from modeling studies. Considering a topographic steady-state where denudation rates are in equilibrium with uplift rates, our results suggest that tectonic uplift exerts a primary control on the SRT in active mountain ranges, such that faster uplift rates shorten SRTs. Our findings suggest that tectonic uplift could regulate the temporal duration of chemical weathering by limiting the SRTs of fresh minerals in mountainous regions, sustaining a 'kinetically-limited' weathering scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation-induced sedimentary structures (VISS) are bed features resulting from flow-vegetation feedback and turbulence induced by vegetation at riparian sites. Generally, these sedimentary structures commence at the individual plant level, but sediment accumulation over time may lead to the formation of fluvial islands. Additionally, riparian vegetation exposed to current may provoke local scouring. However, little research has been done on how the permeability of plants affects flow fields and sedimentary processes. Therefore, the main aim of the current study is to experimentally investigate patterns of local scour and deposition around artificial obstacles with six different levels of porosity, using a systematically designed flume experiment. Two experimental setups were implemented, with sediment transport occurring either as bed load or in suspension. Porosity, as a measure of the volume of porous space to bulk volume, was determined using optical porosity which was estimated from digital photographs. Furthermore, VISS of individual P. nigra shrubs were investigated at different seasonal stages (leafless and full foliage) at the Loire River, France, for comparison. Results show that increasing porosity caused a reduction in sediment deposition from suspension and locally scoured bed load sediment. A threshold value for optical porosity was determined, at which point a prolonged area of flow calm develops behind the barrier, promoting the accumulation of suspended sediment and suppressing local scour caused by bed load transport. An empirical model is presented, which assesses sediment erosion and deposition volumes at porous obstructions, considering (a) the flow-exposed surface area, (b) the obstruction's optical porosity, and (c) the intensity of the incoming flow. On the field scale, local scour holes were identified at P. nigra shrubs where flood-caused debris obstructions were stuck at their front, lowering the obstruction's porosity and encouraging local scour processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The coupled 2D mophodynamic model considers effects of sediment concentration and bed deformation in the governing equations. • Unstructured meshes better conform with the irregular geometry of the natural rivers. • Channel adjustments play a significant role in sediment transport of alluvial rivers during a flood event. It is difficult to predict the detailed morphodynamic processes induced by heavily sediment-laden floods in alluvial rives, due to the complexity in topography and the significant channel evolution rates, especially in a braided reach of the Lower Yellow River (LYR). A two-dimensional morphodynamic model using a coupled solution approach was firstly developed, with the effects of sediment concentration and bed deformation being directly considered in the hydrodynamic governing equations. The finite volume method with the HLL-MUSCL scheme was adopted in the numerical solution, which can obtain second-order accuracy in space and time. In addition, unstructured meshes were used to accommodate the irregular boundaries. The proposed model was validated using measurements in the braided reach of the LYR during the flood events of 2020 and 2004, with general agreement obtained between the calculated and measured hydrographs of flow and sediment concentration. The highest accuracy was achieved in the simulation of discharge, with a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) of 0.92. The simulation accuracy in sediment concentration was improved by the coupled approach, with the relative error of the calculated peak value decreasing from 17 % to 9 %. In addition, transport characteristics of graded suspended sediments were well simulated, with the fine fraction being transported downstream and the medium fraction depositing in the study reach. Influences of channel adjustments on the sediment transport processes were investigated during a flood event. The results demonstrated that the incised channel in 2020 was characterized by a larger water depth and smaller velocity, as compared with the shallow channel in 2004. Consequently, the peak discharge decreased and the flood propagation time was extended under the 2020 topography, associated with the lower sediment discharge at the outlet due to the reduced sediment transport capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment Bypass Tunnels (SBTs) are proven to be an effective measure to reduce or even stop reservoir sedimentation by bypassing sediment laden flows around reservoir dams to the downstream river reach. They are mostly used in Switzerland, Japan, and Taiwan. However, hydraulic and sedimentological operating conditions and the resistance of the invert materials against hydroabrasive erosion affect their cost-effectiveness. Hydroabrasion is a pressing issue at SBTs, other hydraulic structures and steep bedrock rivers exposed to high sediment transport rates under supercritical flow conditions. The present study was therefore conducted to address this issue by aiming at improving knowledge on abrasion mechanics and calibrating a mechanistic saltation abrasion model enhanced by Demiral-Yüzügüllü (2021). To this end, the abrasion resistance of fourteen different invert materials installed at Solis, Pfaffensprung and Runcahez SBTs in Switzerland was quantified by annual 3D laser scanning and the hydraulic conditions and sediment transport rates were regularly monitored between 2017 and 2021. The analysis of invert scans and hydraulic conditions revealed that Prandtl's first and second kinds of secondary currents occurring in the bends and straight sections of the SBTs, respectively, and the observed abrasion patterns were strongly interrelated. The tested potassium aluminate cement and steel fibre concretes, granite, cast basalt and steel plates had better abrasion resistance against impact of sediment-laden flows compared to other materials. Sediment mineralogical composition i.e., bulk hardness relative to the invert material properties significantly affected hydroabrasion. The enhanced abrasion prediction model was calibrated with the present data and a quasi-constant abrasion coefficient of k v = (4.8 ± 2.2) × 104 was obtained. The enhanced model is well-suited for both laboratory and field scales. The present findings will contribute to the sustainable utilization and operational safety of hydraulic structures, optimization of SBT and reservoir operations regarding bypassing efficiency and reservoir lifetime and modelling of bedrock river erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atolls islands are biogenic landforms that are intrinsically capable of adjusting their size, position, and elevation to changing sea levels. The vulnerability of atoll islands to sea level rise is not intrinsically due to their low elevation but primarily due to the loss of their island building capacity. The geophysical processes that control atoll island accretion are being impacted on global and local scales. Protecting and restoring the natural geophysical processes of atoll island accretion through local conservation actions is key to unlocking nature-based opportunities for enhancing atoll resilience to global change. Atoll islands are often perceived as inevitably lost due to rising sea levels. However, unlike other islands, atoll islands are dynamic landforms that have evolved, at least historically, to vertically accrete at a pace commensurate with changing sea levels. Rather than atoll islands' low elevation per se , the impairment of natural accretion processes is jeopardising their persistence. While global marine impacts are deteriorating coral reefs, local impacts also significantly affect accretion, together potentially tipping the scales toward atoll island erosion. Maintaining atoll island accretion requires intact sediment generation on coral reefs, unobstructed sediment transport from reef to island, and available vegetated deposition sites on the island. Ensuring the persistence of atoll islands must include global greenhouse gas emission reduction and local restoration of accretion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing incipient sediment motion models typically apply conventional regression methods considering either velocity or shear stress. In the current study, incipient sediment motion is analyzed through a simultaneous and joint analysis of velocity and shear stress using the robust low-rank learning (RLRL) multi-output regression technique. Moreover, the experimental data compiled from five different channels are utilized to develop a generic incipient sediment motion model valid for a channel of any cross-sectional shape. The efficiency of the developed method is examined and compared against the available conventional regression models. The experimental results indicate that the RLRL model yields better results than its counterparts. In particular, while cross-section specific models fail to provide accurate estimates for shear stress or velocity for other cross sections, the proposed model provides satisfactory results for all channel shapes. The better performance of the recommended approach can be attributed to the joint modeling of the shear stress and the velocity which is realized by capturing the correlation between these parameters in terms of a low rank output mixing matrix which enhances the prediction performance of the approach. • Robust low-rank learning (RLRL) multi-output regression was recommended. • An RLRL multi-output model was developed for sediment incipient motion. • Incipient motion was jointly analyzed by velocity and shear stress methods. • A generic RLRL was found superior to exiting conventional regression models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncontrolled sediment deposition in drainage and sewer systems raises unexpected maintenance expenditures. To this end, implementation of an accurate model relying on effective parameters involved is a reliable benchmark. In this study, three machine learning techniques, namely extreme learning machine (ELM), multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN), and M5P model tree (M5PMT); and three optimization approaches of Runge Kutta (RUN), genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) are applied for modeling. The optimization and ensemble hybridization approaches are applied in the modeling procedure. For the case of hybrid optimized models, the ELM and MLPNN models are hybridized with RUN, GA, and PSO algorithms to develop six hybrid models of ELM-RUN, ELM-GA, ELM-PSO, MLPNN-RUN, MLPNN-GA, and MLPNN-PSO. Ensemble hybrid models are developed through coupling the ELM and MLPNN models with the M5PMT algorithm. The data pre-processing approach is applied to find the best randomness characteristic of the utilized data. Results illustrate that the RUN-based hybrid models outperform the GA- and PSO-based counterparts. Although the MLPNN-RUN and MLPNN-M5PMT hybrid models generate better results than their alternatives, MLPNN-M5PMT slightly outperforms MLPNN-RUN model with a coefficient of determination of 0.84 and a root mean square error of 0.88. The current study shows the superiority of the ensemble-based approach to the optimization techniques. Further investigation is needed by considering alternative optimization techniques to enhance sediment transport modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The overall impact of all the large dam-reservoir systems on the sediment fluxes at the delta scale was quantified. • Long-term datasets of daily water discharges and suspended sediment concentrations were analyzed. • The Red River system experienced two notable declines in sediment load in 1988 and 2009. • The annual sediment load has dramatically decreased by about 91% from the 1950s to 2021. • The decrease in sediment load is mainly attributable to a series of dam-reservoirs operating upstream. The sediment regime of the Red River system, the second largest in Vietnam, has undergone changes since the implementation of dams and reservoirs, with implications for downstream river processes. We analyzed long-term datasets of daily discharge and suspended sediment concentrations collected at key gauging stations downstream of the three main tributaries: HB on the Da River, YB on the Red River (main channel), VQ on the Lo River, and ST, the outlet of the Red River system. The results indicated a sharp reduction in the annual sediment load transported by the Red River system, as observed at the four stations. For example, at the ST station, there was a dramatic decline of 91% in sediment load, dropping from 117.9 × 106 ton/yr in the period 2009–2021 to 10.5 × 106 ton/yr in the period 1958–1987. The Red River system experienced two notable declines in sediment load. The first decline occurred from 1988 to 2008, which can be attributed to the commencement of Hoa Binh dam's operation in 1988. The second decline has taken place since 2009, coinciding with the utilization of new dam-reservoirs. Meanwhile, an abrupt change in water discharge was observed clearly since the end of 2008 at all four stations. However, the reductions in water discharges were found to be less pronounced when compared to the sediment budget. Based on our analysis, we concluded that the impacts of dam-reservoirs have had a more substantial influence on the system compared to variations in climate, such as air temperature and precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have analyzed concentrations of Mo, Re and U in the suspended particles, water column, underlying carbonate-dominated sediments and pore waters of two contrasting marine lakes situated on the Adriatic Coast of Croatia. Our data are the first for Re in these lakes. Rogoznica Lake is mainly euxinic, but subject to occasional oxygenation events, whereas Mljet Island's Malo Jezero is currently oxic year around but historically was seasonally euxinic. These characteristics make the lakes useful testing grounds for redox proxies. We devote particular attention to Re/Mo ratios, which have great promise as redox proxies. In marine sediments, the range of log[Re auth /Mo auth ] exceeds 2, and typical analytical uncertainty is ±0.05, providing resolving power similar to δ98Mo. Authigenic [Re s /Mo s ] ratios in sediments depend on varying supplies of three components: FeMo,Re)S 4 coprecipitates, Fe(III) oxyhydroxides (plus Mn(III,IV) oxyhydroxides in some cases) and a still-uncharacterized Re-rich, Mo-poor component possibly of biological origin. Removal of the latter component explains a 50% depletion of Re aq without Mo aq from Rogoznica's oxic waters. Water column concentrations of Mo aq and Re aq , as well as [Re s /Mo s ] ratios in Rogoznica's suspended particles are predicted successfully by a model that attributes these elements' removal from sulfidic seawater solely to coprecipitation in Fe(Mo,Re)S 4 , assuming a partition coefficient of 0.6. However, to predict sediment compositions, additional authigenic Mo supplied by mainly Fe(III) oxyhydroxides during sporadic oxygenation events must be considered. In Malo Jezero, sulfide concentrations are too low even in pore waters for precipitation of Fe(Mo,Re)S 4. Consistent with earlier work, U aq profiles are best explained by eddy diffusive transport to the sediment rather than capture by a precipitate in the water column. In Rogoznica pore waters, Mo aq extracted through 0.45 μm pore size filters exceeds by 50-fold concentrations predicted by the model and measured previously with 0.15 μm filters. This observation implies presence of ferrothiomolybdate colloids, which could be important, overlooked participants in the sedimentary geochemistry of Mo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The B1 dam of Córrego do Feijão Mine, owned by Vale, S.A. mining company and located on the Ferro-Carvão stream, collapsed and injected 2.8 Mm3 of clayey, silty, and sandy iron- and manganese-rich tailings into the Paraopeba River (Minas Gerais state, Brazil). The accident occurred on 25 January 2019 and the tailings have been co-transported with coarser natural sediment since then, being partly trapped in the Igarapé Weir reservoir located on the Paraopeba River nearly 45 km downstream the injection point. The general purpose of the current study was to model suspended sediment transport in the vicinity of the Igarapé Weir aiming to assess the concomitant barrier effect imposed by this structure. Specifically, the spatial distributions of suspended clay, silt, and very fine-grained sand fractions (CSS) of sediment were mapped around the Igarapé Weir under low-flow (16 m3/s) and high-flow (5 to 10,000 years return period stream discharge; 699–2,699 m3/s) regimes, using RiverFlow2D as the modelling tool. The concentrations of the various grain materials in the upstream and downstream sectors were quantified linking the barrier effect to concentration reductions in the direction of stream flow. It was also a study goal to calculate differences of iron and manganese concentrations in the sediment + tailings mixtures along the Paraopeba River. The study results showed reductions in the CSS between 6.6% and 18%, from upstream to downstream of the Igarapé Weir, related with backwater effects, free and submerged hydraulic jumps, bank sedimentation in periods of high flow, and streambed sedimentation controlled by channel sinuosity and tailings density. These reductions were accompanied by drops in the concentrations of iron and manganese present in the clay and silt fractions, which varied between 6% and 42% under low flows and between 16% and 44% under high flows. Bank sedimentation was viewed as a potential threat to the riparian vegetation in the long-term. Dredging is the potentially most effective mitigation measure to help lead the Paraopeba River to a pre-rupture condition. The retention of sediment + tailings transported in suspension is less effective than the trapping of bedload sediment + tailings behind the Igarapé weir. The efficacy of sediment trapping is expected to be larger for natural sediment because it is much coarser than the tailings. In that context, the simulations revealed for the low-flow period that 33.6% of the sediment deposition comprised suspended transport of natural sediment (thus, was comprised 66.4% of bedload transport), this proportion rose to 86.9% for mixtures of natural sediment + tailings, a result that did not differ much for the high-flow periods. [Display omitted] • The Igarapé weir effectively retained B1 dam tailings composed of clay and silt; • The capacity to retain suspended clay+silt+very fine-grained sand was 6 – 18%; • The concomitant retention of Fe and Mn can reach nearly 50%; • The barrier effect relates with backwater effects, hydraulic jumps and bank sediment sedimentation; • Bank sedimentation is a threat to riparian vegetation and dredging a potentially effective mitigation measure; [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to understand the effects of ice cover on sediment transport in cold climates, where sub-freezing temperatures affect water bodies for a significant part of the year. The literature contains many studies on sediment transport in open channel flow, and several studies on sediment transport in completely ice-covered flow. There has been little or no research on sediment transport in partially ice-covered channels. In the current study, laboratory experiments were done in a rectangular flume to quantify the impact of border ice presence on the sediment transport rate. The effects of ice cover extent and changing flow strengths on sediment transport distribution also were investigated, and the results were compared to those for fully ice-covered and open channel flow. The ice coverage ratios considered were 0 (representing the open water condition), 0.25, 0.50, 0.67, and 1 (representing fully ice-covered flow). The partial ice cover was found to impact the sediment transport distribution within the channel. The effect of ice coverage extent on sediment transport distribution was more significant at lower flow strengths and became negligible at higher flow strengths. The conventional equations for sediment transport in open channel flow and fully ice-covered flow that relate the dimensionless bedload transport rate to the flow strength were found to be applicable to estimate the total cross-section-averaged bedload transport for partially ice-covered flow when modified appropriately. Empirical coefficients for these equations were determined using the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion is a severe threat for ecosystems and anthropogenic infrastructure. Glaciers are retreating rapidly due to global warming and the receding ice leaves unvegetated depositions of sediment, which are prone to mobilisation during precipitation events. Vegetation is known to serve as erosion protection, but how above- and belowground plant traits, vegetation cover and plant diversity on community level are jointly affecting erosion is unclear. Additionally, soil microbial communities may have effects on slope stability by promoting plant growth and function. We measured sediment transport on 30 plots of 2 × 3 m size on proglacial slopes of the Gepatschferner glacier (Kaunertal, Austria) over three years in a natural pristine high alpine environment. Vegetation cover, species abundances and relevant above- and belowground traits were measured for each occurring plant species on community level. Path model analysis revealed that dense and species-rich plant cover characterized by specific plant growth strategies and trait diversity was best suited to decrease erosion. Vegetation properties were also closely linked to the composition of soil microbial communities characterised by next generation amplicon sequencing, which may facilitate soil formation and further enhance the plants' soil stabilising potential. Our study illustrates that erosion control may benefit from a high vegetation cover, which is facilitated by diverse plant communities with complementary morphological traits. These vegetation properties also affect soil microbiota, but their impact on slope protection in combination with the vegetation remains to be elucidated. Our findings may inform nature-based solutions against erosion such as revegetation of alpine slopes using specific seed mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional (3D) non-hydrostatic numerical model is established to investigate local scour around four aligned circular piles in uniform and non-uniform sediment mixtures and to provide information for improving scour countermeasures design. In the current study, unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations along with a Re-normalization Group (RNG) k – ε model were applied to simulate the flow field. A non-uniform sediment transport model was applied to estimate the bedload transport. The simulations lasted up to 8 h. The laboratory results of a reference single pile case in uniform and non-uniform sediment were utilized to validate the simulation results of bed elevation changes and time evolution of scour depth and reflected a good agreement. The influence of pile spacing for two arrangements of pile groups, one column (tandem) and two columns (non-tandem) of four aligned piles, on spatial/temporal variations of the bed surface in both sediment bed configurations are discussed in detail. The results reveal the significant effects of the pile spacing on the flow field and patterns of scour hole formation and sediment deposition. In general, lower pile spacing results in more scour upstream of the front pile(s) and shifts deposition more downstream due to the existence of higher energy in the wake region of the piles for both sediment types. Side scouring dominates for non-uniform sediment around each pile due to flow deviating because of the presence of relatively larger particles in front of the pile(s). For non-uniform sediment, deposition begins to develop at the exit area of the scour hole and enhances boundary resistance to scour. The knowledge gained from this study is suitable for the accurate determination of riprap dimensions around the front pile(s) and rear piles in a pile group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between fluid and sediment particles is widely involved in hydraulic engineering problems. In the current study, an explicit incompressible mesh-free method in the framework of the Moving Particle Semi-implicit (MPS) method is proposed to simulate the interaction between the two phases in submerged conditions. The proposed method solves two sets of the continuity and momentum equations, respectively, for the fluid phase and the sediment phase according to the mixture theory. In the method, the pressure and velocity fields are explicitly calculated for the sediment phase with the solid concentration obtained from the mixture theory, in which a rheology model is used to account for the viscosity and shear stress. The governing equations for the fluid are solved using the predictor–corrector time-splitting scheme and the resulting Poisson equation for pressure is calculated using an explicit scheme. In each loop, the discretized points move according to the velocity of the fluid in the mesh-free Lagrangian approach. The proposed method is used to simulate the submerged granular flows including submerged granular column collapse, submerged granular sliding on slopes, and erodible dam-break flow. In the simulations, the parameters of particle distance and collision distance in the numerical method are investigated. It is found that the flow characteristics in the granular flows are reflected by the proposed method and the simulated free surface and water–sediment interface profiles are in good agreement with experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we construct and analyze a second-order time-accurate, linear, decoupled fully-discrete discontinuous Galerkin (DG) pressure-projection numerical scheme for the hydrodynamic and sediment transport model. The proposed algorithm is based on DG method for spatial discretization, Crank-Nicolson (C-N) scheme for temporal discretization, linearly extrapolated scheme for the nonlinear term and coupling term and pressure-projection method for the Navier-Stokes equations. Moreover, we rigorously prove the unconditional stability and optimal error estimates of the proposed fully-discrete scheme. We make use of the techniques developed by Pietro et al. to prove the optimal error estimates for pressure rigorously. Finally, several numerical examples are performed to numerically demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency and applicability of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multistep physical and biological processing of organic matter in marginal seas modifies its composition, sedimentary pathway, and burial efficiency. This study examines how organic geochemical signals pertaining to the source and transformation in surface sediments are transported and preserved in the conduit portion of source-to-sink sedimentary systems in marginal seas such as the Taiwan Strait (TS). The aim is to gain more insight in not only the total OC burial in this highly dynamic region, but also to establish a quantitative assessment of the provenance and age of this carbon. Our study revealed that terrestrial plant wax n -alkanols represent a portion of terrestrial organic matter, characterized by refractory property and strong mobility leading to efficient transfer from the river mouth to the shelf. Soil bacteria-derived branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (br-GDGTs) represent the portion of terrestrial OM characterized by labile properties and low transmissibility restricted within the river mouth under normal conditions, except for episodic and pulse delivery situations. Sedimentary OC in the TS is typically characterized by a large amount of ancient OC with intensive oxidation, indicated by extremely old 14C ages (<13000 ± 180 yr) and lower petrogenic OC content in marine sediments than that of rocks sourced from the land. Diverse sourced OC supply and accumulation patterns in shallow marine conduit systems mainly influenced by complex physical processes. Quantitative source apportionment of sedimentary OC using a ternary mixing model based on the bulk δ13C and Δ14C proxies combined with sediment mass accumulation rates revealed 0.01–3.44, 0.002–3.79, and 0–3.38 mg C cm−2 yr−1 of marine, terrestrial biospheric, and petrogenic OC burial loadings in the TS. Marine OC burial could only explain 30% of net air–sea CO 2 sequestration in a narrow conduit system such as the TS, which is characterized by high sediment resuspension and strong hydrodynamic processes due to strong tidal currents and wind-driven circulation. Our findings revealed the net C buried in different marginal seas varies as a function of local couplings between physical processes and biogeochemical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediments are considered to be refractory materials with limited influences on dissolved iron (dFe) pool in the ocean. However, recent field observations and laboratory experiments suggest that iron released from resuspended sediment particles and transported from continental margins is prone to fertilize large areas of the world ocean. Here we conducted a dissolution experiment to quantify the amount of dFe released from two types of resuspended sediments (silicate and calcite-rich) to open ocean surface seawater under two temperatures (5 and 15 °C). We followed pH, dissolved oxygen (dO 2), phosphate, silicate, dissolved Fe and Mn concentrations (dFe and dMn), and bacterial abundance over 250 days. Extremely low and undetectable phosphate concentrations (<50 pmol kg−1) were measured throughout the duration of the experiment, causing limited bacteria growth and stable pH and dissolved O 2 concentrations under all conditions. Silicate and dFe concentrations increased through time and high temperature (15 °C) induced more iron dissolution from the two sediments than low temperature (5 °C). Temperature had no effect on the dissolution of Mn. Our results further show that Fe and Mn are not released concurrently from the sediment source and that their distribution can be very different. Scavenging of Fe likely caused a decrease of dFe observed during the experiment, which was probably linked to the formation of Mn oxides. We also observed elevated dissolved Fe isotope ratios after dissolution, around +0.16 to +0.27‰. Isotopically heavy Fe was released from sediments to the dissolved pool during the dissolution but no difference in Fe isotope ratios was observed between the two temperature conditions. The Fe isotope fractionation can likely be attributed to ligand complexation and scavenging of Fe. These two mechanisms can be important factors not only in controlling the amount of Fe released from sediments but also in fractionating Fe isotopes at the sediment–seawater boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional stochastic Lagrangian particle tracking sediment transport model is developed to solve the discrete advection–dispersion equation using a combination of empirical dispersion equations. The performance of three widely-used longitudinal dispersion coefficient equations was examined to select one of them as the primary dispersion equation term in the developed model. Also, a conditional empirical equation was used to consider the effect of vertical dispersion term in top layers near the water surface. The performance of particle tracking model (PTM) to calculate the sediment concentration was evaluated for various sediment classes (very fine sand, fine sand, and medium sand) using available laboratory dataset. Multiple statistical measures were calculated using the Taylor diagram for each dispersion equation. Based on the result, the developed particle tracking model estimated the suspended sediment concentration in a rectangular open channel with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.96, standard deviation (STD) of 0.262, and root mean square deviation (RMSD) of 0.06 for three different sediment classes proving the acceptable accuracy of the developed model for different range of sediment gradations. In addition, the accuracy of PTM was compared to recently developed models. Comparison between the particle tracking model and the analytical solution of the advection–dispersion equation showed that the developed model predicted the maximum concentration of suspended sediment 6% and 9.4% lower than the analytical solution result for 30 and 50 s simulation time in the straight channel, respectively. However, there was a good agreement between the longitudinal and transverse sediment concentration distribution from the model and the analytical solution approach. The result of the sensitivity analysis and validation process showed that the model could be used to simulate sediment transport in open channel flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large boreal rivers in Sweden are generally impounded by hydropower dams and a large proportion of main stem shallow flowing habitats have been lost. Tributaries often contain the last undisturbed habitats and could be important for the conservation of species diversity. In particular, tributary mouth areas could be biodiversity hot-spots, due to their vicinity to the main stem and favorable environmental conditions. In this study, we investigate whether tributary mouth areas in two impounded boreal rivers (Ume River and Lule River) could be regarded as biodiversity hot-spots for fish. Based on standardized electrofishing in 20 tributary mouths, we find that overall fish diversity is generally low. The highest species richness and diversity was found in mouth areas dominated by intermediate substrate sizes (gravel – cobble). Few, if any, species were found in areas where fine sediments (smaller than sand) dominated. The tributary mouth areas had similar species richness and diversity as areas in the tributaries located 1-km upstream of the mouth, but the fish community composition often differed between these two types of sites. Management action favoring fish diversity in the tributary mouth areas could include protection or rehabilitation of areas dominated by medium sized substrate and reduction of erosion and transport of fine sediments in the tributaries. Overall, we find no support for tributary mouths being hot-spots for fish biodiversity and while some patterns in diversity gives hints on suitable management action, it is important to further understand impacts in tributaries and their mouths and the temporal dynamics of the fish community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional coupled hydrodynamic and morphodynamic numerical model was developed to analyze sediment dynamics in the Rance estuary, in response to the tidal power station (TPS) built near the mouth in the 1960s. The Rance estuary is a relatively small low-discharge steep-sided ria , located along the Brittany coast in northern France, with a maximum spring tidal range of 13.5m. Taking advantage of this significant tidal regime, the first and currently the second largest operational tidal power station in the world was built at the estuary's mouth, with peak output capacity of 240MW. After calibration and validation of the model for present-day conditions, suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and bed level evolution were evaluated at tidal and fortnightly scales for different scenarios, with and without TPS. Peak SSC are reached during spring tides and specifically during the estuary's infilling (flood) stage where both turbines and sluice gates are open. Unbalanced with sediment transport during ebb, sediments are accumulated in the main channel of the upper estuary. Under natural tidal forcing (i.e., without TPS), simulations show that an estuarine turbidity maximum forms in the upper estuary, and sediment deposition is significant. However, sedimentation rates are two times lower than those observed in the presence of the TPS. A possible alternative for reducing sediment accumulation in the upper estuary would be the opening of sluice gates simultaneously with the turbines during falling tide, to enhance ebb currents that would allow particles transport towards the estuary's downstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes (or L. monocytogenes) are bacteria affecting fresh produce that is harmful for health of humans and animals. If these bacteria are present in surface waterbody (e.g., irrigation canals), they will impair irrigation water quality and threaten produce safety. This paper studied the resuspension of E. coli and Listeria from bed sediment into irrigation water through several sets of laboratory experiments in an open channel flume. We studied three types of sediments using several flow rates in different velocities and shear stress. Bacteria 's concentration in water increases with the bed shear stress. Two empirical relations were derived to correlate the concentration of E. coli and L. monocytogenes with the dimensionless bed shear stress. The experimental data favorably verified the relationships for sandy loam, loamy sand, and loam. The results showed that both bacteria could entrain from sand more efficiently compared to other sediments (i.e., sandy loam or loam). These relationships can be applied to water quality models for simulating E. coli and L. monocytogenes transport in irrigation canals for better managing irrigation water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory flume experiments were conducted to quantify the effects of the soil characteristics on the critical shear stress of low fines content soil samples collected from the Montauk shores in New York. The collected soils were reconstituted at five different fines contents, ranging between 0 and 20%. These soil mixtures were composed of two initial water contents, dry of optimum and optimum moistures, and two relative densities, one moderate dense and the other dense. The strength indices of the soils, including the effective cohesion and effective angle of internal friction, were measured using the consolidated undrained (CU) triaxial test. The initiation of erosion tests was conducted on the soil mixtures under a unidirectional steady current condition. The near-bed flow velocity, at the onset of erosion, was used to determine the critical velocity and shear stress for each soil sample. The results indicate that the critical shear stress increases with the fines content and effective cohesion. The soils with the optimum initial water contents demonstrate a higher erosion resistance than those with the initial water contents dry of optimum. The higher relative density appears to overshadow the effects of the fines content such that the critical shear stress of the denser soils remains relatively insensitive to the soil composition. The denser soils compacted at the optimum initial water content show the highest resistance against erosion. The critical Shields parameter is modified to include the fines content, relative density, and initial water content. • Soil was collected from predominantly sandy beach and bluff in Montauk, New York. • Low fines content soil mixtures were prepared with different compositions, initial water content and relative densities. • Initiation of erosion tests were carried out on 20 soil mixtures. • Strong correlation was found between the critical shear stress and soils strength indices. • Critical Shields formula was modified to include the fine contents, relative density and initial water content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment transport has been extensively studied. There is still a need to learn more about the mechanisms that make bed particles move, which is caused by turbulent flow in the low transport stages (above the motion threshold and below continuous transport). This work is focused on the use of an advanced tool to obtain a better perception of sediment transport dynamical methods: an instrumented particle equipped with a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor. Particle transport experiments were carried out in a laboratory flume under a variety of well-controlled above-the-threshold-of-motion flow conditions. By using sensor data, the kinetic energies were calculated with different flow rates and particle densities (mimicking different types of sediments sizes) to generate the probability distribution functions (PDFs) of particle transport features, like the total kinetic energy of particles, which provided information about particle interaction with the bed surface during its motion. The energy transfer efficiency was also studied, which can link the rate of energy transferred from the flow to the particle transport, so it can determine how efficiently a flow can transfer energy to the particle and how it affects the magnitude of sediment transport. In general, the instrumented particle response by a series of experiments showed consistent and satisfactory results and demonstrated its capability to record inertial dynamics because of flow turbulence at low cost. These experiments used different particle sizes and densities than those found in real-world sediments because of sensor size and lab limitations. They do, however, provide a framework and trends that others can use to do more research into bed load transport rates in built canals and natural rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall-induced floods may trigger intense sediment transport on erodible catchments, especially on the Loess Plateau in China, which in turn modifies the floods. However, the role of sediment transport in modifying floods has to date remained poorly understood. Concurrently, traditional hydrodynamic models for rainfall-induced floods typically ignore sediment transport, which may lead to inaccurate results for highly erodible catchments. Here, a two-dimensional (2D) coupled shallow water hydro-sediment-morphodynamic (SHSM) model, based on the Finite Volume Method on unstructured meshes and parallel computing, is proposed and applied to simulate rainfall-induced floods in the Zhidan catchment on the Loess Plateau, Shaanxi Province, China. For six historical floods of return periods up to 2 years, the numerical results compare well with observations of discharge hydrographs at the catchment outlet. The computed runoff-sediment yield relation is quantitatively reasonable as compared with other catchments under similar geographical conditions. It is revealed that neglecting sediment transport leads to underestimation of peak discharge of the flood by 14%–45%, whilst its effect on the timing of the peak discharge varies for different flood events. For 18 design floods with return periods of 10–500 years, sediment transport may lead to higher peak discharge by around 9%–15%. The temporal pattern of concentrated rainfall in a short period may lead to a larger exponent value of the power function for the runoff-sediment yield relation. The current finding leads us to propose that incorporating sediment transport in rainfall-induced flood modeling is warranted. The SHSM model is applicable to flood and sediment modeling at the catchment scale in support of risk management and water and soil management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research deals with the dispersion of fine settling particles in a fluid flowing through an ice-covered channel under the laminar flow condition. An analytical solution of the two-dimensional convection–diffusion equation, based on the multi-scale homogenization technique, is obtained. To validate the current study, analytical results for the dispersion coefficient are compared with the available earlier research work. Moreover, the proposed analytical solutions for mean concentration distributions of the tracers are compared with the numerical results obtained from the finite difference technique. From the industrial and environmental points of view, the vertical concentration distribution provides a very significant information. The downstream evolution of the concentration distribution also is shown for typical time periods at different values of the settling velocity. The approach to the vertical uniformity shows that it is too slow a process in comparison to that of longitudinal normality. It was found that settling velocities of particles disturb the vertical uniformity and the centroid of the solute cloud rises due to the increase in settling velocity. Results illustrate that in the downstream direction, the vertical concentration distribution increases near the bed surface and it decreases in the proximity of the ice-covered surface of the channel with the increase of settling velocity, but the mean concentration of the solute increases. The current study may play an important role to understand the mechanism of the sedimentation process in a closed channel system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like many impaired Great Lakes tributaries, Apple Creek, Wisconsin (119 km2) has Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) targets for reducing suspended sediment and total phosphorus by 51.2 % and 64.2 %, respectively. From August 2017 - October 2018, a stream sediment budget and fingerprinting integrated study was conducted to quantify upland and stream corridor sources of suspended sediment and sediment-bound phosphorus. Phosphorus concentrations varied among source groups and fluvial sediments, with higher concentrations among suspended sediment and cropland soils. Eroding streambanks identified in the stream corridor sediment budget accounted for 100 % of the TMDL Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) suspended sediment load but only 20 % of the total phosphorus load. Fine-grained streambed sediment equated to approximately-three years of modeled suspended sediment load but only one third of total phosphorus load. The two primary sources of fine-grained streambed sediment were streambanks and cropland, with relative streambank contributions increasing with downstream direction and watershed area. The relative proportion of suspended sediment varied by season and streamflow; however, cropland and streambank erosion accounted for 54 % and 23 % of the suspended sediment when weighted by of the proportion for representative streamflow. Urban land was a source in the upper watershed, but the signature was sequestered by a mid-watershed detention basin. Contributions from construction sites were higher in the fall 2018, likely corresponding to increased activity following a wet spring. These integrated techniques helped describe sources, transport, and sinks of fluvial sediment and phosphorus throughout the watershed at a range of spatial and temporal scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, exogenous pressures have contributed to habitat loss and fragmentation of oysters, resulting in a growing interest in restoring oyster reefs. Hydrodynamics of oyster reefs control processes such as oyster growth and survival, nutrient cycling, and sediment transport, which are key considerations in evaluating and optimizing oyster reef restoration interventions. A systematic literature review was conducted to summarize and analyze the present research and trends in oyster-reef hydrodynamics. The finding reveals that 67.5% of the reviewed studies focused on field tests and laboratory experiments, while 30% explored numerical modeling and machine learning methods. The meta-analysis results show that the mean wave transmission coefficients of submerged oyster reefs are greater than those of emergent ones. Shell-based reefs and the assemblage of constructed oyster reefs and vegetation offer wave attenuation benefits second only to those of natural oyster reefs. The local hydrodynamics of oyster reefs are influenced by hydrological regime, reef design, placement, and biological change. In particular, a synopsis of common measuring methods and reef roughness metrics is included, along with major challenges and suggestions for future studies. • Review of experimental and numerical research on oyster-reef hydrodynamics. • Estimation and comparison of effectiveness of oyster reefs for wave attenuation. • Exploration of factors impacting oyster-reef hydrodynamics. • Discussion of applicability of reef roughness metrics. • Identification of knowledge gaps and proposals for future research trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Seaflower Biosphere Reserve (SBR) stands as an exceptional marine region located in the western Caribbean Sea; this reserve comprises numerous volcanic islands such as the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina (ASAPSC), islets, cays, atolls, and coral reefs and encompasses a territorial jurisdiction shared among Colombia, Nicaragua, and Jamaica. It was designated as a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve, given its remarkable biodiversity and endemism. Because of its location in the Caribbean Sea, the reserve is subject to complex regional and local climate patterns including the crossing of Atlantic tropical storms that have impacted the ASAPSC with substantial effects. The socioeconomic development of the inhabitants of this archipelago is intrinsically related to the marine environment. Therefore, studying ocean and coastal processes such as waves climate, oceanic circulation, sea level variability, extreme events intensity and frequency, and their effects on sediment transport, morphological dynamics, and coastal evolution are essential for preserving this valuable oceanic region. Despite its significance, the study of coastal and ocean processes in the SBR is still reduced. Thus, a review and synthesis of peer-reviewed studies is presented here aiming to highlight the advances in coastal processes and related hazards research in the SBR to set up the current knowledge baseline and recognize existing research gaps that might demand further investigation in the near future for the effective coastal management and social development in the SBR. • Archipelago's research has increased exponentially in the last decade. • The archipelago of San Andres and Providencia is highly vulnerable to maritime events. • The study of coastal processes in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve is still scarce. • More efforts are needed to investigate the entire region from multiple disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rivers shaped the landscape of the Atlantic Coastal Plain during the last tens of thousands years. However, their spatial and temporal evolution is understudied. We conducted geophysical, geological and remote sensing surveys in the Congaree River valley, characterized by numerous traces of palaeochannels preserved in the floodplain. The age of the former channels was determined by AMS radiocarbon dating. The main goal of our study was to identify factors controlling the river planform changes and compare the findings with other rivers of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. We found that the Congaree floodplain was shaped by single-thread channels characterized by formation of levees and floodbasins at least 34,000 cal. BP. Large-scale meanders were active between 16,000 and 12,000 cal. BP. They were replaced by meandering channel belts shifting by avulsions between 12,000 and 3,000 cal. BP. Compound meanders have been formed during the last 3000 years. Traces of these channel planforms are also present in other rivers of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The abandonment of the large-scale meanders was caused by increase in climate humidity, changes in vegetation cover, and inundation of the coastal plain by the ocean level rise, resulting in base-level rise. The avulsions of meander belts in the Early and Middle Holocene were formed in conditions of a humid climate, a series of flooding periods, and continued base-level rise. A relatively drier climate in the Late Holocene caused a change in the meanders' evolution from the channel belts shifting by avulsions to compound meanders evolving by cutoffs. The last 200 years were dominated by a huge delivery and deposition of fines, caused by deforestation and land-use changes in the river valleys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hydroacoustic measurements on a macrotidal mudflat system were conducted. • Higher velocities and suspended sediment concentrations are observed at low tides. • Flow interactions at the channel-mudflat interface vary significantly over a tidal cycle. • Cross-sectional sediment transport within channel is related to frequent overbank flows. Unvegetated tidal mudflats are typically dissected by networks of channels that arguably exert a prominent role in the ecomorphodynamic evolution of these environments. However, the intricate processes of tidal flows propagating through tidal channels and across mudflat platforms remain inadequately understood, particularly concerning the localized hydrodynamics occurring at the interface between channels and mudflats. In this study, we report the results of in-situ hydroacoustic measurements carried out in the macrotidal Yangkou tidal flat (Jiangsu coast, China), where we synchronously assessed the three-dimensional flow fields and suspended sediment concentrations at three distinct sites—namely, the channel thalweg, channel bank, and distant mudflat platform—over the course of 8 semidiurnal tidal cycles. Whereas mudflat areas typically exhibit an overall flood dominance, tidal channels feature ebb-dominated flows and higher concentrations of suspended sediments. In contrast to vegetated tidal settings, where in-channel flow velocities are systematically higher than across the frictionally dominated intertidal plains, hydrodynamics of bare mudflat systems is controlled by flow inertia and sheet-flow conditions whenever water levels exceed the channel bankfull threshold. At bankfull, pronounced changes in tidal flow orientation are observed, which critically enhance both cross-sectional velocities within the channel and bottom shear stress near channel banks. Our results support earlier suggestions that the hydrodynamics of bare mudflat systems are strongly influenced by the interactions between in-channel and overbank flows. Therefore, we propose that future modeling works related to accurately reproducing morphodynamic processes occurring in unvegetated coastal environments should take into account the localized three-dimensional flow interactions near the channel-flat interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Numerical modeling approach to estimate time-varying river to riverbed travel times. • Advection-dispersion equation with time-dependent coefficients. • Tikhonov regularization is used to avoid spurious parameter fluctuations. • Substantially sub-daily flux transients in riverbed sediments of three urban rivers. Assessing solute transport in riverbed sediments is important for quantifying the effective reactivity of hyporheic sediments and the magnitude of exchange flows between rivers and their river beds. A typical approach of estimating transport in riverbed sediments is by measuring natural tracers such as fluctuations of temperature or electrical conductivity (EC) and fitting models to them that assume time-independent travel time distributions, implying steady-state flow. Here, we use a transport parameterization that is based on the advection–dispersion equation (ADE) with coefficients that continuously vary in time. The ADE is solved numerically and its solution is fitted to measured EC time series using Bayesian parameter inference. A continuous function of model parameters is constructed by smoothly interpolating between point values with different temporal resolution, and Tikhonov regularization is used to avoid spurious parameter fluctuations. The approach is tested using EC time series synchronously measured in river water and hyporheic porewater of two urban rivers in Germany and one urban river in South Australia. For all datasets the goodness of fit was improved by introducing a time-dependent EC offset. Estimated porewater velocities were highly transient in three out of the four datasets with values increasing by up to a factor of six over the course of a day. Flux transients were likely related to both variations of hydraulic gradients along and spatial shifting of flow paths. Comparison to stationary, non-parametric deconvolution indicated that transient flow may induce multimodality in stationary travel time distributions. Given the high temporal dynamics of transport in the streambed sediments of the three investigated urban rivers, we envision that the presented model is also a valuable tool to improve the assessment of reactive transport in riverbed sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the seminal study by Bagnold in 1954, which was inspired by sand movement in the desert and sediment transport in rivers, researchers have continued to investigate inertial and collisional effects in flows of non-Brownian suspensions. This paper overviews several post-Bagnold experimental studies on neutrally-buoyant suspensions that focused on measuring the suspension effective viscosity for conditions in which the particle Reynolds number was greater than 1, Re p > 1. Similar to what was found with Bagnold's experiments, secondary flows and end-wall vortices impact the rheological measurements especially as the rotational speed is increased. Recent experiments using a specialized rheometer that decreases the effect of end vortices demonstrate that the inertial contribution to the effective viscosity increases with a Reynolds number based linearly on particle diameter, Re d. The magnitude of the increase, however, is modest with a doubling in the inertial viscosity as Re d increases from 1 to 500. Larger contributions from inertial and collisional stresses are expected for the flows originally considered by Bagnold — inertial flows involving particles denser than the surrounding fluid. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Detrital zircon U-Pb ages and seismic profiles were systematically used to investigate Paleogene source-to-sink pathways of the northern South China Sea. • Early Cenozoic longitudinal Kontum-Ying-Qiong River was identified in the deep-water basin of the northern South China Sea. • The Pearl River evolved to influence Zhu-II Depression as a transverse dispersal since Oligocene. • Sediment dispersal of the northern South China Sea was featured by the interplay between transverse and longitudinal transport. The northern South China Sea (SCS) experienced a significant transition from a lacustrine to marine environment in the Paleogene, and its deep-water basin of Zhu-II Depression is in particular extensively studied due to its richness in oil and gas resources. However, limited number of boreholes in the deep-water area has long constrained a better understanding on the provenance of the Paleogene strata and the associated sediment transport processes. In this study, detrital zircon U-Pb ages and three-dimensional (3D) seismic-reflection data were systematically employed to investigate the "source-to-sink" pathways and interplay of longitudinal and transverse sediment dispersal. Our results indicate that the Zhu-II Depression sediments of the northern SCS were predominantly derived from the surrounding nearby paleo-uplifts in the early and middle Eocene. A significant provenance shift took place in the late Eocene, when the local paleo-uplift source was replaced by a distant source from the western SCS. Sediments were transported from west to east by the "Kontum-Ying-Qiong River" as a longitudinal dispersal. In the Oligocene, the "Kontum-Ying-Qiong River" delivered large amounts of sediments from Central Vietnam to the eastern part of the northern SCS. Meanwhile, the Pearl River gradually evolved through regional tectonic processes and influenced the deep-water area of Zhu-II Depression as a transverse dispersal. Sediments from both "Kontum-Ying-Qiong" and Pearl Rivers converged and deposited as deep-water deltas in the Zhu-II Depression. This dual provenance system in the northern SCS deep-water area was featured by the interplay between longitudinal and transverse sediment dispersal. It was largely controlled by the tectonic-palaeogeographic pattern inherited from the Mesozoic arc system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CPs (C 6–33) were determined in six sediment cores across the Tibetan plateau. • China shifted towards longer chain CPs in 21st century whereas India reused SCCPs. • Tibetan plateau served as a critical sink for Asian CP dynamics. • This is the first report revealing the long history of CP emissions from India. The Tibetan Plateau, a recognized global sink for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), lies adjacent to two major emitting regions, inland China and India. This unique geographical setting makes it a pivotal site for examining the presence and compositional evolution of POPs following their long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT). This study focuses on the current predominant POPs, chlorinated paraffins (CPs). We comprehensively screened 675 homologues of the very short- (vSCCPs), short- (SCCPs), medium- (MCCPs), and long-chain CPs (LCCPs) in six dated sediment cores across the extensive Tibetan area. The findings unveiled pronounced temporal disparities in CP concentrations and compositions between Tibet's southern and eastern sectors, reflecting divergent usage and emission chronicles of inland China and India. Notably, a market shift in China from regulated SCCPs to the in-use MCCPs and LCCPs was observed in the 21st century, contrasting with India's unregulated production of SCCPs. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Screening Tool, developed to assess the overall persistence (P OV) and long-range transport potential (LRTP) of organic chemicals, elucidated the erosion of CP source signatures induced by fractionation, a process that intensifies with transport distance from the source regions. This study enhances our understanding of the emission inventories and LRAT behavior of these transitional regulatory contaminants, highlighting the Tibetan Plateau's crucial role as an environmental sentinel in global pollution dynamics. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of drawdown flushing in hydraulic structures on sediment transport and morphological changes within and around reservoirs. Utilizing the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method, the research focuses on local erosion induced by drawdown flushing and examines the interaction between water and sediment. To validate sediment behavior, we analyzed a granular dam-break model using three rheological models: Herschel-Bulkley (H–B), Bingham, and μ(I). Two drawdown flushing scenarios are explored, considering mobile bed conditions at the reservoir's inlet and outlet. The study area is categorized into three zones: water, sediment, and the interface between water and sediment, with the μ(I) rheological model applied to the sediment portion. Within the interaction zone of sediment and water, the Shields parameter is defined based on Julien's relations to determine the yield stress of sediments. This value is then incorporated into the H–B model for sediment in this specific zone. Additionally, the drag force is introduced into the momentum equation within this zone. The study's findings are rigorously validated against existing numerical and experimental studies, affirming the credibility of the modeling approach. This research provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of sediment transport during drawdown flushing in hydraulic structures. • Rheological models used to evaluate sediment behavior: Herschel-Bulkley (H-B), Bingham, and μ(I) models. • The study area in the drawdown flush is divided into three zones: water, sediment, and the water-sediment interface. • The μ(I) model is used in the sediment phase, and the H-B model is used at the water-sediment interface. • The study area is divided into segments, and backpressure is calculated in each segment for the sediment phase. • The Shields parameter, based on Julien's relations, and the drag force are applied at the water-sediment interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediment budgeting within a landscape is useful in understanding landscape evolution, and hazard prediction and assessment. It has been observed that only a fraction of the total volume of sediment produced within the system gets exported, implying that a part of the total volume of sediment is stored within the system. This sediment mass gets arrested and stored in compartments within the system and is mobilised during extreme stochastic events. These sediment storage compartments are poorly connected with the channel network and hence, do not supply sediment at steady rates. We have evaluated sediment connectivity and conducted field validation within a 93 km2 mountainous river basin (Pranmati catchment) in the NW Himalayas. This assessment relies on the Index of Connectivity (IC), computed through two methods: one employing the original framework and the C-factor from RUSLE, and the other utilizing a multiple flowpath model that incorporates Manning's roughness coefficient. We developed a storage potential index (SPI) by modifying the basic framework of index of connectivity; SPI indicates the potential of a point on the hillslope to arrest sediment flux and store it. Based on the difference of normalised IC and SPI, we have developed a sediment evacuation susceptibility index (ESI S) that indicates the susceptibility of various parts of the hillslope to get evacuated. Using ESI S , a sediment evacuation susceptibility zonation map was prepared that delineates areas on the basis of their stability. Our study indicates that sediment flux gets arrested at the (1) junction of land use and land cover units that have contrasting sediment transporting capacity, (2) grassland/barren land pockets surrounded by forests, (3) croplands, and (4) landslide debris deposits. The parts of the hillslope in the vicinity of the channel network and areas around steep surfaces are highly susceptible to sediment evacuation. Gentle sloped surfaces away from the channel network are relatively stable. Landslide debris are highly stable units of sediment storage. • Sediment connectivity of a catchment was assessed using index of connectivity (IC). • The IC model was modified to identify potential sediment storage zones (SPI). • Sediment evacuation susceptibility index (ESI S) was formulated using IC and SPI. • Sediment evacuation hazard zonation map was prepared using ESI S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrasses impact on sedimentary intertidal and subtidal ecosystems by affecting local hydrodynamics, geomorphology and sediment properties. Their influence on hydrodynamics is to reduce flow velocities in their canopies, and this leads to increased net sedimentation rates and reduction of the grain size. Most investigations of the seagrass-hydrodynamics-sediment feedback system has been carried out over silt and fine-sand beds under tide-dominated conditions, mostly in the intertidal zone. Here, we use sedimentological data from a relatively wave-exposed and subtidal seagrass (Zostera marina) meadow in the Isles of Scilly with a fine-to-medium sand bed and show that the sand within the seagrass meadow is indeed finer than in adjacent, unvegetated regions. However, in contrast to previous studies, this is not due to increased mud/silt content within the seagrass meadow, but an almost 0.1-mm shift in the median sediment size across the sand fraction from 0.25 mm (fine to medium sand) to 0.35 mm (medium sand). The studied seagrass meadow is characterised by a distinct spatial structure comprising of vegetated 'ridges' and bare sand 'valleys'. Even the bare sand valleys within the seagrass meadow are characterised by significantly coarser sand than the adjacent vegetated ridges, providing further confirmation of the efficiency of sediment sorting by wave processes that takes place within seagrass meadows. It is concluded that any numerical modelling involving sediment transport processes associated with seagrass environments must account for variability in the textural characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abyssal sedimentary dynamic processes are crucial to be understanding the transport and distribution of material (sediment, carbon, plastics, etc.) and the formation of deep-sea bedforms. Accurately characterizing such complicated processes requires a multi-faceted approaches (e.g. numercial models, physical experiments, field observation), among which in-situ field data gathering has been the most challenging. In this study, we collected data from four bottom moorings deployed along the Manila Trench in the northeast South China Sea to investigate the sediment transport processes at the trench bottom. The events with high turbidity, including strong and fast gravity flow and weaker turbidity currents with speed similar to tidal currents, transport sediment down-trench. Sediment particles in the northern part of the trench were generally found to move northward (i.e. up the trench) with seasonal variations primarily influenced by the asymmetrical subtidal currents. During the intensification of northbound subtidal current, the benthic nepheloid layers in Gaoping Canyon, which feeds into the trench, might be transported to the north of trench. Furthermore, a weaker turbidity oscillation at S2 tidal frequencies was observed before turbidity current occurred, increasing sediment transport to the deep. It was hypothesized that multiple small turbidity currents may have been triggered by an earthquake, despite not reaching the mooring S2, with the fine sediment being transported downstream by abyssal tidal currents. • First study to quantify the sediment flux in Manila Trench based on the long-term field measurements is presented. • The directions of mean currents and net sediment fluxes in the northern part of Manila Trench are up trench. • The estimated volume of up-trench sediment transport during the nearly one-year non-turbidity-current conditions was of the same order of magnitude as the down-trench volume by two turbidity currents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intermediate nepheloid layer (INL) serves as an important conduit for the cross-slope transport of particulate matter, including organic carbon, biological nutrients and other lithogenic minerals. Despite extensive reports on the substantial sediment influx from the Ayeyarwady River into the northern continental slope of the Andaman Sea (AS), the transport route and fate of these river-borne sediments remain poorly understood, due to lack of in situ observations of turbid INL over the slope. In this study, we present direct evidence of an INL over the northern continental slope of the AS during the winter of 2019/2020, accompanied by enhanced mid-water turbulent mixing. Mooring measurements reveal energetic internal tides with high-mode vertical structure in the study region; and beam-like structures of internal tides are observed, which could be responsible for the enhanced mid-water turbulent mixing coinciding with the INL. Moreover, available microstructure profiles reveal energetic turbulent mixing with bottom-intensified turbulent diffusivity over the study area. Numerical experiments suggest that inhomogeneous distribution of turbulent mixing over the continental slope could induce local convergence of the upwelling transport in the upslope direction, resulting in an intrusion from the boundary to the interior and consequently promoting the INL formation. The discovery of the INL and its mixing-driven generation mechanism provide new insights into sediment transport dynamics over the northern continental slope of the AS. • Direct observation of intermediate nepheloid layer (INL) over the northern continental slope of the Andaman Sea (AS). • Enhanced turbulent mixing coinciding with the INL likely caused by energy dissipation along the beam of internal tides. • Local enhancement of bottom-intensified turbulent mixing can promote the formation of the INL over the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioturbation in estuarine environments describes all sediment reworking processes implied in sediment transport. However, modelling at large spatial and temporal scales remains a challenge because of the need to consider the fauna at the community level, and because animal behaviour is highly seasonal with non-linear effects of macrofauna functional trait interactions. Bioturbation processes can be linked to the activity of organisms, based on the principle of energy ecology, linking the metabolic rate to the erodibility of a sediment colonised by benthic fauna. This study investigates this postulate by evaluating the erodibility parameters of a sediment subjected to: i) the bioturbation under seasonal temperature variations; ii) the synergistic bioturbation of different species. The experimental design consisted of: i) three temperature levels (winter, spring and summer), ii) three types of species duos (Cerastoderma edule and Macoma balthica ; Scrobicularia plana and Hediste diversicolor ; Corophium volutator and Peringia ulvae) at 4 different relative densities. Two successive experiments were carried out on the same individuals: measurement of oxygen consumption of fauna then measurement of the erodibility of the colonised sediment in a flume. The oxygen consumption confirmed that the metabolic rate is a good model of the fauna respiration, regardless of species. The erosion results indicated that the metabolic rate in the case of the fluff layer resuspension is an interesting descriptor for 1) the assessment of the bioturbation under variable temperatures and 2) the integration of the two different bioturbator species that could co-occur in the same habitat. In contrast, the effect of bioturbation on the mass sediment erosion threshold cannot be easily modelled by using the metabolic rate and the classification in functional groups is required. Bioturbation models of the fluff layer using metabolic rate is a promising tool for modelling the effects of faunal communities on sediment transport at the scale of an estuary and over the long term, even projected in the context of global warming. [Display omitted] • Temperature influences the effect of bioturbation on sediment erodibility by regulating physiological metabolism. • The erosion of the fluff layer is positively linked to the total metabolic rate, without consideration of the species. • The mass sediment erosion threshold is negatively impacted by some species, without consideration of their metabolic rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands produce key ecosystem services to mitigate the impacts of peak flows caused by pluvial or fluvial floods or storm surges. Sediment floods were characterized by a peak flow flowing over a simulated wetland, populated with two natural species. Floods have been drawn as flows of height H, into waters of height h, where H > h. Peak flow along the flume passed through: peak flow adjustment; peak flow; drag-dominated peak flow; and gravity current regimes. For high inundation wetland levels, settling rates of coarse and fine sediment were similar during the peak flow regime. At larger distances, sedimentation decreased monotonically, with higher sedimentation of fine particles. For low inundation levels, the sedimentation rate during the drag-dominated peak flow regime was higher for coarse particles. Vegetation decreased the inundation level needed for enhancing sedimentation. Our study then adds practical knowledge at considering that the synergies between the vegetation and the inundation level may enhance wetland services such as the mitigation of pluvial, fluvial or coastal floodings. [Display omitted] • Aquatic emergent vegetation exerts drag on peak flows in inundated wetland systems. • High-inundated wetlands produce flow resistance against peak flows, enhancing sedimentation close to the source. • In low-inundated wetlands, inertia dominates transporting sediment far from the source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sand sources for San Francisco bay changed during holocene transgression. • The San Francisco estuary is likely an importer of sand from the pacific coast. • Pacific coast is cut-off from central valley fluvial sources in modern conditions. • Most sand in San Francisco bay is likely relic from low stand fluvial transport. • Transgressive sand sourcing reversals may be abrupt in large structural estuaries. Coastal sand supply is a critical component of shoreline stability in the face of modern threats to coastal zones such as sea level rise or anthropogenic sediment extraction. Understanding the natural and anthropogenically perturbed dynamics of coastal systems has become a pressing challenge for coastal communities, such as the San Francisco Bay area in the United Sates, a large structurally controlled estuary system where stakeholders seek to balance the extraction of coastal sand resources for economic use and ensure sufficient sand supply for sustaining natural coastal environments. Developing accurate and comprehensive models of sand inputs and transport pathways in different types of coastal systems is imperative to balancing these competing needs. While estuarine sediment transport has been well-studied in many systems globally, structurally controlled estuaries in tectonically active settings have received relatively less attention. The prevailing hypothesis for sediment transport through San Francisco Bay describes active input and transport of sand from a large integrated regional catchment, through multiple subembayments, and out to Pacific coast beaches; a model contrary to prevailing understanding of highstand estuarine sediment transport in most settings. We test this model by applying comprehensive sand provenance analysis to surface and near-surface sand deposits in and around San Francisco Bay coupled with sand residence time data from optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. New provenance results include sand petrography modal abundances, bulk geochemistry, and U-Pb detrital zircon geochronology from 27 Holocene samples throughout the San Francisco Bay region. Collectively, these new results highlight marked sediment provenance and residence time differences between San Francisco Bay structural subembayments. In particular, distinct compositional differences and OSL ages exist between sand in the bayhead region of the estuary (OSL ages ca. 4 ka; Sacramento River/local provenance) and sand from the more distal bay regions and the Pacific coast (OSL ages ca. 1 ka; integrated Sierra Nevada provenance). These provenance differences better support a revised sand input and transport model with disconnected depocenters across three structurally restricted subembayments from bayhead to the Pacific coast. New data suggest that at present the bayhead region receives limited supply from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta drainage with subsidiary supply from local circum-bay drainages. Sand deposited in the region from the Pacific coast through the inlet (Golden Gate) and into the estuary consists of a combination of tidal winnowing and reworking of "relic" sand from lowstand periods combined with sand eroded from Pacific coast sea cliffs, and sand supply from local Coast Range drainages. These results suggest that sand is likely not transported directly to the Pacific coast from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta under modern conditions. Moreover, it is likely that structural constrictions between the main estuary and outer coast and between estuary subembayments cause abrupt cessation of sediment input from the main regional drainage during marine flooding, a feature likely common to large structurally controlled estuaries globally. This revised model for San Francisco Bay sand transport illustrates the need for research targeted at interpreting natural sand transport pathways in coastal systems where coarse sediment supply is a sustainability concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a numerical investigation is conducted to study the scour dynamics around vertical square- and diamond-shaped piles in clear-water and live-bed conditions. The focus is particularly on cases involving narrow channels, aiming to examine the differences compared to more extensively studied scenarios, such as wide channels with circular piles. This work employs a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) model to simulate the turbulent flows around the structures. The hydrodynamic model is based on the Navier–Stokes equations in σ -coordinate, and the bed evolution is simulated by solving the Exner-Polya equation. The governing equations are solved using a second-order unstructured finite-volume method. The model is initially validated through a comparison with experimental data and numerical results found in the literature. Subsequently, it is applied to conduct a comprehensive study, enhancing our understanding of the various conditions influencing the scour process. The results indicate that the shape of the piles has different effects on the scour depth under clear-water and live-bed conditions. In live-bed conditions, the simulations reveal a deeper scour around the square-shaped pile compared to the diamond-shaped pile at the equilibrium stage. Conversely, an opposite behavior is observed in clear-water conditions, with a deeper scour around the diamond pile. Moreover, this behavior is consistent across both narrow and wide channels. It is discovered that, in clear-water conditions, the evolution of the scour in a narrow channel reaches equilibrium faster than in a wide channel, leading to a deeper equilibrium scour hole in the wide channel scenario. • Sediment transport dynamics are studied in clear-water and live-bed conditions. • Local scour dynamics studied in narrow and wide channels. • Different scour dynamics depending on flow conditions. • Pile shape observed to have separate effects depending on the scour regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beaches are important coastal features that provide vital ecosystem services; however, these systems are threatened by coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and coastal squeeze. Beach nourishments are a commonly applied coastal protection measure to mitigate erosion and flood risks while maintaining or enhancing recreational values. Nourishments vary in scale from mega-nourishments to small-scale nourishments, where the latter has typically been less studied due to the limited resources for monitoring. Meanwhile, with rising sea levels, the implementation of small-scale nourishments is expected to increase, and there is a need for more knowledge about the morphological evolution and technical lifetime of these interventions. In this study, the morphological responses of small-scale beach nourishment (total volume 20,000 m3 which amounts to 30 m3 added per m alongshore) are observed and quantified over various timescales, considering the initial adjustment, long-term development, and event-driven response. The investigated nourishment is implemented in a partly sheltered coastal embayment in the semi-enclosed Baltic Sea, which has a complex interaction between waves and water levels. Furthermore, the beach is surrounded by hard structures, a rock revetment at the back, and a harbor mole and a groin, influencing the longshore and cross-shore sediment transport. The results show that substantial reduction in subaerial volume can be attributed to specific events. In addition, we observed considerable spatial variation in the sediment re-distribution induced by hard structures and variability in the nearshore bathymetry. The lifetime of the beach nourishment is just over two years. The nourished material remains in the system at the end of the lifetime but is not available for beach recovery. Still, the added subaerial volume has eroded at the midsection, and the protective beach width has been reduced, leaving the rock revetment exposed with reduced protection for the hinterland. The energy conditions at the site are highly episodic, which impacts morphological evolution, and observations indicate that the development is event-driven. • Beach morphodynamics in a low-energy coastal embayment • Episodic wave activity and water level variations are influenced by basin effects. • Morphological response of a small-scale beach nourishment at different timescales • Beach nourishment performance during an extreme storm surge [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proglacial areas in the European Alps and other high-elevation mountains are currently undergoing rapid change due to global warming. Because of rising temperatures, glaciers and glacier forefields are subjected to increased melting and associated sediment export. This observation is increasingly important with respect to high-elevation geomorphological and ecological dynamics, emerging natural hazards and mitigation efforts, and hydropower plant management. It is therefore crucial to analyze the factors and feedback mechanisms governing sediment production, transport, and deposition in these rapidly changing areas. In this study, we investigated the sediment dynamics of a proglacial area located in the Eastern Italian Alps over the period 1969–2021 with the aims of: i) identifying the areas of sediment production; ii) quantifying volumes and rates of bedload sediment transport; and iii) determining the relative contribution of glacial export and fluvial erosion to the total sediment budget. We found that i) apart from glaciers, moraines and fluvial channels have been the most important sediment sources, albeit with substantial differences in terms of connectivity and thus supply rates; ii) the volumes and rates of sediment erosion varied by one order of magnitude (between tens and hundreds of mm per year), and were generally higher along the channel network; and iii) for a relatively shorter time interval between 2005 and 2021, the relative contribution of glacial bedload input with respect to the total sediment budget ranged between 34 % and 37 %, whereas 45 % to 59 % was derived from lateral fluvial erosion. Only a relatively small sediment volume was generated by net channel bed incision. These results imply that most of the sediment released from the proglacial area of the Sulden glacier is progressively transferred to the downstream sector of the channel network, with volumes that range between 931 and 1017 tons yr−1 km−2. These values are in the typical range of sediment export volumes from glaciated basins and highlight the high dynamicity of this region of the Alps. In general, our results confirm the complexity – in terms of spatial and temporal variability – of Alpine proglacial systems and highlight the need to systematically study these areas on a wide spatial and temporal scale, since the information provided by single locations or individual sectors of the sediment cascade, may not be adequate for understanding the dynamics acting in the entire proglacial regions. [Display omitted] • Proglacial areas change rapidly and supply sediment to the downstream valleys. • Moraines and channels are the most important sediment sources. • Glacial and fluvial erosion contribute between 35 % and 50 % to the sediment budget. • The proglacial area of the Sulden glacier is dominated by sediment transport. • In the Sulden region, sediment export may increase in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediments from land are primarily transported into basins through hyperpycnal flow, which plays a significant role in the process of basin filling. Various models of hyperpycnites have been proposed. This study examines a Silurian–Devonian basin-fill sequence in NW China to validate existing models and presents a visually compelling case demonstrating the process of basin filling through flood-dominated river discharge. The Utubulak Member of the Kekexiongkuduke Formation can be subdivided into three parts, representing basin floor, slope and shelf environments, collectively representing a regressive basin fill sequence. The lower part consists of flood-related turbidites contain or encompass material of terrestrial and marine origin, their sustained and pulsed velocity structures are similar to river discharge. These turbidites may result from basinal hyperpycnal flow or retrogressive failures of the shelf-edge (hyperpycnal) delta. The middle (slope deposits) contains bi-graded hyperpycnite bed interpreted commonly attributed to deposition by river floods exhibiting the classical waxing-waning configuration. Additionally, fine-grained deposits resulting from river-generated, dilute hyperpycnal or hypopycnal plumes are observed interbedded with the basin turbidites or slope background deposits. In the upper part, the presence of thick-bedded sandstones indicates that sustained hyperpycnal flow can transport sands to the shelf-edge/shelf, facilitating deep-water sand delivery. The vertical distribution of the various flood-related facies in basin floor, slope and shelf strata emphasize the complexity of hyperpycnites in different settings, and particularly highlighting challenges associated with their recognition in basin deposits. The investigated succession accumulated in an island-arc setting which provided a favorable condition for a river-fed turbidite system to develop. The narrow shelf facilitated transport of sediments by hyperpycnal flows directly into the basin, while erosion of high mountains promoted a high sediment supply for hyperpycnal flow. And a river-fed turbidite system commonly developed during the late stages of basin filling. • The Silurian–Devonian Kekexiongkuduke Formation represent a river-fed basin-fill sequences. • Different hyperpycnites and flood-related turbidites were recognized in basin. slope and shelf deposits. • Recognition of basin hyperpycnites is challenging by the study of a single section. • An island-arc setting provides a favorable tectono-sedimentary background for a river-fed turbidite system at this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Laboratory study of flow and sediment transport, and vortex generation under a surging wave on an equilibrium beach with rigid and sediment bed experiments. • A backwash vortex occurs at the beach step as a result of flow separation at the crest of the step. • Flow separation, accompanied by an upward-directed vertical acceleration of fluid particles during the wave breaking creates an impulsive, upward-directed pressure gradient force. • Sediment transport occurs in the sheet-flow regime in a substantial part of the equilibrium beach. Flow patterns and sediment transport induced by breaking waves on a beach profile have been studied in a laboratory wave flume. Two parallel experiments were conducted on the same profiled rigid bed and sediment (mobile) bed, each subjected to identical wave forcing. The rigid bed experiments include measurements of bed shear stress and water-surface elevation, while the sediment bed experiments involve the measurement of pore-water pressures. The beach profile features a beach step leading to the generation of a hydraulic jump at the end of the rundown phase and accordingly forms a backwash vortex. The bed shear stress measurements revealed that the maximum onshore directed mean bed shear stress occurs after the wave breaking whereas the offshore directed one occurs during rundown at the same section. The increase of the bed shear stress with respect to that in the approaching wave boundary layer during the wave breaking and hydraulic jump processes can be by as much as a factor of 13 and 4, respectively. The effect of the wave breaking on turbulence is also more pronounced by a factor of 2.2 than the hydraulic jump in terms of r.m.s values of the fluctuating component of the bed shear stress. The pore pressure measurements showed that the vortex generated during the wave breaking creates an impulsive, upward-directed pressure gradient force that can be up to 1.2 times the submerged weight of the sediment. The sediment transport occurs in the sheet flow regime in a large part of the beach profile. The turbulence generated by the backwash vortex and the hydraulic jump at the beach step directly impacts the local sediment suspension which serves as the source for the advected sediment in the swash zone. The results are compared with a previous study that used the same methodology but involved plunging waves and the initial bed profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]