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• Fine particles control the exchangeable silica mobilization in the river. • Current sediment in the estuary contain less reactive silica than historical level. • Increased fine particle fraction affect silica sediment with forms variation in estuary. Changes in riverine sediment transport are an important part of land-sea geochemical cycling and further impact geochemical element fluxes in turbid rivers. However, as a vital nutrient element supporting primary productivity, silica mobilization from drainage in turbid rivers is overlooked. The turbid Yellow River has a strong ability to adsorb reactive silica, thereby exerting a substantial impact on the estuarine deposition of silica. Through an integration of monitoring databases, field sampling and historical hydrological data, we concluded that riverine fine particles control the exchangeable silica in the river and its estuary under soil erosion. Indoor simulation further revealed that the adsorbed content of exchangeable silica (ex-Si) in fine sediment constituted 35 % of total sediment matter. In addition, the transport of phosphorus and ex-Si was jointly regulated by fine sediment in global fluvial sediment transport, thereby exerting additional influence on the trophic structure of estuarine ecosystems. Against the backdrop of sediment budget deficit in the estuary, the heightened content of fine particles is depleting the silica storage from estuarine sediments. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yellow River is globally recognized for its significant sediment load, primarily attributed to its passage through the Loess Plateau. Notably, effective soil erosion control measures have led to a substantial decrease in sediment transport since the 1950s. However, a lack of comprehensive and detailed data impedes understanding of long-term spatiotemporal changes in suspended sediment concentration (SSC). To address this gap, this study utilizes in-situ daily data from 12 hydrological stations (SSC range: 0.41–1.08 × 106 mg/L) to develop a high-precision SSC model for Landsat series sensors (R2 > 0.86, root mean square error (RMSE) < 1105.74 mg/L, and mean absolute percent difference (MAPD) < 39.67%). Significant spatial variabilities in SSC are observed within the Yellow River and its main tributaries. Temporally, 97.39% of the investigated river sections (N = 480) exhibited a decreasing trend from 1986 to 2022, of which 50% are statistically significant (p < 0.05). Generally, the SSC was higher in summer and fall (2998.16 mg/L) with higher water discharge compared to winter and spring (1126.25 mg/L), although the seasonal variability weakened during the 1980s–2020s. Analysis of suspended sediment flux identified the Huangfu, Kuye, and Fen Rivers as major sediment sources for the Yellow River, while suspended sediment deposition/erosion varies across different sections. Driver analyses revealed that human sediment control projects are the primary contributors to the decrease in SSC, whereas natural factors predominantly influence intra-annual SSC variability across different years. This study is important for understanding the spatiotemporal variations in SSC within the Yellow River and its tributaries, monitoring sediment transport dynamics in global rivers and providing scientific references for watershed ecology and water resource management. • A Landsat-based algorithm was developed for estimating SSC in the turbid Yellow River. • The spatiotemporal variations of SSC over four decades were presented for the first time. • SSC exhibited spatial heterogeneity and a declining trend since the 1980s. • The decline in SSC is primarily attributed to conservation policies on the Loess Plateau. • The transport flux of SSC revealed sediment deposition or erosion in various river sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We used a tracer-based approach to quantify melt water proportions related to sediment transport at two contrasting Alpine proglacial streams. • Glacier melt was associated with higher bedload concentrations at the debris-covered glacier and much lower concentrations at the clean ice glacier. • Glacier size, presence of debris cover, and substrate were identified as the main drivers of melt dynamics and sediment transport at both glaciers. Subglacial sediments are a large component of the sediment budget of glacierized catchments but insights into the subglacial origin of sediments (bedload, in particular) linked to proglacial runoff dynamics remain scarce. In this study, we use a tracer-based approach to quantify meltwater proportions related to sediment transport at two proglacial streams, draining glaciers (named debris-covered and clean glacier) of different size, aspect and elevation range with contrasting distribution and thickness of debris cover and lithology of the subglacial sediments (i.e., metamorphic vs. sedimentary), in the Sulden/Solda catchment (Italian Alps). Results indicate that the glacier melt component (75 to 80 %) was associated with bedload concentrations of 1 to 10 kg m−3 at the debris-covered glacier and much lower concentrations of 0.01 to 1 kg m−3 at the clean ice glacier. At the seasonal scale, bedload and suspended sediment concentrations at both sites strongly varied with discharge. While daily bedload concentrations varied by up to two orders of magnitude obscured the seasonal development of bedload concentrations at both sites, a clear seasonality for suspended sediment concentrations was found. At the daily scale, the relationship of discharge, bedload, and suspended sediment was more complex because discharge and sediment transport did not always follow the daily variation of air temperature, or similar daily air temperatures resulted in different discharge and sediment transport responses and vice versa. Glacier size, presence of debris cover, and substrate were identified as the main drivers of meltwater dynamics and sediment transport at both glaciers. This study adds further insights into the interplay of meltwater contributions and sediment transport, which are essential to better assess the impact of climate warming on sediment supply in glacierized catchments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analytically compared two approaches on the downstream variation of peak velocity. • Newly derived and evaluated a downstream hydraulic geometry relationships. • All the theoretical results were found to be well matched to those observed. • Especially, the downstream variation of peak velocity was found insignificant. This study compares three approaches to deriving the downstream hydraulic geometry (DHG) relationships: one by Leopold and Maddock (1953), a second by Huang and Nanson (2000), and the third in this study. The DHG relationships are the power function relationships between the downstream discharge and various variables, which include the flow velocity, channel width, channel depth, channel slope, and roughness coefficient. The DHG relationships can be described using a set of equations, including the continuity equation, flow velocity equation, and sediment transport equation. The derived relationships are then compared with the empirical results from previous studies worldwide, as well as those from two basins in Korea. As a result, first, all the theoretically derived exponents for peak velocity are found to be very small at around 0.1. This result supports the assumption that for a given rainfall event, the peak velocity in a basin remains unchanged. Simple regression analysis in this study also confirms that the change of peak flow velocity downstream is statistically insignificant. Through this, the assumption of a constant flow velocity within specific storm events may hold a certain degree of validity. Second, the range of the exponent for the channel width is found to be rather smaller at (0.4–0.6) than the those of the other two exponents. The range of the exponent for the channel depth is found to be (0.2–0.6), while that of the peak velocity to be (0.0–0.4). Possible reasons for this tendency have also been investigated in several studies, but have not yet been universally accepted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Storm events have a significant impact on coastal topography, which can subsequently lead to coastal erosion and ecological deterioration. Traditional field measurements are affected by environmental factors and consume substantial resources, making it difficult to conduct large-scale terrain, hydrodynamic and other monitoring tasks. Significant challenges still remain to identify the response of coastal processes to storm events due to the lack of field measured data. In this study, the response of coastal morphodynamical variations to extreme storm events was simulated by the coupled XBeach and FVCOM models and the storm-induced coastal evolution was evaluated in the China Yellow Sea. The costal morphodynamical variations under different wind conditions were also quantified. The results reveal that erosion dominated the supratidal zone while accretion mainly occurred in the subtidal zone. Comparing the coastal morphology before and after the storm, we found the alongshore currents were the primary factors influencing sediment transport. The degree of coastal erosion and accretion shift was positively correlated with the wind speed and direction. The present nested model may serve as a valuable tool for predicting future coastal erosion and accretion, contributing to more scientifically informed coastal management decisions. The study also provides a scientific basis for understanding the response mechanism of coastal morphodynamical process to extreme storm events and coastline evolution under global change. • Response of coastal morphodynamical variation to extratropical storm surges was simulated by a nested numerical XBeach and FVCOM models. • The alongshore currents induced by extratropical storm surges cause coastal erosion. • Coastal erosion occurs in the supratidal and intertidal zones, while accretion occurs in the subtidal zone during extratropical storm surges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the impact of the spatio/temporal variability of grain size on morphological beach state is reasonably well understood, relatively little is known on its impact at a scale of days/months on aeolian sediment transport. This study focuses on five short intensive wind events during which aeolian sediment transport measurements, beach surface sampling and elevation change surveys were carried out for 1 to 3 days, over a 16-month period on a microtidal beach dominated by offshore winds. Monthly observations show a high temporal variability in beach grain size in relation to the decoupling between hydrodynamic and aeolian processes, from medium sand after a marine storm and inundation of the beach, to very coarse sand after several weeks of storm-force winds. During each wind event, topographic change on the beach ranged from zero, to 0.55 m. The time scale of coarsening depended on the initial beach grain size and could be very fast when the beach was composed of medium sand (e.g. 388 μm sand changed to coarse sand of 547 μm in 40 h). In contrast, it took one month to transition from a coarse median beach grain size of 883 μm to a very coarse one of 1323 μm. This variability in grain size results in dramatically different rates of sediment flux. For example, during average wind speeds of 10 to 14 m/s the sediment flux when the beach was composed of medium sized sand ranged between 21 and 154 kg/m/h compared to 0.4 to 50 kg/m/h when the beach was composed of coarse and very coarse sized grains. Overall, this study highlights the importance of beach grain size variability on aeolian sediment transport and shows that for similar incident wind and climatic conditions aeolian sediment transport rates vary dramatically. The study demonstrates the importance of taking care when using a constant median grain size in the calculation of long-term aeolian sand transport on beaches with heterogeneous spatial and temporal beach grain size variability. • Transport rates can be ten times greater on medium-sized beach than coarse one. • Offshore wind generate a grain size sorting, the finest sands are exported seaward. • Topographic variations of the beach depends on its grain size and sand supply. • The return of fine sediments depends on marine storms occurrence and intensities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to distinguish genetic sedimentary processes building canyon geomorphological patterns and the factors driving different sedimentary activities in two nearby Mediterranean shelf-incised submarine canyons (Carchuna and Motril) that exhibit different degrees of incision on the narrow margin of the northern Alboran Sea. The straight Carchuna Canyon incises the shelf up to 200 m off the coastline and exhibit steep canyon walls featuring narrow terraces, muddy sands with high contents of organic matter along the thalweg, and transported shelf benthic foraminifera in distal settings. The Motril Canyon head is wider and incises the shelf edge, ca. 2 km off the coastline. It exhibits a sinuous morphology and less steep walls, wider terraces, and higher sedimentation rates with muddy sediments along the thalweg. In both canyons, cross-section relief, width, incision, and area decrease downslope, although these parameters increase locally. The downslope variations of geomorphological parameters are attributed to enhanced erosional/depositional processes promoted by tectonically controlled abrupt changes of the axial channel orientation. The degree of shelf incision, the location of the canyon heads in relation with the local sediment sources, and the seasonally variable hydrodynamic regimes determine the different degrees of recent canyon activity. The Motril Canyon is interpreted as a mature system that reflects episodic activity, collecting fine-grained sediments from the nearby Guadalfeo River. The Carchuna Canyon exhibits a youthful developmental stage whose activity is more continuous and involves sediment trapping of littoral cells and continuous downslope sand transport. • Sedimentary processes in canyons are imprinted in their submarine morphology. • The degree of canyon shelf incision determines the amount of sediment capture. • The passive Motril Canyon accumulates sediments supplied by the Guadalfeo River. • Carchuna Canyon is an active system whose canyon head traps littoral cell sediments. • Oceanographic conditions influence the canyon heads as sediment traps or conduits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arid ecohydrology relies on sporadic rainfall and flooding to sustain linear river oases, crucial for supporting flora and fauna during the long dry season and drought years. Growing water demands have led to large reservoir constructions, severely impacting the fragile arid ecosystems. We analyse the hydro-geomorphological impacts of the large Neckartal Dam (completed in 2019) on the Fish River oasis based on existing dams, regional studies, field surveys, hydrological data, and modelling. The Neckartal Dam, along with three smaller dams, impounds 80 % of the desert oasis basin (1235 Mm3, 55,870 km2), exceeding the average annual runoff threefold. A gradient of dam-induced changes was identified, varying with distance from the dam wall. Immediate downstream, hydromorphological impacts include channel narrowing (⁓15 %) and reduce mean annual sediment yield (⁓20 %). Also, water distribution losses create chronic low flows, favour for invasive flora and fauna to spread, significantly disrupting the pristine nature of the desert ecosystem. This phenomenon has been observed over a 70 km stretch below the Hardap Dam. This situation is irreversible, as the invasive flora can withstand even large floods. As the distance increases, the dam suppresses low to moderate annual floods and prolongs droughts from months to years or even decades. Based on our flood routing model, only the largest floods (recurrence interval, RI >25 years) can exceed the dam storage, continue downstream, transport sediment and maintain the pool-bar morphology along 245 km of the oasis. The lack of significant flows between major floods means that sediment from smaller, lower arid basins accumulates in the Fish River valley, filling pools and further reducing water availability during dry periods. The Neckartal Dam's impact assessment demonstrates potential changes in arid river systems globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review paper, the main geometrical characteristics of sea ripples (the smallest morphological patterns that are observed at the bottom of sea waves) are reviewed together with the physical mechanisms that give rise to their appearance and control their time development. Moreover, we provide a summary of both the mathematical tools (stability analyses) and empirical formulae that can be used to predict their appearance and some of their geometrical characteristics. The ripples play a relevant role in the mechanics of coastal sediment transport since usually the flow separates at the ripple crests and generates vortex structures that pick-up the sediments from the bottom and put them into suspension. Moreover, the vortex structures shed by the ripples significantly affect wave damping and flow resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SWAT-Twn 2.0: Enhanced model with adaptable landslide triggers improves sediment simulation. • Dual triggers (PCP: rainfall and FSW: fraction of soil water content) in SWAT-Twn 2.0 show superior performance. • PCP trigger significantly affects landslide identification accuracy. • Lack of particle size leads to channel deposition overestimation. • Incorporate landslide characteristics into HRU (Hydrologic Response Unit) classification to address limitations. Landslides, caused by heavy rainfall, earthquakes, or human development, are likely occur in steeper slopes, while some occur in moderate slopes (15°– 35°). Although landslides can contribute a significant amount of sediment transport in a watershed, landslides are rarely considered in hydrological models. To conduct a thorough investigation into the influence of landslides on sediment transport within rivers, a detailed analysis of landslide characteristics was performed. Subsequently, a dedicated landslide module was integrated into a hydrological model, known as SWAT-Twn 2.0 – an enhanced version of SWAT-Twn, originally developed by Chiang et al. (2021). This integration allowed for the simulation of sediment transport at the hydrologic response units (HRUs) within the Xiuguluan River Basin, a mountainous watershed located in Taiwan. The study explores multiple threshold values for landslide-triggering factors (PCP: rainfall and FSW: fraction of soil water content), emphasizing the influence of the number and locations of rainfall stations on landslide identification. In comparative scenario simulations (S1: no trigger, S2: single trigger, S3: dual trigger), the integration of dual triggers (PCP + FSW) significantly improves sediment simulation results, particularly for peak total load (S3: R2 = 0.83, NSE = 0.74, PBIAS = 23.69 %). It also emphasizes the importance of specifying the particle size distribution of landslides for accurate sediment deposition calculations. In summary, it is necessary to consider landslide-triggering factors in hydrological models to enhance accuracy in sediment yield simulations. To further improve landslide identification and sediment transport modeling, the study recommends incorporating additional triggering factors into HRU classification (i.e., elevation and aspect). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach involving data on wave-induced sediment transport estimates is essential for managing coastal environments. Numerical models are powerful tools to understand and investigate many processes responsible for longshore sediment transport (LST) in a systematic way, since direct measurement of LST is a difficult task. This paper presents estimates of longshore sediment transport through numerical modeling of wave-induced sediment dispersion patterns in the Formosa Bay, State of Rio de Janeiro - Southeast Brazil. The analysis was conducted using the computational package Coastal Modeling System/SMC-Brazil and mathematical formulations proposed by Cerc (1984). The results suggest average residual solid discharge (Qsr avg) in the order of 131,442.745 m3/yr in northern sector, −151,908.32 m3/yr in central sector, and 71,987.69 m3/yr in southern sector of investigated area. In addition, it is important to highlight that minor variations in the wave incidence angle may cause changes in the longshore sediment drift, promoting the convergence and divergence zones throughout the investigated area. The results presented contribute to the advancement of knowledge on the topic addressed here and will be useful in future engineering projects related to beach nourishment and the management of coastal areas subject to erosion processes. • Data are presented on simulations of wave-induced longshore sediment transport rates in Baia Formosa Bay, southeastern Brazil. • The Coastal Modeling System SMC/Brazil were used. • Results suggest different solid outflow rates for each sector of investigated area. • The model may provide a basis for planning actions and environmental management in coastal zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sedimentary source-to-sink processes remain under debate in the southwestern Okinawa Trough due to its complex oceanographic context. We employe a multidisciplinary approach combining marine sedimentology and physical oceanography to address the sedimentary source-to-sink processes. This study shows that the East China Sea shelf has been the provenance of the southwestern Okinawa Trough during the past 3000 a, judged from the detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology. Numerical simulations indicated that the bottom currents are the primary drivers that transport sediments from the East China Sea shelf continuously entering the southwestern Okinawa Trough. This study confirms that the source-to-sink system in the southwestern Okinawa Trough is controlled by multiscale ocean processes, and verifies that the sediments are mainly sourced from the East China Sea shelf in the past 3000 a. These arguments greatly improve our understanding on the sediment dispersal and have important implications on the climatic and oceanographic reconstructions. • Detrital Zircon U-Pb geochronology is an effective tool for differentiating Taiwanese rivers and East China Sea shelf sourced sediments. • Zircon U-Pb ages data indicated that the East China Sea shelf is the primary provenance of the southwestern Okinawa Trough. • Bottom currents dominated sedimentary source-sink processes in the southwestern Okinawa Trough during the high sea-level stand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Stream power and soil clay content were used to model soil erosion rate. • Sediment sorting and transport were controlled by the soil properties. • A linear function was developed to quantify the sediment clay content. • The relative contributions of different transport mechanisms were quantified. Understanding the sediment sorting and transport processes is is crucial for enhancing the understanding of soil erosion mechanisms and improving soil erosion prediction. However, quantitative studies based on the coupling effects of both hydraulic parameters and soil properties are still lacking. In this study, five loessial soils with varying physicochemical properties were collected in the Loess Plateau of China, and simulated rainfall experiments were carried out in a metal box with a slope of 20 degrees under rainfall intensities of 1, 1.5, and 2 mm min−1. Runoff samples were collected to analyze the variation in erosion rates and effective particle size distribution of eroded sediments during the rainfall process. The results showed that the stream power was the optimal parameter to model the erosion rate, and a power function incorporating the clay content and stream power could well predict the erosion rate of different soils. The enrichment ratio indicated the enrichment of fine particles and depletion of coarse particles. And the sediment sorting degree increased with increasing soil clay content. The critical particle size for distinguishing different transport mechanisms varied among soils, with more than 55.46 % of the total sediment transported by suspension/saltation. A linear function and power function including the original soil particle size distribution and stream power were developed to quantify the sediment clay content and the relative contribution of different transport mechanisms. This study could be helpful to improve the soil erosion prediction model and provide basic guidelines for regional soil and water conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Human interventions affect the dynamics of meandering channels. • Unusual inner bank erosion and outer bank deposition occurred due to upstream damming. • Altered flow-sediment regimes and channel boundary drive the unusual meander dynamics. Human activities, such as reservoir construction and bank revetment, significantly alter downstream flow and sediment regimes and river channel changes, impacting river ecosystem services. However, our understanding of how intense human activities affect morphodynamics of meandering channels in big river systems remains incomplete due to the lack of high-resolution in-situ data. Here, we use comprehensive data encompassing hydrology and sediment, historical channel maps, and high-resolution river bathymetry to investigate the evolution of meandering bends in the Middle Yangtze River (MYR) across three distinct phases: the natural period (1490–1975), the bank revetment period (1975–2002), and the post-dam period (2003–2018). The study revealed that, in the absence of human intervention, the meandering channels of the MYR naturally experienced inner bank deposition and outer bank erosion, largely governed by curvature-induced secondary flow patterns in flow and sediment transport mode. In 1975–2002, outer-bank revetments reduced erodibility, stabilizing outer banks, while inner banks continued to experience lateral and vertical deposition, causing a narrower and deeper channel hydraulic geometry. Conversely, meandering bends had exhibited an unusual pattern of 'outer bank deposition and inner bank erosion' in 2003–2018. Channel morphological changes characterized by channel incision and widening were driven by changes from erodible bank boundaries to solidified bank boundaries, substantial reduction in suspended sediment concentration, and an altered and extended effective flow range (10,000–25,000 m3/s). Our findings highlight that human interventions such as damming and bank revetments can alter the conventional erosion–deposition morphodynamics of meandering bends in large river systems, carrying vital implications for sustainable river management in the Anthropocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new 2D meshless bedload sediment transport model is developed based on ESPH. • A formulation for calculating the time step size for an HLLC Riemann solver in a weakly coupled approach is proposed. • The simulated results based on the developed 2D ESPH-SW-BST model show good agreement with the measured results. • A particle configuration of eight interacting particles can yield more accurate predictions of erosion peaks in cases with significant lateral flow effects. A 2D Eulerian meshless bedload sediment transport model is developed using smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) to simulate rapidly varied flows over mobile beds. In the developed model, we adopt a weakly coupled numerical approach to explicitly solve the governing equations, including 2D shallow water equations for fluid flow motion and the Exner equation for bed sediment movement at the same time step. A defined virtual bedload velocity in a weakly coupled approach is involved in the calculation of time step sizes. However, nonphysical virtual bedload velocities, which often occur in cases with nearly flat beds, require extremely small time step sizes. A formulation of the lower and upper bounds of information propagation speeds for an HLLC approximate Riemann solver is thus proposed to remedy the problem. Four case studies involving dam break flows in prismatic and erodible channels, knickpoint migration, dam erosion due to overtopping flow and dam-break flow in an erodible channel with an abrupt expansion are adopted to validate the developed model. In addition, to compare the performances of different particle interaction configurations under Cartesian uniform particle arrangements, four and eight interacting particles are obtained by changing the smoothing length. Against the measured results, the case of eight interacting particles shows more accurate predictions of erosion peaks along the measured cross-sections because the lateral flows are significant. The good agreement between the simulated and measured results shows that the developed 2D Eulerian SPH bedload sediment transport model with eight interacting particles is well suited for simulating complicated flow-induced bed erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living shorelines have been recognized for their potential to attenuate wave energy, reduce shoreline erosion, and enhance coastal resilience, and are gaining traction as a preferred method of shoreline stabilization. Yet much remains uncertain about their resiliency and effectiveness in reducing shoreline erosion during high-energy events. This study examines sediment dynamics at a relatively mature living shoreline (constructed in 2007 and comprised of a created marsh and rock sill at the land/water interface) in the Maryland Coastal Bays (USA) during a storm event via field surveys and numerical modeling. Results are evaluated within the context of observations at an adjacent natural marsh. Our study demonstrates that the mechanisms of marsh loss at the edge during these times differ between the living shoreline and natural marsh. Specifically, the living shoreline boundary is degraded through open-water conversion as ponds expand landward of the rock sills, but the natural marsh is eroded by undercutting at the scarp toe, triggering slumping and edge collapse. Sediments in the living shoreline marsh have larger particle sizes and lower organic content than in the natural marsh; vegetation has higher stem heights and lower stem densities compared to the natural marsh. These differences may drive differences in the stability of the marsh boundary. Numerical modeling indicates that bed shear stresses are higher landward of the rock sill at the edge of the vegetation in the living shoreline. This increase in shear stress under high-energy conditions occurs at both flood and ebb tide, potentially contributing to scouring and/or open-water conversion, as well as substantial sediment transport between the subtidal zone and the marsh platform of the living shoreline. Increasing the bank height (both sill and marsh) may reduce erosion at the marsh edge and/or prevent open-water conversion but should be carefully balanced with marsh ecology and processes during other times of the year. • The living shoreline marsh boundary is degraded via open-water conversion as ponds expand landward of the rock sills. • High particle size and stem height, as well as low organic content and stem density may drive the marsh boundary instability. • Higher bed shear stresses landward of the rock sill at the marsh edge potentially contribute to the open-water conversion. • Increasing the bank height (both sill and marsh) can reduce erosion and prevent the open-water conversion at the marsh edge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied a multisequal soil succession (MSS) just south of Torres del Paine National Park (51°S), at the present-day core of the Southern Westerly Winds (SWW). The Río Serrano Section comprises paleosol horizons with associated intervening loess and sandy loess beds formed during the Holocene. Our record suggests strong and stable aeolian activity between ∼9.3–7.2 ka followed by a decline with centennial-scale variations until ∼5 ka. A strengthening commenced at ∼5 ka and culminated in a maximum between ∼2.2–0.5 ka with millennial-scale variations. Subsequent weakening of aeolian activity between ∼0.5 and 0 ka was coeval with the deposition of a ∼40 cm-thick paleosol, after which aeolian activity increased abruptly and reached an unprecedented maximum starting in the mid-20th century. The inferred wind intensity variations from our data bear partial agreement with competing hypotheses of SWW evolution, which postulate minimum SWW influence in SW Patagonia during the early Holocene and maximum influence during the Late Holocene, or vice versa. When analyzed through the lens of vegetation physiognomy/distribution and associated hydrological balance inferences from neighboring sites, our results suggest a primary control by precipitation and wind speeds associated to SWW strength at regional scale, modulated by the position of the forest/steppe ecotone east of the austral Andes. Human activities during the mid-20th century (deforestation, fire-regime shifts, livestock grazing, land use changes) caused an unprecedented increase in aeolian activity through decreased vegetation cover that increased sediment availability for aeolian transport, marking a striking difference with the magnitude of natural processes before the Anthropocene. Our results highlight the importance of climate change and natural/human-driven changes in vegetation cover for deciphering wind intensity histories, particularly in the transition from humid to semiarid environments along the eastern slope of the southern Patagonian Andes. • The Southern Westerly Winds (SWW) play a key role on global climate. • SWW Holocene changes in Southern South America (SSA) are still matter of debate. • Most of SWW reconstructions in SSA are based on indirect proxies of wind intensity. • Vegetation cover is a key factor on wind transport affecting sediment availability. • This is particularly significant in the transition from humid to arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on soil erosion and sediment transport processes, CAMF (Cellular Automata-based heuristic for Minimizing Flow) selects sites for afforestation to minimize sediment influx at a catchment's outlet. CAMF uses a raster representation of the catchment and a steepest ascent hill-climbing optimization heuristic, safeguarding spatial interaction. Its execution time can be prohibitively long for large data-sets. Parallelization results in a speedup of 20 to 24 on 28 cores. We present variants of the optimization method to reduce the number and cost of the iterations. We present a tuning algorithm for the meta-parameters of these variants. The results obtained for two contrasting catchments illustrate that the accelerations reduce the cost by a factor larger than 100, with negligible effect on the afforested cells and magnitude of the sediment reduction. The results indicate that higher levels of spatial interaction have a stronger impact on the accuracy of the results and/or the execution time. • An efficient method to select sites for afforestation to minimize sediment loss. • Modified steepest ascent hill climbing method reduces runtime with minor quality loss. • A parallel implementation achieves nearly optimal speedup on multi-core processors. • Application to two river catchments shows the impact of spatial interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic marine litter (AML) is a global environmental concern. One of the most conspicuous effects of AML is beach litter accumulation, the distribution of which is typically heterogenous. Little information is available on the potential effects of coastal topographic features on litter dispersal. We analysed the abundance, composition, and sources of beach litter on the East coast of England in relation to the presence of coastal groyne structures. Six beaches were surveyed in autumn and winter 2021 using the OSPAR methodology for monitoring beach litter. Litter abundance was lower on beaches with groynes present, which could infer that groynes deflect or bury AML. The presence of groynes had no significant effect on the composition/sources of beach litter. Single-use plastic packaging, fishing waste, and sewage-related debris were the largest contributors of beach litter in this region. Our findings indicate that man-made topographic features may affect marine litter dispersal and coastal accumulation. • Coastal groynes trap sediment transported by longshore drift, increasing accretion. • Litter abundance was lower on beaches with groynes compared to those without. • Topographic features may affect marine litter dispersal and coastal accumulation. • Single-use plastic, fishing waste, and sewage debris were the largest contributors. • The findings will help inform implementation of litter mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SY and Sr of the SL was the largest, but the sediment MWD was the smallest. • Change in the flow discharge did not affect the distribution pattern of sediment particles. • Dynamic coupling of runoff hydraulics and EG morphology drove soil loss. • SDR was the most direct influencing factor on the Sr in EGs. Ephemeral gully (EG) erosion represents the early stage of large-scale gully (locally named as "Benggang") development on Ultisols in the granite hilly area. However, the EG erosion process and the mechanism underlying sediment production have not been fully elucidated. In this study, a series of field scouring experiments were conducted under different flow discharge levels (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 L·min−1), and the primary EGs in three typical soil layers with different weathering degrees (red soil layer (RL), transition layer (TL), and sandy layer (SL)) was dynamically monitored. The results indicated that the ratio of width to depth of the EGs rapidly decreased as the flow discharge increased. At 30 L·min−1, the average sediment yield and transport rate (Sr) of the SL were 4.85 and 5.39 times, greater than those of the RL, respectively. The sediment particles were concentrated within the 1–2 mm particle size range, accounting for over 35 %. In addition, the mean weight diameter of the sediment particles in the RL was the largest. The sediment distribution characteristics did not respond to flow changes but were affected by EG morphological changes. With increasing flow discharge, the flow shear stress and stream power increased. Further analysis revealed that the coupling effect of flow hydraulic characteristics and EG morphological evolution drove the EG erosion sediment production process, and the Sr of the SL was highly sensitive to flow discharge changes. The soil disintegration rate was an internal factor that directly affected soil loss in the EGs, with a path coefficient of 0.71. The bulk density, organic matter content, and sand content were all indirect influencing factors. The RL exhibited greater anti-erodibility than the other layers and could serve as an effective protective layer for granite hilly areas. These findings provide a theoretical basis for improving soil loss management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• It is essential to utilize diverse sources of observational data for the validation of long-term morphological simulations. • The multiple underlayer settings of the Delft3D model enable its acquisition of decadal bed layer stratigraphy. • Wind and waves sort sediment based on grain size, smoothing out morphological changes induced by tides. • Sea level rise significantly influences regions characterized by intricate morphological features. • Radial sand ridges form under a radial regime with low tidal ellipticity, abundant sand, and minor cohesive sediment. The tidal sand ridges in the southwestern Yellow Sea are unique in the world characterized by radial morphology, significantly higher elevation above low water level, and fine-grained sediment deposits. Using a numerical model, we examined the morphological evolution of the radial sand ridge system from 1979 to 2059. The model was calibrated and validated using hydrodynamic and sediment transport data, seabed topography, and grain size distributions from sediment cores. Our findings reveal that tidal force is the primary driver of the ridges' evolution, and they will continue to expand in response to sediment supply from the abandoned Yellow River delta and the Yangtze delta, with the latter contributing more. The ridges are mainly composed of fine sand and mud, with finer sediment dominating in the north and coarser sediment dominating in the south. Wind and waves sort sediment, depositing sand on ridges and fine sediment in channels, leading to erosion of higher elevated lands and filling of deep channels. Sea-level rise increases regional erosion, which has a large impact on areas with complex morphology. The 500-year morphological evolution of sand ridge systems, simulated through an idealized model, illustrated that the formation of radial sand ridges is dependent upon specific conditions such as the radial tidal regime, sufficient sediment sand, and the presence of cohesive sediment. This study deepens our understanding of the long-term prediction of coastal morphology and interpretation of seabed stratigraphy, and offers insights for effective coastal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We model the sediment response to Tropical Cyclones (TCs) of a catchment in Fiji. • We use remote sensing data to set up the model and validate results. • Most of the sediment remains in the catchment due to limited transport capacity. • The contribution of TCs to the annual sediment export is about 25%. • TCs events produce six times more sediment than non-TC events. Coastal areas in the tropics are remarkably vulnerable to extreme weather-related events (e.g. floods, storm surge, erosion), which are expected to intensify in the future. Erosion of catchments is affected by changes in climate and vegetation, which alters the production of sediment transported into coastal areas and can lead to the loss of important ecosystem services. In many areas in the tropics, cyclones and depressions (TCs) produce the largest floods and massive discharges of sediment, which can affect coastal habitats in wetlands, lagoons and reefs. Here we focus on the Pacific Islands, but the methodology can be used in any tropical catchment affected by cyclones. A hydro-sedimentological model was used to analyse the sediment outputs of the Dreketi River (Fiji) and their relationship with cyclone activity over the last 45 years. The model was developed based on satellite and ground information on topography, soils, land use, and climatic data. The sediment export was related to TCs in the area, which were identified using the Southwest Pacific Enhanced Archive of Tropical Cyclones (SPEArTC) database. TC-related precipitation events were found to be three times more intense than non-TC events, and the average annual contribution of TCs to sediment export was about 25 %, with years contributing more than 50 %. TC-related events produced six times the sediment export of non-TC events, indicating a strong relation with precipitation intensity. Relations between precipitation rate and sediment export were developed for both TC and non-TC events, which can be used to predict the effects of increase of cyclone activity in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates scour around offshore wind foundations, focusing on two complex structures with varying degrees of flow blockage: a novel hybrid gravity-based jacket (structure "A") and a conventional four-legged jacket (structure "B"). As offshore structures like jackets become more prevalent, mainly due to their structural stability and growth of offshore wind energy in general, understanding scouring phenomena around complex structures is crucial. Laboratory tests under steady flow clear-water and live-bed conditions, with measurements of 3D laser scans for test durations of 15, 90, and 420 min were conducted. In addition the scour development over time was measured and analyzed with eight echo sounders. The findings confirm that scouring around complex structures displays significant variability in dependency of the structure type, making standardization a challenging task. However, some common trends can be derived. Under live-bed conditions, both types of structures exhibit global erosion, regardless of the complexity or flow obstruction of the structure. The spatial erosion depth, relative to the footprint, is markedly higher (2.5 times) for the gravity-based structure as opposed to the jacket structure. In clear-water conditions, no global scour was observed for both structures and a very similar spatial erosion depth was reached after 420 min. • Laboratory tests on scouring around complex structures with varying flow blockage. • Tests under steady flow conditions in clear-water and live-bed regime. • Scour development over time was measured and analyzed with eight echo sounders. • Topography measured with 3D laser scanner for tests of 15, 90 and 420 min. • Time sequence of scour patterns are analyzed regarding the eroded sediment volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The settling behavior of non-spherical particles in quiescent water stands as one of the most common natural phenomena. This study investigates the impact of different initial orientations on settling behavior of non-sphere particle. The Reynolds number Re ranges from 10 to 400. Two particle sizes (d n), three liquid viscosities (v) and three modes are conducted to control the Re range and initial orientations. Using particle image velocimetry (PIV), both the trajectory and flow field are captured, while the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method with modified dynamic boundary conditions reveals the process of pressure change. The results clarify the influence of different orientations on settling behavior elements (velocity, trajectory, angle, etc.) and their interrelationships. The mechanism causing trajectory variations among the three orientations is attributed to distinct positions of flow separation points. Furthermore, the analysis includes an exploration of vortex shedding characteristics and its hydrodynamic effects. Vortex shedding can strengthen the negative hydrodynamic pressure but it increases by no >10% and has negligible impact on the trajectory. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of intricate phenomena, such as particle group settling processes and sediment transport. [Display omitted] • Influence of orientations on settling behavior elements and their interrelationships. • Hydrodynamic mechanism of the trajectories difference under different orientations. • Hydrodynamic Influence of vortex shedding on settling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grain size of sediment delivered to a river by hillslope processes is an important factor which could impact fluvial erosion, sediment transport, and associated geomorphic changes. Grain size distribution (GSD) is increasingly recognised as an important factor for the impact of landslides on sediment pulses and long-term erosion rates. Therefore a better comprehension of grain size control on landslide-generated sediment transport and dynamics will help with understanding post-seismic fluvial processes and landscape evolution. In this study, we modelled the recovery of the Hongxi River basin affected by the Wenchuan earthquake under different landslide GSD scenarios. The CAESAR-Lisflood (CL) model was first modified to enable the spatial input of sediment GSD, which allows the model to distinguish the grain size composition of landslide sediment and the background sediment sourced from other areas. Using the modified CL model, we simulated three different landslide GSD scenarios (Original, Coarser, Finer) by altering the original landslide sediment GSD observed from a post-earthquake basin. In particular, we analysed the fate of landslide-generated sediment using a new sediment tracing function embedded in CL. This enabled us to evaluate the role of landslide GSD variation on the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of sediment transport. Our results show that the GSD of landslide material exerts a clear control on both sediment yield and channel deposition, the sediment transport of landslides disconnected to the fluvial system is more sensitive to grain size variation, while the GSD of landslides connected to the fluvial system has less impact on sediment dynamics. The duration of landslide disturbances on basin sediment dynamics can largely be dependent on the period of time (e.g., 20 years in this study basin) taken for grain coarsening (the grain size is increasing upward), which is dominated by the evacuation of fine sediments. The modelling results and findings highlight the importance of grain size distribution of landslide material and provide information to support basin sediment management and environmental risk mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-front transport is a vital process in the offshore transport of terrestrial materials. The factors influencing cross-front transport are multifaceted and exhibit regional variability. As important factors regulating material transport patterns in the shelf seas of eastern China, the East Asian Winter Monsoon (EAWM) and Kuroshio current (including its branches) vary on multiple time scales, yet their role in controlling offshore transport is not fully understood. In this paper, cross-front offshore transport in the North Yellow Sea is chosen to investigate the aforementioned issue using numerical simulation. By excluding other potential processes for offshore transport, frontal instability is identified as the primary mechanism for offshore transport, which is triggered by winter storms (bursts of the EAWM); hence, the intensity of offshore transport is highly associated with the strength of winter storms on synoptic scales. However, on the inter-annual scale, the intensity of offshore transport is more likely regulated by the strength of the Kuroshio current, and a warming Kuroshio facilitates offshore transport. Although the role of each factor in controlling the intensity of offshore transport is delineated, the interactive effects of the EAWM and Kuroshio current on offshore transport are quite intricate, and how to quantitatively estimate their roles on multiple time scales remains a challenge using modelling. The results obtained from this study can be applied to analyse cross-front transport throughout the eastern China seas and bear significant implications for future studies on pollutant diffusion, nutrient distribution, and sediment transport in the coastal area. • Cross-front transport around the Shandong Peninsula was revealed using a numerical model. • EAWM and Kuroshio affect the strength of cross-front transport on different time scales. • With global warming, the temperature of Kuroshio might gradually become the primary control of cross-front transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water erosion, a notorious major threat to food security and ecosystem sustainability, is strongly conditioned by spatial and temporal scale effects. This paper systematically reviews the scale issues in runoff and sediment delivery (SIRSD) as a research field by integrating the traditional review approach and bibliometric analysis. This review summarises SIRSD's roots and the scale effect on runoff and sediment delivery. Then, we provide quantitative insights into the SIRSD domain's development history, thematic structure, geographic distribution, international cooperation, and methodologies. Findings show that: i) SIRSD arises from the gap between the non-linearity of runoff and sediment delivery across scales and our ability to measure it. Point-based and short-term measurements cannot capture the non-linearities from the spatio-temporal heterogeneities and cross-scale interactions of factors or processes. ii) Previous literature provides evidence that the spatial scaling of specific runoff (r), soil erosion (SE), sediment yield (SSY), or sediment delivery ratio (SDR) with drainage area (A) or slope length (L) exhibits contrasting patterns due to distinct mechanisms. Infiltration-excess and saturation-excess processes account for inverse and positive r - A relations, respectively. Interrill-erosion and rill-erosion cause inverse and positive SE-L relations. Hillslope-erosion and channel/bank-erosion explain inverse and positive SSY-A relations. Downstream increasing deposition and additional sediment inputs drive inverse and positive SDR-A relations. These scaling relationships can be nonlinear or complex due to spatial heterogeneities in land use, vegetation, topography, climate, lithology, and soil characteristics. Hence, applying an empirical scaling equation developed from the region with distinct environmental contexts is not recommended. Furthermore, the existing scaling patterns or equations may require updating given global climate and land use change. iii) SIRSD is a complex and multidisciplinary issue investigated by scientists from 93 countries since 1928. International research has substantially facilitated the understanding of SIRSD; still, more collaboration should focus on less-developed countries with high soil and water loss risks and urgent conservation needs, such as those in Africa and South America under cropland expansion. iv) Scale mismatch and scale break have discredited large-scale erosion and sediment assessments. Incorporating gully and bank erosion into modelling, extending the scale range of the L factor, and expanding the sediment scaling scope from watershed to slope may make a difference. Therefore, more research with nested design incorporating multiple scales is necessary for cross-scale analysis and scalable modelling. Addressing global climate change requires improving real-time urban flood forecasting and integrating downscaled climate models with hydrology, erosion, and sediment transport models. • A bibliometric review of the global SIRSD research for the first time. • SIRSD is rooted in the gap between natural nonlinearity and our measuring ability. • Scaling of specific runoff, erosion, sediment yield, and SDR has diverse patterns. • Scale mismatch and scale break discredit large-scale modelling and assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the offshore environment, monopile foundations are facing significant local scour problems, which would have a serious negative impact on their stability and safety. The numerical simulation provides us with an efficient tool to investigate the patterns and underlying mechanisms of local scour. In this study, an Euler-Lagrange two-phase flow (CFD-DEM) model was employed to simulate local scour around monopiles. The CFD-DEM model was utilized to simulate several different scenarios, including sediment transport under undisturbed flow, flow around monopiles, and local scour around monopiles. In the first scenario, the LES model was incorporated to simulate turbulent flow, and it was observed that the CFD-LES-DEM model accurately predicted flow characteristics and sediment behavior within the water–sediment two-phase system. In the second scenario, the flow around the monopile was simulated under rigid bad conditions, and the characteristics of the flow field, including the horseshoe vortex and the wake vortex, were studied and validated. In the last scenario, the local scour around monopiles was simulated under different mean flow velocities, with simulation results being validated through model experiments. Based on experimental and numerical results, the phenomena and mechanisms of local scour were studied from a particle-scale perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The sediment provenance of North Manila Trench is mainly from Taiwan Island. • Turbidity currents carry biogenic debris and fresh organic carbon into deep ocean. • Turbidity currents bury organic carbon as much as millennium sedimentation. Turbidity currents play a significant role in sediment transport in deep ocean, profoundly impacting sedimentation in the abyssal sea. This study focused on a 375 cm long sediment core collected from the Manila Trench, revealing a distinctive 15 cm turbidite layer characterized by coarse sediment, an upward fining pattern, and a basal erosion surface. Analysis of rare earth elements and Nd isotope indicates that this turbidite layer originated from Taiwan Island. Initiated in the estuarine shelf region of southwestern Taiwan Island, the turbidity current transported substantial biogenic debris and marine fresh organic carbon into the Manila Trench. Consequently, the turbidite layer exhibited an elevated CaO content and more positive δ13C values. Despite lower TOC content in the turbidite layer due to coarse particle size, the mixture of marine fresh organic matter significantly lowered the carbon age of this layer compared to the strata both below and above it. The rapid sedimentation of the turbidite deposit led to an organic carbon burial flux comparable to the rate at which normal deep-sea sediment buries organic carbon over seven hundred years. Notably, finer sediment overlaying the turbidite layer acted as a cap, enhancing carbon sequestration within the trench. In contrast to nearby core GEO6, which documented over 11 turbidity currents, core S02 recorded only one event. Detailed bathymetric analysis highlights the crucial role of local topography in detecting and preserving turbidity currents. The insights gained from this study would advance our understanding of how turbidity currents shape and influence the deep ocean sedimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory investigations of beach morphology change under wave action are undertaken to gain insight into coastal processes, design coastal structures and validate the predictions of numerical models. For the results of such experiments to be reliable, it is necessary that they are repeatable. The equilibrium beach concept, that beach morphology will evolve to a quasi-static equilibrium shape for a given forcing suggests that experiments should be repeatable to some degree. However, sediment transport in turbulent breaking and broken waves is complex and highly variable and the level of repeatability at different temporal and spatial scales is challenging to measure, as such, previous work has restricted comparisons to small numbers of waves. Here we use the results of two identical, 20-h large-scale wave flume experiments to investigate the repeatability of sediment transport and beach morphology change under waves at timescales down to individual swash events. It is shown that while flow characteristics from identical swash events are very repeatable, the sediment transported can be very different in both magnitude and direction due to differences in turbulence, sediment advection and morphological feedback. Over longer periods containing multiple matching swash events however, the beach responds in a very similar manner, with the level of morphological repeatability increasing with time. The results also demonstrate that gross swash zone sediment transport remains high even as a beach profile approaches quasi-equilibrium, but the proportion of individual swash events that cause large sediment fluxes (>±7.5 kg/event/m) reduces with time. The results of this laboratory study indicate that beach morphology change has a level of determinism over timescales of several minutes and longer, giving confidence in the results from physical modelling studies. However, the large differences in sediment transport from apparently identical swash events questions the value in pursuing numerical predictions of sediment transport at the wave-by-wave timescale unless the reversals in sediment transport between apparently near identical swash events can also be predicted. • Large-scale flume experiments are used to assess morphological repeatability. • The results of laboratory investigations of morphology change are repeatable. • Sediment fluxes from almost identical waves vary in magnitude and direction. • Over longer timescales, sediment fluxes from identical wave groups converge. • Gross sediment transport remains high even as beaches approach quasi-equilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sand waves are found on shallow, sandy seabeds throughout the world and their dynamics may pose an imminent threat to offshore construction. Therefore, there is a pressing need to understand bed level dynamics in sand wave areas. These bed level dynamics lead to variations in sand wave shape and migration rate over time. However, these variations cannot be explained with the present-day process-based sand wave models, which all include a purely periodic tidal forcing. To explain these fluctuations a more intricate description of the hydrodynamics is necessary. The aim of this study is to explore the importance of time-varying, non-tidal currents for sand wave dynamics in the North Sea. We adopted the three-dimensional Delft3D-Flexible Mesh model, and were able to reconstruct time-varying, non-tidal currents on top of the periodic tidal forcing, while significantly reducing computation times. The simulated currents and water levels showed a good agreement with in-situ measurements. Compared to the situation with only tidal forcing, the simulated sedimentation and erosion rates were amplified up to 15 times due to time-varying, non-tidal currents. Additionally, periods of net erosion were found at locations in the sand wave transect where tidally forced models only showed net-sedimentation. It is therefore important to consider time-varying, non-tidal currents when predicting future sand wave dynamics in the field. • The reproduction of observed hydrodynamics is improved significantly compared to previous sand wave modelling approaches. • Effects of time-varying, non-tidal currents on sediment transport in sand wave fields are quantified. • Net sedimentation rates due to time-varying, non-tidal currents are be up to 15 times larger than the tidally induced rates. • First application of Delft3D FM software to study sand wave dynamics leads to a significant decrease in computation time. • Excluding time-varying, non-tidal currents can lead to underestimation of sand wave migration and trench infill rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catastrophic breaches of water and mine waste retaining impoundments in recent history have emphasized the severity and consequences to the downstream environment. In this study, the applicability and suitability of the XBeach numerical model for modelling earth dam failures driven by overtopping with water is explored by detailed comparison with controlled experimental data. The XBeach model is applied to simulate laboratory-scale breaches caused by overtopping failure of dams constructed with uniform sand at the Queen's University Landslide Flume by Walsh et al. (2021a). The model sensitivity to boundary conditions for different virtual flume sizes, different sediment transport equations that influence erosion rates, and the process of avalanching are investigated. The model results are in best agreement with laboratory measurements when the Soulsby-van Rijn sediment transport formulation is used, which depends on grain size, and the avalanching module is activated, indicating the importance of these processes. The model is also run for different dam geometries to investigate the influence of upstream slope angle, which is relevant for tailings dam breach analyses. The results indicate that for flatter slopes the model is in closer agreement with observations of the peak discharge, while for steeper slopes the model results are better for breach duration time. Overall, XBeach provides promising results for the prediction of the dam breach outflow hydrograph at the laboratory scale and has potential to improve understanding of earth dam failure outcomes with further investigation. • XBeach is applied to simulate the failure and morphological evolution of earth dams. • Results are compared to laboratory measurements for a range of upstream slopes. • XBeach is a promising tool for predicting the breach outflow hydrograph response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beach loss is a growing global challenge that threatens the safety of coastal communities, the health of coastal ecosystems, recreational amenities, and regional economies dependent on tourism. Spatial gradients in longshore sediment transport, or divergence of drift (DoD), is a primary driver of beach width change over multi-annual time scales, but the response of any particular beach can be challenging to characterize and predict. Here we present a new method to characterize DoD using a non-uniform segmentation of the coastline informed by the spatial distribution of longshore transport potential, including the location of physical barriers identified using satellite imagery, and both maxima and reversals in longshore transport potential derived from nearshore wave data. The method demonstrates improved capacity to predict beach width trends at sandy beaches compared to methods that rely on a uniform segmentation of the coastline. In an application to southern California where satellite data documents two decades of beach width change, the non-uniform segmentation method correctly predicts the sign of beach trends at 93% of transects within a littoral cell and achieves a linear correlation between DoD and beach width trends exceeding 0.8. Moreover, we find that a minimum of five years of data are required to establish consistently strong correlations between DoD and beach width changes. Conversely, use of a uniform segmentation is shown to be unreliable for estimating beach width trends due to strong sensitivities to shoreline segment size. This work shows the potential to leverage nearshore wave data and satellite-based beach width data for improved characterization of shoreline dynamics relevant to beach erosion management. • A new shoreline modeling method is presented for estimating divergence of drift. • Segment boundaries are identified using longshore transport characteristics. • Strong correlations were shown between divergence of drift and beach width trends. • A littoral Peclet number characterizes the dominant longshore transport mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Reynolds-averaged two-phase Eulerian model for sediment transport, SedFoam, is utilized in a two-dimensional domain for a given sediment grain size, flow period, and mobility number to study the asymmetric and skewed flow effects on the sediment transport over coarse-sand migrating ripples. First, the model is validated with a full-scale water tunnel experiment of orbital ripple driven by acceleration skewed (asymmetric) oscillatory flow with good agreement in the flow velocity, net sediment transport, and ripple migration rate. The model results showed that the asymmetric flow causes a net onshore sediment transport of both suspended and near-bed load (the conventional bed load and part of the near-bed suspended load, responsible for ripple migration). The suspended load transport is driven by the "positive phase-lag" effect, while the near-bed transport is due to the large erosion of the boundary layer on the stoss flank, sediment avalanching on the lee flank, and the returning flux induced by the stoss vortex. Together, these processes result in a net onshore transport rate. In contrast, for an energetic velocity skewed (skewed) flow, the net transport rate is offshore directed. This is due to a larger offshore-directed suspended load transport rate, resulting from the "negative phase-lag" effect, compared to the onshore-directed near-bed load transport rate. Compared to the asymmetric flow, the onshore near-bed load transport (and migration) rate is limited by the larger offshore directed flux associated with returning flow on the lee side, due to a stronger lee vortex generation during the onshore flow half-cycle. In the combined asymmetric-skewed case, the near-bed load and migration rate are higher than in the asymmetric flow case. Moreover, the offshore-directed suspended load is much smaller compared to the skewed flow case due to a competition between the negative (due to velocity skewness) and positive (due to acceleration skewness) phase-lag effects. As a result, the net transport rate is onshore directed but slightly smaller than the asymmetric flow case. • Vortex generation-ejection processes lead to different phase-lag effects for asymmetric and skewed flows. • The onshore ripple migration rate is limited (enhanced) by the lee (stoss) vortex induced returning flux for skewed (asymmetric) flows. • Combined asymmetric-skewed flow has the highest onshore migration rate (near-bed load). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reconstruct the interaction between Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) and global climate change, extracting information about past AABW formation from the sedimentary record is crucial. The Prydz Bay region, East Antarctica, has high glacier outflow and is a region of vigorous formation of AABW associated with sea ice formation. The Cape Darnley Bottom Water (CDBW), a primary AABW precursor, flows into Wild Canyon west of Prydz Bay. Thus, the sedimentary record of Wild Canyon can serve as an archive for CDBW flow. In this study, to identify the sedimentary processes and mineral compositions characteristic of CDBW flow, we evaluate deep-sea camera imagery, X-ray computed tomography images, grain-size data, and optical and chemical mineralogical analyses. Heavy minerals in the surface sediments are characterized by pyrope-rich almandine garnets (up to 80% of the heavy-mineral assemblage, 0.2%–3.7% of the dry bulk sediment by weight) typical of nearshore sediment derived from Mac. Robertson Land. In addition, ripples on the channel floor indicate sediment transport occurred as tractional bedload, whereas settling of suspended sediment prevailed on the canyon levee. We propose that modern CDBW flow is the dominant process of sediment reworking through sustained high flow velocities, distinctly different from turbidity currents triggered by ice sheet expansion and rapid retreat. Our results further suggest that fine-grained sediments are transported to the canyon levee as CDBW flows through the submarine canyon. These findings will be a key for reconstructing past AABW formation, which is crucial for understanding the response of AABW to future climate change. • Ripples formed by Cape Darnley Bottom Water are identified in Wild Canyon. • Antarctic Bottom Water flow triggers the reworking of pre-existing sediments. • Sedimentary processes are different during AABW active/inactive periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast, reliable, through water and non-intrusive bed-profile measurement technique that is economical and easy to use in a wide range of laboratory experiments involving sediment transport is proposed. A consumer-grade 3-D range sensing technology which by its low cost, easy operation and relatively good accuracy is becoming an attractive alternative to expensive 3-D laser scanners. The Microsoft XBOX 360 kinect sensor 2.0 is a low-cost and highly popular depth camera, which can be used to scan 3D surface terrain of dynamic objects and has the potential to scan terrain below and above water. Through the software matching of kinect 2.0, a data storage and analysis system are formed, which makes it has the ability to obtain underwater terrain data. In addition, the correction model of water refraction error is established, which can eliminate the measurement error caused by water refraction. Up to four different water conditions, kinect 2.0 is tested. Finally, the influences of water depth, suspend load volume concentration and moving flow velocity on the measurement accuracy of kinect 2.0 are explored, and the compensation methods of measurement error caused by the above factors are given. The results of this paper can provide reference for underwater topographic survey. • A new method for obtaining underwater terrain was obtained. • The measurement accuracy of the method is discussed. • A two-dimensional profile of dam body and a three-dimensional dam surface was obtained with kinect 2.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Either climate data or streamflow data alone is not sufficient to accurately estimate SSL. • Gradient boosting models accurately predict SSL using hydro-climate data. • Hydrological metrics improve the accuracy SSL modeling during model calibration. • The prediction uncertainty of SSL increases with the basin's area. • Average ensemble modeling enhanced the accuracy of models in rivers. Machine learning (ML) models have the potential to improve the accuracy of Suspended Sediment Load (SSL) predictions. However, their ability to incorporate climate data to enhance SSL predictions remains underexplored. This study investigates the efficacy of ML models in modeling sediment transport using hydro-climate variables as input data. Boosted decision tree models, including Xgboost, LightGBM, and Catboost, were employed to estimate SSL using hydro-climate variables such as streamflow and precipitation, as well as maximum and minimum temperatures. The models were trained, optimized, and evaluated using either climate/streamflow data or a combination of both, encompassing 47 gauges across the contiguous United States (CONUS) between 1950 and 2022. The results demonstrate that streamflow data alone is insufficient for accurate SSL estimation in all rivers. Consequently, integrating climate data and streamflow data proved effective in predicting SSL at the daily scale across diverse climate zones with commendable accuracy. The models achieved an average Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of > 0.66, Kling-Gupta Efficiency (KGE) of > 0.67, and Willmott Index (WI) of > 0.83 during the unseen (test) phase. These findings highlight the potential of ML models, particularly when combining climate data with streamflow, to enhance SSL predictions and improve our understanding of sediment transport dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A strong signal of reduced winter conditions i.e. duration, snow accumulation and frost days. • Hydroclimatic regime shift alters the sediment flux seasonality in near future. • Thaw-seasons have important role controlling the annual sediment flux. Climate change alters high latitude hydrological cycle by diminishing the snow accumulation and spring flood magnitude, and by altering temperature and rainfall finally leading to hydroclimatic regime shift from snow-dominated to rain-dominated. These changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and discharge strongly influence geomorphological processes in fluvial environments, leading to alterations in sediment transport, erosion, accumulation, and landscape changes. We conducted comprehensive analysis of hydroclimatic trends and shifts on boreal Oulanka River system, spanning over the past five decades. A strong signal of warming temperatures (+0.61 Celsius/decade), reduced winter conditions and warmer summers (+0.41 Celsius/decade) was detected. The spring flood magnitude diminished 7 %, but high discharge peaks (Q > annual p90m3/s) during other seasons increased 22 % together with 28 % increase of annual minimum discharge. Simultaneously, precipitation intensity increased during summer. The meander migration rate (mean 0.89 or 2.55 m/year) and bank erosion volume were interconnected to ground frost, high snow sum, high discharge, and high-water level during spring flood, but no significant long-term trends were observed. Our findings underscore that climate is the first-order control on fluvial geomorphology and emphasizes the complex interplay between various hydrological and climatic factors that shape the dynamics of river systems. Based on the results, we expect to see changes in the spatial–temporal distribution of high latitude rivers sediment flux in future. In addition, more attention should be addressed to the thaw seasons controlling the sediment transport, as majority of the observed shifts took place in these months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New geomorphological and geochemical records from the southern Mu Us Desert (MUD), northern China. • The sources of southern MUD sediments have evident temporal variation. • Early–Mid-Holocene southern MUD sediments are mainly derived from a local source. • The maximum CIA occurs at 8.4–6.4 ka BP and is related to enhanced monsoonal rainfall. • Late-Holocene mixed sources in the southern MUD are associated with an enhanced winter monsoon. • Summer and winter monsoons alternate in controlling the sediment source and geomorphic evolution in the southern MUD. Identifying the sources and weathering degree of sediments in the northern deserts of China is crucial to understand the evolution of the Asian monsoon system and corresponding induced changes in surface processes. Great progress has been made in the reconstruction of paleoclimate and paleoenvironment from the Early Holocene onwards based on chronostratigraphy and proxies of aeolian sedimentary sequences in the Mu Us Desert (MUD). However, previous studies have given rise to some controversial over the timing of the Holocene optimum period, and there is a scarcity of studies on the sediment provenance evolution of the desert during the Holocene and its internal relationship with the East Asian summer (EASM) and winter (EAWM) monsoons. Here, we provide new elemental geochemical data from a fluvial–aeolian sedimentary sequence in the southern MUD; we then combine these data with other available elemental data and hydroclimatology information to investigate the characteristics of sediment source evolution and their possible connection with the EASM and EAWM on the southern margin of the MUD-desert/loess transition zone since the latter part of the Early-Holocene. The elemental composition and geochemical characteristics of the studied sedimentary sequence differed markedly in the periods before and after 6.4 ka BP, suggesting a change in the source of the sediments across this boundary. From the late Early-Holocene (10.6 cal. ka BP), sediments were dominated by the chemical weathering products of local source material, with a gradual increase in chemical weathering over time, indicating a gradual strengthening of the EASM; the EASM reached its peak Holocene strength at 8.4–6.4 ka BP, accompanied by a moderate level of chemical weathering. After 6.4 ka BP, with the weakening of monsoon precipitation, the EAWM began to strengthen, and long-distance transport of source material from the west and northwest increased; however, chemical weathering of local source material driven by the EASM remained dominant until 4.0 ka BP. After 4.0 ka BP, the EAWM became dominant, and sediments showed strong sedimentary cycles, mainly transported from long-distance sources by aeolian activity, and the MUD became an important sedimentary sink for the northern-central deserts. After 0.7 ka BP, the sediments in the MUD became a mixture of different-age sediments due to river scouring and the transport of pre-existing sediments along the shoreline. Collectively, the elemental geochemical and other proxy data from Holocene sediments on the southern margin of the MUD record an inverse relationship between the EASM and EAWM; these two monsoonal circulations have alternated in their control of the sedimentary source characteristics and geomorphological environmental evolution processes across the southern margin of the MUD during the Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study emphasizes the importance of accurate calibration in sediment transport models and highlights the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically machine learning, in improving accuracy and computational efficiency. Extensive experiments were carried out in the Riba-Roja reservoir, which is located in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. The accumulated sediment volume (ASV) curve was used to calibrate these experiments. The optimal ASV curve was found to be very close to the experimental data, with only minor differences in upstream areas. The results revealed a consistent rate of sediment transport and settling. Furthermore, the study investigated the capabilities of deep neural networks (DNNs) in predicting ASV curves and observing variable performance. In essence, the study highlights AI's potential for enhancing sediment transport models. • The study underscores the value of AI in enhancing sediment transport model calibration. • The simulations revealed accurate results, with minor discrepancies in upstream regions. • The DNNs, demonstrated reliable predictive capabilities in forecasting ASV curves. • AI, coupled with Monte Carlo method, reduces sediment model computation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lekima had a large impact on the dynamic processes in the radial sand ridge system. • Wave effects played the dominant role in the offshore sediment dynamics. • Tropical cyclones can lead to the 'asymmetry' of geomorphological evolution. The large radial sand ridge (RSR) system located in the southern Yellow Sea near the Jiangsu coast, China, is highly impacted by tropical cyclones (TCs). However, the temporal and spatial variations of sediment dynamics and associated morphodynamics in this region under the influence of TCs have been little explored due to the difficulty of implementing direct observation during these extreme events. Taking typhoon Lekima in August 2019 (No. 1909) as an example, this study simulated and comprehensively investigated the dynamic processes in the RSR area under the impacts of TCs based on the Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM). During the passage of Lekima, the spatial patterns of residual flow (RF), sediment flux (SF) and morphology changes in the RSR area were totally different from that during the pre- and post-Lekima periods, especially in the offshore areas (the seaward edge of sand ridges). This is because TC Lekima can generate strong wind-driven currents and waves, increasing the bottom stress and influencing the sediment transport. Due to the shallow water depth of RSRs, wave height decreased significantly towards the coast, and tidal effects gradually dominated the nearshore sedimentary dynamic processes instead of wave effects. Furthermore, the effects of TCs with different tracks and intensities were discussed in this study, and we found that TCs passing the west/east side of the study domain can induce opposite directions of sediment transport and lead to the spatial asymmetry of geomorphological evolution. This research can contribute to an improved understanding of sedimentary dynamic processes during extreme events and indicates the importance of exploring sediment dynamics response to TCs with different characteristics for reducing TC-induced coastal risks in future climate change scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A modified drag correlation considering wall-retardation effect is proposed based LBM. • The wall-retardation effect only works when h / d ≤ 2 (h is the particle-to-wall distance and d is the particle size). • In 140 s, the proppant pack height calculated by the newly proposed correlation is 0.0375m lower than that of Gidaspow model, proving that the wall-retardation effect exists and hindered the settlement of particles. • The newly proposed correlation is more advanced than the original Gidaspow model on simulation of two-phase flow in narrow-width channel. Proppant transport is crucial in hydraulic fracturing, which determines fracture conductivity and well productivity. Proppant transport in hydraulic fractures is essentially the dense solid−liquid flow. Unlike the widely studied fluid-solid flow in chemical engineering and fluvial sediment transport, the motion of proppants (particles) will be significantly affected by walls of narrow channels such as fractures and slots, because the drag force is changed. This paper studies the wall-retardation effect on particle movement, and modified the drag coefficient for simulating liquid−solid flow in narrow-width fractures. Both experiments and simulations on proppant transport are conducted. The drag coefficient considering wall-retardation effect is modified by the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), and is integrated into OpenFOAM for two fluid method (TFM) numerical simulation. Experiment and simulation results show a good agreement, and the improved drag model is more advanced than the Gidaspow model in reproducing the movement characteristics of suspended particles in narrow channels. Compared to previous research outcomes about this topic, this work can efficiently improve the accuracy on proppant transport simulation and be widely applied in industrial numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal Louisiana has the nation's most fragile and valuable wetlands, whose loss represents 80% of the total losses in the United States. The severely restricted mobility of conventional shoreline protection structures makes them impossible to be redeployed. The Wave Suppression and Sediment Collection (WSSC) system is a novel technology of high mobility and compatible with existing shoreline protection technologies. Previous laboratory studies on WSSC showed great potential for wave reduction and sediment collection. The current study aimed to optimize the design parameters of WSSC using a validated computational model. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed and validated using experimental data from the previous laboratory study. Then, a parametric analysis was conducted with a focus on the performance optimization of wave reduction and sediment collection with respect to pipe diameter and face slope. Simulation results showed that the wave reduction efficiency decreased with increasing pipe diameter and face slope. In contrast, the sediment transport efficiency was enhanced by increasing pipe diameter but was not affected significantly by varying face slopes. • Design optimization parameters of the WSSC system were explored using CFD modeling. • CFD analysis agreed with the physical modeling data. • Increasing pipe sizes and face slopes decreased the wave reduction potential. • Bigger pipe openings showed increased amount of sediment transport. • Parametric optimization is possible for site-specific needs using simulated data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capability of an Eulerian two-phase model, SedFoam, in simulating the onset of scour underneath a pipeline and the backfill process is investigated. When a pipeline is slightly buried in the sediment bed, the scour onset can be caused by the piping process, which is due to seepage flow moving underneath the pipeline driven by the upstream–downstream pressure difference. To directly resolve piping as part of the scour simulation has been a challenge in the single-phase models. Alternatively, the two-phase models may be capable of simulating piping and backfill as it can resolve the interactions between the flow, structure, sediment transport, and seepage flow using a single set of governing equations and closures. To prove this point, SedFoam is validated by two laboratory experiments for the onset of scour underneath a pipeline. For piping driven by a prescribed upstream–downstream pressure difference, the model captures the temporal evolution of the pore-pressure gradient and the resulting fine-scale bathymetric change around the pipe consistent with the measured data. The model further provides insight into the seepage flow and the creeping movement of sediments during the onset of scour. When simulating piping driven by a unidirectional current, SedFoam successfully predicts piping driven by the upstream–downstream pressure gradient due to the incoming flow deceleration by the presence of pipeline and flow separation. As a proof-of-concept application, SedFoam is applied to simulate pipeline scour driven by an oscillatory flow. Although the boundary layer streaming effect is neglected, the model result shows realistic scour onset and the development of a scour hole. To demonstrate the model's capability to simulate the backfill process, the pipeline is then lowered artificially into the scour hole as an idealized treatment of the complex pipeline sinking process during scour. The resulting burial depth due to backfill is similar to that predicted by the empirical formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to optimize ship navigation in the macrotidal Gironde Estuary, a recent project funded by the port of Bordeaux aims at better understand and forecast hydrodynamic and fine sediment transport within the estuary. In the framework of this project, a two-dimensional hydro-sedimentary model is built. The model includes hydrodynamic forcings, mixed-sediment transport, and consolidation processes. The harmonic analysis of the astronomical tides reveals a strong distortion of the tidal wave inducing the growth of overtide constituents and the non-significant effect of tide-surge interactions in annual-scale prediction. Depending on hydrological conditions, river discharge can considerably alter the model accuracy due to the migration of the turbidity maximum zone modifying the bottom roughness. Comparison with measurements shows the ability of the model to reproduce suspended-sediment concentrations in the central Estuary. Sensitivity of the model to sediment features has also been discussed in regard of suspended-sediment concentrations and fluid mud deposits. The model will be further coupled with ship squat predictions and a morphodynamic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Above average precipitation from October 2018 through July 2019 in the Maumee River (R.) Basin resulted in 29% of cropland left fallow, providing a glimpse of potential effects from decreased nutrient application. Ongoing monitoring at 15 water-quality sites on the Maumee R. upstream from Defiance enabled comparison with 2017, which was hydrologically similar to 2019 in precipitation and streamflow. In 2019, nitrate (as nitrogen; NO 3 -N) for March-July was significantly less than previous years (2015–2018), but the response for phosphorus (P) was more complicated. Relative to 2017, total P (TP) was lower at 7 of 15 sites, but higher at 7, reflecting higher suspended sediment (SS). Dissolved P (DP) was generally lower, but less different than NO 3 ; DP was higher at 3 sites. DP-P:NO 3 -N was generally higher in 2019, DP-P:TP was lower, and there was less TP relative to SS. Overall, less P was in the system in 2019. However smaller streams showed a large range of difference between 2019 and 2017 for all constituents, indicating variability in land management and physiography. In contrast, all constituents were lower in 2019 in larger (>5000 km2) streams, including the Maumee R. near Defiance, where the difference in NO 3 (−37%) exceeded that for TP (−16%), DP (−10%), and SS (−20%). Differences in these relations among N, P, and SS indicate that P was available from legacy sources that are more difficult to distinguish during typical agricultural production years and that some material from 2019 was stored in the system upstream from the largest sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results from Euler–Lagrange simulations of turbulent flow over an erodible monodisperse bed of particles at a shear Reynolds number of R e τ = 180. The Galileo number G a and the ratio of Shields to the critical Shields number Θ / θ c r were varied in the range 11.4 to 29.8 and 1.32 to 5.98, respectively. Two drag force models were investigated along with the influence of lift, particle rotation, and tangential collision forces for each model. Both models give similar results as far as mean particle flux and Shields stress are concerned, however we find that excluding particle rotation, without ignoring the associated tangential collisional force, significantly reduces the particle flux with little influence on Shields stress. On the other hand, when both particle rotation and tangential collision forces are not taken into account, the particle flux is practically unchanged, but the excess Shields stress slightly increases compared to the case where both effects are considered. We also find the lift force to substantially influence particle flux. Additionally, we show the importance of spatial coarse graining and time averaging for Euler–Euler simulations and quantify the reduction in scatter for space and time dependent variables such as sediment flux, Shields stress, and bed surface fluid velocities. [Display omitted] • MPM-type correlations in Euler–Euler simulations necessitate coarse graining. • If particle rotation is to be excluded, then so should tangential collision. • The lift force substantially influences particle flux. • Gaussian filter width is an order of magnitude smaller than coarse graining filter. • Shields stress has little sensitivity to Euler–Lagrange particle drag models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]