Fluid Mud in Energetic Systems: FLUMES

The goal of this research is to develop greater understanding of the dynamics of fluid mud and its role in the transport and deposition of sediment on the continental margin. In particular, we seek greater understanding of the processes that influence the formation and maintenance of fluid muds in energetic environments. The research is a process-based study that addresses three primary objectives: (1) Determine controlling factors in the formation and destruction of fluid mud under a sheared flow; (2) Verify Richardson number dependence for suppression of turbulence and carrying capacity of a high-concentration suspension; (3) Evaluate effects of mixed grain size on high-concentration suspensions.