Effects Of Fluid Mud On Bottom Boundary Layer Dynamics And Sediment Fluxes At Mudflats

The scientific goal of this project is to understand the effects of spatial and temporal variability of estuarine circulation and sediment fluxes on the morphodynamics of intertidal mudflats. The methodological goal is to develop reliable predictive tools and sensing techniques that document the hydrodynamics, sediment/substance transport and morphodynamics at mudflats. Specific Objectives of this study: In FY07, we have participated and assisted in the planning of the tidal mud flats field experiment. We have actively attended the research project meetings in order to share our research ideas and coordinate our resources with the overall DRI team. Our specific objectives of this project are: 1) to understand the effects of mud suspension on flow energy dissipation at the bottom boundary layer, on the bottom stress, and consequently on the mud transport itself; 2) to develop appropriate parameterizations of the bottom drag coefficient for estuarine/mudflat hydrodynamic models; and 3) to understand the mechanisms for the direction and magnitude of sediment transport at mudflats in response to hydrodynamic forcing at intratidal (ebb-flood) timescales and at fortnightly (spring-neap) timescales.