A review of gravity currents formed by submerged single-port discharges in inland and coastal waters

Abstract

In this paper, the authors review the current state of the science on the dynamics of gravity currents generated by positively and negatively buoyant jet discharges from submerged round outfalls (i.e., a point source) in inland and coastal waters. Specifically, this article focuses on describing gravity currents occurring at both the bottom boundary and the free surface of the receiving fluid. The manmade discharge operations generating both types of gravity currents and their significance to sustainability of the surrounding hydro-environment are first described. The authors then summarize the flow regimes characteristics of these discharges before becoming gravity currents and how those flow regimes influence the dynamics of the gravity currents. The gravity current dynamics in the calm receiving waters are then analyzed. This analysis is followed by an analysis of the influence of the hydrodynamic forces (e.g., currents, turbulence, waves) on the dynamics of gravity currents. Finally, the authors review quantitative modeling approaches for different forms of gravity current, and identify the current knowledge gaps and research needs.