The influence of diffusive convection on sedimentation from buoyant plumes

Abstract

Diffusive convection driven by the differential diffusion of density altering fluid properties may enhance the scavenging of particles from natural buoyant plumes. For single-phase (fluid–solute–heat) systems this phenomenon has been extensively studied because salt fingering generated at the oceanic thermocline is a major mechanism of salt transport in the oceans. However, the influence of this process on particle laden plumes, for example, fluvial plumes in lakes and estuaries volcanic clouds and seafloor hydrothermal plumes is largely unknown. In this paper, we present direct experimental measurements of the interfacial particle flux at the plume base which can be applied to predict particle scavenging from natural buoyant plumes. Particle flux is measured using a light attenuation technique employing a chain of photodiodes which average concentration over a large number of fingers. The results are in good general agreement with earlier studies based on finger velocity. Flux measurements cover a wide range of conditions from those where diffusive convection dominates to those where settling and diffusive convection are of a similar magnitude. For very small particles double diffusive (salt finger) theory is applicable to two component particulate systems as suggested by earlier studies [Green, T., 1987. The importance of double diffusion to the settling of suspended material. Sedimentology 34, 319–331]. Two component diffusive convection theory is extended to three components in order to predict particle scavenging from marine fluvial plumes which involve the diffusion of sediment, salt and heat. For larger particles which settle significantly the flux can be approximated by adding the double-diffusive and settling fluxes. A theory to predict particle transport through the lower layer and sedimentation at the bed is developed based on the observation of strong convection below the plume. Application of our theory and experimental results indicates that while double diffusion may significantly influence the longitudinal distribution and vertical sorting of deposits from lacustrine plumes, the diffusive convection process is generally insignificant in marine plumes. Observational evidence for lacustrine double diffusion based on water column measurements is presented.