Critical Shear Stress For Erosion Research Articles

The effect of bedforms (crest and trough systems) on sediment erodibility on a back-barrier tidal flat of the East Frisian Wadden Sea, Germany

The erosion potential over bedforms in a tidal flat of the East Frisian Wadden Sea was studied by conducting erosion and physical and biological sediment property measurements on the crests and troughs of bedforms. Five stations along a cross-shore transect of 1.5 km length from immediately below the salt marsh to the mid tide-level of the tidal flat were visited during two field campaigns in June and September 2002. Measurements of sediment erodibility were made on both crests and troughs using an EROMES erosion device and quantified in terms of critical erosion shear stress and erosion rate. Surface sediment scrape samples (upper 1 mm layer) were taken from crests and troughs to determine various physical and biological properties of the sediment. The results show that crests are generally more stable (i.e. higher critical erosion shear stresses and lower erosion rates) than troughs. In general, crests contained more chlorophyll a, colloidal carbohydrate, and EPS (extracellular polymeric substance) than troughs. Median grain-size, water content and wet bulk density of the crests showed no statistically significant difference from those of the troughs with the exception at the most landward station immediately below the salt marsh margin, where crests had significantly lower water content and higher wet bulk density than troughs. Two different processes were identified for the difference in erodibility between crests and troughs: (1) At stations with emersion times less than 6 h, the higher benthic diatom biomass (measured as chlorophyll a concentration) on the crests increases the amount of EPS, which is likely to stabilize the sediment surface of these features; (2) in a saltmarsh transition area (most landward station), physical processes such as surface drying and compaction seem to enhance in a synergistic way the sediment stability on the crests.

Sediment erodability in sediment transport modelling: Can we account for biota effects?

Sediment erosion results from hydrodynamic forcing, represented by the bottom shear stress (BSS), and from the erodability of the sediment, defined by the critical erosion shear stress and the erosion rate. Abundant literature has dealt with the effects of biological components on sediment erodability and concluded that sediment processes are highly sensitive to the biota. However, very few sediment transport models account for these effects. We provide some background on the computation of BSS, and on the classical erosion laws for fine sand and mud, followed by a brief review of biota effects with the aim of quantifying the latter into generic formulations, where applicable. The effects of macrophytes, microphytobenthos, and macrofauna are considered in succession. Marine vegetation enhances the bottom dissipation of current energy, but also reduces shear stress at the sediment–water interface, which can be significant when the shoot density is high. The microphytobenthos and secreted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) stabilise the sediment, and an increase of up to a factor of 5 can be assigned to the erosion threshold on muddy beds. However, the consequences with respect to the erosion rate are debatable since, once the protective biofilm is eroded, the underlying sediment probably has the same erosion behaviour as bare sediment. In addition, the development of benthic diatoms tends to be seasonal, so that stabilising effects are likely to be minimal in winter. Macrofaunal effects are characterised by extreme variability. For muddy sediments, destabilisation seems to be the general trend; this can become critical when benthic communities settle on consolidated sediments that would not be eroded if they remained bare. Biodeposition and bioresuspension fluxes are mentioned, for comparison with hydrodynamically induced erosion rates. Unlike the microphytobenthos, epifaunal benthic organisms create local roughness and are likely to change the BSS generated by the flow. In this paper, we attempt to describe state-of-the-art sediment transport models accounting for biological processes. Such applications generally demonstrate a clear effect of the biota on erosion/deposition, but morphodynamic coupling is rarely achieved. In the present study, a modelling exercise of this type was run, based on a cross-shore morphodynamic model of an intertidal mudflat [Waeles, B., Le Hir, P., Silva Jacinto, R., 2004. Modélisation morphodynamique cross-shore d’un estran vaseux. Comptes Rendus Geoscience 336, 1025–1033] in which the equilibrium profile of the intertidal flat under tide and wave forcing is simulated. A seasonal presence of the microphytobenthos in late spring and summer, represented by a fourfold increase in the erosion threshold, generates sediment level changes of about 5 cm. However, these effects disappear in autumn and winter when the erosion threshold returns to its abiotic value, even when wave erosion is ignored. In contrast, the reduction of BSS in the upper flat to simulate the effect of a saltmarsh induces a spectacular seaward shift of the upper flat. The simulations show the strong, potential, long-term effect of vegetated beds, i.e. the protection of sediment from wave erosion. In contrast, local stabilisation by the microphytobenthos does not have a significant long-term effect. Some recommendations are given on the need to define experimental protocols for erosion tests and studies on biota effects. A stochastic approach is suggested to cope with the problem of patchiness and extreme variability of erodability patterns, combined with histograms of BSS.

The effect of wave-induced turbulence on intertidal mudflats: Impact of boat traffic and wind

Semi-diurnal and fortnightly surveys were carried out to quantify the effects of wind- and navigation-induced high-energy events on bed sediments above intertidal mudflats. The mudflats are located in the upper fluvial part (Oissel mudflat) and at the mouth (Vasière Nord mudflat) of the macrotidal Seine estuary. Instantaneous flow velocities and mudflat bed elevation were measured at a high frequency and high resolution with an acoustic doppler velocimeter (ADV) and an ALTUS altimeter, respectively. Suspended particulate matter concentrations were estimated by calibrating the ADV acoustic backscattered intensity with bed sediments collected at the study sites. Turbulent bed shear stress values were estimated by the turbulent kinetic energy method, using velocity variances filtered from the wave contribution. Wave shear stress and maximum wave–current shear stress values were calculated with the wave–current interaction (WCI) model, which is based on the bed roughness length, wave orbital velocities and the wave period ( T S). In the fluvial part of the estuary, boat passages occurred unevenly during the surveys and were characterized by long waves ( T S>50 s) induced by the drawdown effect and by short boat-waves ( T S<10 s). Boat waves generated large bottom shear stress values of 0.5 N m −2 for 2–5 min periods and, in burst of several seconds, larger bottom shear stress values up to 1 N m −2. At the mouth of the estuary, west south-west wind events generated short waves ( T S<10 s) of H S values ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 m. In shallow-water environment (water depth <1.5 m), these waves produced bottom shear stress values between 1 and 2 N m −2. Wave–current shear stress values are one order of magnitude larger than the current-induced shear stress and indicate that navigation and wind are the dominant hydrodynamic forcing parameters above the two mudflats. Bed elevation and SPM concentration time series showed that these high energy events induced erosion processes of up to several centimetres. Critical erosion shear stress ( τ ce) values were determined from the SPM concentration and bed elevation measurements. Rough τ ce values were found above 0.2 N m −2 for the Oissel mudflat and about 1 N m −2 for the Vasière Nord mudflat. These results demonstrate the advantages of combining the measurement of instantaneous velocity and bed elevation to determine in situ the erosion and deposition processes as a function of bottom shear stress variations.

Sediment Properties for Assessing the Erosion Risk of Contaminated Riverine Sites. An approach to evaluate sediment properties and their covariance patterns over depth in relation to erosion resistance. First investigations in natural sediments (11 pp)

Background, Aim and Scope Riverine sediments store large quantities of hazardous contaminants, remaining a 'legacy of the past' world-wide. Natural events such as floods may cause the resuspension of polluted sediments and accordingly, the former immobilized contaminants might become bioavailable and toxic again. Hence, a comprehensive erosion risk assessment of contaminated sites is of crucial importance. The present study aimed to implement 'master-variables' for a reliable, easy-to-manage and economically more viable determination of stability in cohesive sediments. Materials and Methods: A wide range of physico-chemical (bulk density, water content, particle size, mineral composition, cation exchange capacity / CEC, total organic matter / TOC, liquid and plastic limits of a soil) and biological (macrofauna abundances, microalgal biomass and species composition, bacterial cell numbers, EPS fractions such as carbohydrates and proteins) properties were determined simultaneously over depth spanning the zone between 0-35 cm. The data were related to sediment stability, determined as the 'critical shear stress for mass erosion' in the SETEG (Stroemungskanal zur Ermittlung der tiefenabhaengigen Erosionsstabilitaet von Gewaessersedimenten) - flume. The investigations were done on natural sediments, thereby covering vertical (over depth), spatial (different study sites) and temporal (different seasons) aspects to ensure the transferability of the data. Here, first data originating from three contaminated reservoirs in the lock-regulated River Neckar / Germany are presented. Results: Comparison of the rather low critical shear stress values (resisting force of sediment, determined in SETEG) with the possibly occurring natural bottom shear stresses (attacking force, calculated for different hydraulic scenarios) at the three reservoirs indicated a severe risk of sediment erosion even under moderate hydraulic conditions and was not restricted to the surface. Critical shear stress was characterised by the following sediment properties of depth, grain size, CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) and concentrations of TOC (Total Organic Carbon), proteins as well as carbohydrates (water- and resin-extractable). Firstly, biological stabilisation by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) could be shown for riverine sediments, even over depth. Secondly, erosion resistance was determined by the inter-particles forces, an interplay of the biologically produced compounds constituting active surfaces and the binding capacity as well as charge densities of the sediments. The combined influence of sedimentological and biological properties on sediment stability over depth was assessed by PCA (Principal Component Analysis). Discussion: Hence, a better correlation coefficient between sediment stability and the master variables could be achieved (Main component II: Polymeric substances, R = 0.7, Main component III: Grain size, TOC, CEC, R = 0.9) compared to single correlations. Conclusions: The present paper revealed the combined influence of physico-chemical and biological properties on sediment stability over depth by simultaneous investigation and statistical evaluation. It can be shown, that inter-particle forces, determined by particles size classes, CEC, TOC and polymeric substances such as proteins and carbohydrates, affected sediment stability most. Thereby, the impact of biogenic sediment mediation on riverine sediment stabilisation became evident, even over depth, where mostly sedimentological parameters were considered as important before. Recommendations and Perspectives: The importance of a comprehensive risk assessment of contaminated riverine sites was again highlighted in the present study by the comparison of natural occurring bottom shear stresses with the determined sediment erosion resistance. If a realistic risk assessment is to be derived, the stabilizing potential of micro-organisms needs to be taken into account and the covariance patterns of biological and physico-chemical sediment properties have to be addressed.

Tidally-induced shear stress variability above intertidal mudflats in the macrotidal seine estuary

Tidal currents and the spatial variability of tidally-induced shear stress were studied during a tidal cycle on four intertidal mudflats from the fluvial to the marine part of the Seine estuary. Measurements were carried out during low water discharge (<400 m3 s−1) in neap and spring tide conditions. Turbulent kinetic energy, covariance, and logarithmic profile methods were used and compared for the determination of shear stress. The cTKE coefficient value of 0.19 cited in the literature was confirmed. Shear stress values were shown to decrease above mudflats from the mouth to the fluvial part of the estuary due to dissipation of the tidal energy, from 1 to 0.2 N m−2 for spring tides and 0.8 to 0.05 N m−2 for neap tides. Flood currents dominate tidally-induced shear stress in the marine and lower fluvial estuary during neap and spring tides and in the upper fluvial part during spring tides. Ebb currents control tidally-induced shear stress in the upper fluvial part of the estuary during neap tides. These results revealed a linear relationship between friction velocities and current velocities. Bed roughness length values were calculated from the empirical relationship given by Mitchener and Torfs (1996) for each site; these values are in agreement with the modes of the sediment particle-size distribution. The influence of tidal currents on the mudflat dynamics of the Seine estuary was examined by comparing the tidally-induced bed shear stress and the critical erosion shear stress estimated from bed sediment properties. Bed sediment resuspension induced by tidal currents was shown to occur only in the lower part of the estuary.

Geochemical characterisation and erosion stability of fine‐grained groyne field sediments of the Middle Elbe River

AbstractBecause of the significant reduction of flow velocity relative to the main current there is an accumulation of sediment material in the centre of the groyne fields over time (years to decades) up to a maximum of 1.5 m. Based on the element‐ and compound‐specific depth functions of this fine‐grained material with high organic matter content the sedimentation history of the Elbe River sediments concerning the environmentally relevant nutrients and pollutants can be reconstructed. It could be shown that the fresh sediments are less polluted than the deeper older ones. During the extreme flood of the river Elbe in August 2002 the critical erosion shear stress in the groyne fields was high enough to remobilise a considerable portion of the sediment depot. The hazard to the environment is high due to the fact that a significant part of the remobilised polluted sediments was distributed over the recent floodplain which is normally used as pasture. Thus these groyne field sediments represent a temporary danger for the water quality of the river Elbe. But the hazard of the solids sedimented in the recent floodplain of the river can be viewed as long‐lasting.

Field and laboratory measurements of sediment erodibility: A comparison

The erosion of fine-grained cohesive sediments is a ubiquitous phenomenon in marine and estuarine environments. Critical shear stress and erosion rates are predominant variables in transport mechanics. This study presents a comparison between in situ and laboratory measurements of sediment erodibility. The main goal was to assess the reliability of critical shear stress of erosion determined in a laboratory flume. The laboratory experiment allowed us to define the erodibility of sediments sampled at a reference station in the Gulf of Fos. This site is frequently influenced by Rhône river inflows. Two different values of critical shear stress of erosion were determined, the lowest (τ c1 = 0.02 ± 0.002 N m − 2 ) related to the erosion of the fluff layer, and the highest (τ c2 = 0.05 ± 0.005 N m − 2 ) to a more consolidated layer or to coarser particles. These values of critical shear stress were very close to commonly in situ based estimates of fluff critical shear stresses, which ranged between 0.02 and 0.05 N m − 2 . The comparison with acoustic backscatter data recorded during a field cruise in autumn attested in a qualitative way to the reliability of the critical shear stress of erosion determined in our laboratory flume. The erosion coefficients determined during this study, varying between 3.4 10 − 6 and 7.5 10 − 6 kg m − 2 s − 1 , were used to calculate in situ erosion rates. Between 6 and 9 October, the mean erosion rate at the reference station was 20 g m − 2 h − 1 and maximum values reached 65 g m − 2 h − 1 . The calculated erosion rates were used to predict in situ variations in suspended sediment concentration (SPM). The predicted increase in SPM was 14 mg l − 1 , close to the measured increase in SPM (10 mg l − 1 ). The results from this initial attempt to compare in situ and laboratory erosion measurements are encouraging but further investigation is needed. Potential organic matter fluxes determined in our flume were around 1.7 mmol PON m − 2 h − 1 and 115 μmol POP m − 2 h − 1 . An estimation based on these results showed that the organic material introduced into the water column by erosion amounted to between 12 and 200% of the daily pelagic primary production. This is considerable and should be considered in biogeochemical studies of coastal systems.

Spatial structures of stream and hillslope drainage networks following gully erosion after wildfire

AbstractThe drainage networks of catchment areas burned by wildfire were analysed at several scales. The smallest scale (1–1000 m2) representative of hillslopes, and the small scale (1000 m2 to 1 km2), representative of small catchments, were characterized by the analysis of field measurements. The large scale (1–1000 km2), representative of perennial stream networks, was derived from a 30‐m digital elevation model and analysed by computer analysis.Scaling laws used to describe large‐scale drainage networks could be extrapolated to the small scale but could not describe the smallest scale of drainage structures observed in the hillslope region. The hillslope drainage network appears to have a second‐order effect that reduces the number of order 1 and order 2 streams predicted by the large‐scale channel structure. This network comprises two spatial patterns of rills with width‐to‐depth ratios typically less than 10. One pattern is parallel rills draining nearly planar hillslope surfaces, and the other pattern is three to six converging rills draining the critical source area uphill from an order 1 channel head. The magnitude of this critical area depends on infiltration, hillslope roughness and critical shear stress for erosion of sediment, all of which can be substantially altered by wildfire. Order 1 and 2 streams were found to constitute the interface region, which is altered by a disturbance, like wildfire, from subtle unchannelized drainages in unburned catchments to incised drainages. These drainages are characterized by gullies also with width‐to‐depth ratios typically less than 10 in burned catchments. The regions (hillslope, interface and channel) had different drainage network structures to collect and transfer water and sediment. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Physico-chemical and biological sediment properties determining erosion resistance of contaminated riverine sediments – Temporal and vertical pattern at the Lauffen reservoir/River Neckar, Germany

In order to contribute to a reliable, easy-to-handle and economically viable erosion risk assessment of contaminated riverine sites, the present study aims to implement master-variables best characterising the sediment stability. Thus, a wide range of sediment properties was related to the critical shear stress for mass erosion, determined in the SETEG (Stroemungskanal zur Ermittlung der tiefenabhaengigen Erosionsstabilitaet von Gewaessersedimenten) pressurised channel, with special emphasis on vertical and temporal gradients in the Lauffen reservoir on the River Neckar. Over the course of 1 year, positive impacts of some macrofauna species and benthic diatoms on the sediment stability were detected for the sediment surface (0.5 cm). However, a high seasonal variability of biological parameters caused varying relations with erosion resistance in the upper sediment layers as shown for the colloidal carbohydrates. Considering only deeper sediment layers (5–35 cm), a more general pattern could be revealed with correlations between the critical shear stress and single sediment properties such as depth, grain size, total organic carbon (TOC), cation exchange coefficient (CEC), carbohydrates and proteins. Firstly, the influence of physico-chemical and biological properties on erosion resistance became evident, even over depths at 0–35 cm. Secondly, inter-particle forces are most important for erosion resistance. These are enhanced in fine-grained sediment layers, offering high binding capacities but also strengthened by polymeric substances permeating the void space and coating particles. These covariance patterns of sedimentological and biological parameters are addressed by multivariate statistical tests (principal component analysis), resulting in a higher magnitude of the correlation coefficient between critical shear stress and the master-variables in main component II (polymeric substances, grain size, TOC, CEC; R = 0.77 ) compared to single correlations.

Benthic variability in intertidal soft-sediments in the mesohaline part of the Schelde estuary

The benthic (zoobenthos and microphytobenthos) and physical characteristics of intertidal sediments were studied in April and September 1997 on 10 locations, differing in elevation and exposure to tidal currents, situated on three mudflats in the mesohaline part of the Schelde estuary. Sediment characteristics were spatially and temporally relatively homogeneous among the sampling locations, all characterized by a high proportion of mud. It emerged that the nature of the sediment (in terms of granulometric characterization, organic matter) did not fully explain the substantial spatial and temporal (seasonal) variability in the benthos (pigment contents and benthic fauna), but that other environmental conditions explained the observed variability. Chlorophyll a and fucoxanthin contents in the top layer (0-0.5 cm) of the sediment were about 7 times higher in April than in September, but a large spatial variation was observed, especially in April, which was mainly attributed to a difference in elevation of the mudflats. The high pigment contents in April were accompanied by a relative low abundance of the benthic fauna. In April sub-surface deposit feeders, mainly Oligochaeta, were numerically most important in the 1000 and 500 mu m fraction of the zoobenthos, and Nematodes in the 250 mu m fraction. The surface deposit feeders Manayunkia aestuarina and Copepoda were locally very abundant, showing a strong positive correlation with elevation and pigment contents. The critical shear stress for erosion, measured in situ with the SedErode device, varied between 0.26 and 0.43 N m(-2) in April. The critical shear stress for erosion was lower in September when pigment contents were significantly lower and benthic fauna abundance was higher. In September Corophium volutator, Heteromastus filiformis, Nereis diversicolor and Macoma balthica dominated the 1000 mu m fraction, Oligochaeta and C. volutator the 500 mu m fraction, and Nematodes, M. aestuarina, Oligochaeta and Copepoda the 250 mu m fraction. It is argued that in estuarine systems with high seasonal variability in river flow rate and therefore salinity, the upper-middle estuarine fauna may switch each year between an oligohaline and a mesohaline fauna, which result in communities that seldom progress beyond early benthic-community succession. The majority of the benthic infauna was found in the upper 3 cm in both seasons, with surface deposit feeders (e.g. C. volutator, M. aestuarina) mainly occurring in the top 1 cm of the sediment, showing a strong correlation with both elevation and pigment contents and subsurface deposit feeders (e.g. H.filiformis, Oligochaeta) occurring deeper in the sediment, showing a positive correlation with the mud content of the sediment.

Biogenic Stabilization of Intertidal Sediments: The Importance of Extracellular Polymeric Substances Produced by Benthic Diatoms

The sediment-stabilizing effect of benthic diatoms was investigated in a laboratory setting. Axenic cultures of the benthic diatoms Nitzschia cf. brevissima and Cylindrotheca closterium were inoculated in Petri dishes containing sand and incubated under axenic conditions. By ensuring aseptic routines throughout the experiments, interference from other organisms occurring with diatoms in natural photothrophic biofilms was avoided. This allowed the examination of the role of benthic diatoms in sediment stabilization. Increases in the critical erosion shear stress of the sediment were observed in the presence of both diatom taxa relative to sterile sediment. However, N. cf. brevissima was more effective than C. closterium. Values of critical shear stress in the experimental system were in the same range as those observed in natural biofilms, which indicates that diatoms are important agents for biogenic stabilization. Extracellular carbohydrate contents in the microcosms were similar for both diatom species. However, in the presence of N cf. brevissima, extracellular carbohydrate correlated significantly to critical shear stress, explaining up to 80% of the variation, whereas this was not the case for C. closterium. Therefore, it was concluded that the quantity of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) alone did not explain the biogenic stabilization. Observed adsorption of EPS to sediment particles depended on the relative amount of uronic acids in the exopolymers. Using fluorescently labeled lectins, confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that EPS secretion by N. cf. brevissima resulted in ordered three-dimensional matrix structures. It is suggested that the structuring of EPS plays an prominent role in the process of biostabilization, and that diatoms such as N. cf. brevissima are actively involved in producing the structure of EPS, whereas others such as C. closterium do not do so to the same extent.

Day–night variation of cohesive sediment stability

Surface sediment properties related to cohesive sediment stability were measured over 8 consecutive day- and night-time emersion periods at three upper intertidal sites on a mudflat in August 2003, during the transition from spring to neap tides. Significant differences between day- and night-time critical erosion shear stress ( τ c) and chlorophyll a were found. A high degree of temporal and spatial variability existed between the sediment properties. During the first half of the study period, a rhythmic day–night variation occurred between τ c, chl a, colloidal-S- and EDTA-extracted carbohydrate. During the second part of the study, the magnitude of variation of these parameters diminished. Results showed that sediments were more stable during the day than at night. Differences between day- and night-time sediment stability were related not only to diatom migration, but also to wave energy during preceding immersion periods. No significant relationships existed between τ c and either chl a, or colloidal-S- or EDTA-extracted carbohydrate sediment content. It is suggested that tidal phasing, in terms of both the time during the day at which low water spring and neap tides occur, as well as the duration of the emersion period, control the biomass dynamics. The tidal phasing effect is expected to be more pronounced on a cohesive intertidal flat where low water spring tides occur at noon and midnight. The results of this study will be of use in time-dependent estuarine models.

Resuspension of Sediment‐Associated Escherichia coli in a Natural Stream

In this study, a tracer bacteria was used to investigate the resuspension and persistence of sediment-associated bacteria in a small alluvial stream. The study was conducted in Swan Creek, located within the Grand River watershed of Ontario, Canada. A 1.1-m2 section of the bed was seeded with a strain of Escherichia coli resistant to nalidixic acid (E. coli NAR). The survival, transport, and redistribution of the tracer bacteria within a 1.7-km river section downstream of the source cell was assessed for a 2-mo period following the introduction of the tracer bacteria. This study has illustrated that enteric bacteria can survive in bed sediments for up 6 wk and that inactivation of the tracer bacteria resembled typical first-order decay. Critical conditions for resuspension, as well as resuspension rates, of sediment-associated bacteria were determined for several storm events. The critical shear stress for E. coli NAR resuspension in Swan Creek ranged from 1.5 to 1.7 N m(-2), which is comparable with literature values for critical shear stresses for erosion of cohesive sediments. Bacteria resuspension was primarily limited to the rising limb of storm hydrographs implying that a finite supply of sediment-associated bacteria are available for resuspension during individual storm events. The information presented in this paper will further the development of representative microbial water quality models.

Critical shear stress for erosion of cohesive soils subjected to temperatures typical of wildfires

Increased erosion is a well‐known response after wildfire. To predict and to model erosion on a landscape scale requires knowledge of the critical shear stress for the initiation of motion of soil particles. As this soil property is temperature‐dependent, a quantitative relation between critical shear stress and the temperatures to which the soils have been subjected during a wildfire is required. In this study the critical shear stress was measured in a recirculating flume using samples of forest soil exposed to different temperatures (40°–550°C) for 1 hour. Results were obtained for four replicates of soils derived from three different types of parent material (granitic bedrock, sandstone, and volcanic tuffs). In general, the relation between critical shear stress and temperature can be separated into three different temperature ranges (&lt;175°C; 175°C–275°C; &gt;275°C), which are similar to those for water repellency and temperature. The critical shear stress was most variable (1.0–2.0 N m−2) for temperatures &lt;175°C, was a maximum (&gt;2.0 N m−2) between 175° and 275°C, and was essentially constant (0.5–0.8 N m−2) for temperatures &gt;275°C. The changes in critical shear stress with temperature were found to be essentially independent of soil type and suggest that erosion processes in burned watersheds can be modeled more simply than erosion processes in unburned watersheds. Wildfire reduces the spatial variability of soil erodibility associated with unburned watersheds by eliminating the complex effects of vegetation in protecting soils and by reducing the range of cohesion associated with different types of unburned soils. Our results indicate that modeling the erosional response after a wildfire depends primarily on determining the spatial distribution of the maximum soil temperatures that were reached during the wildfire.

A stochastic model for the formation of channel networks in tidal marshes

Salt marshes are often dissected by a network of channels formed by tidal oscillations and related water fluxes. In this note we present a stochastic model able to simulate the formation and evolution of tidal networks in salt marshes. The model is based on a simplification of the shallow water equations that enables the determination of the water surface gradients on the marsh platform and related bottom shear stresses. The governing equations are then solved with a random walk algorithm in an enclosed domain representing the marsh platform and its physical boundaries. Model results show how the development of the network depends on the tidal forcing, the critical shear stress for erosion, as well as the local heterogeneities in vegetation and sediment substrate.

Tidally-induced clouds of suspended sediment connected to shallow-water coral reefs

The Bay of Banten, West Java, Indonesia represents a shallow coastal embayment harboring coral reefs subject to extremely turbid conditions. The sedimentary regime and flow structure of two contrasting coral reef islands in the embayment were investigated to identify the mechanisms responsible for mean and peak levels of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) around the reefs. Arrays of in situ calibrated optical backscatter (OBS) sensors were deployed across the reef slopes. Far field conditions were simultaneously monitored using an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) and a conductivity temperature and depth (CTD) probe, equipped with an OBS sensor. In addition, hydrographic surveys were conducted using the ADCP attached to a small fishing boat, navigating transects perpendicular to the reef islands. The direct influence of river plumes was found to be insignificant. Waves act only in the uppermost few meters of the reef slopes, where coral growth is most abundant and little sediment is available for resuspension. Tidal currents are the primary cause of high turbidity, which was inferred from peaks in the diurnal and semidiurnal frequency bands of SSC spectra, and the large depths where the turbidity variation sometimes initiates. The entrained sediment disperses upward across the reef slopes, which is likely due to a secondary current associated with bending of the flow along the curved, hydraulically rough reef slopes, in weakly stratified ambient waters. Changes in sediment availability, variable critical shear stresses for erosion and deposition, and the formation and evanescence of island wakes may explain the high variability of SSC at the reef slopes.

The deposition and erosion of cohesive sediments determined by a multi-class model

Sediment properties were studied experimentally using a laboratory flume and sediments sampled from both fresh and saltwater systems, i.e. the Rhône River and the adjacent continental shelf (Golfe du Lion, Mediterranean Sea). An experimental protocol is proposed which includes the development of an analytical method based on a multi-class model in order to determine the erosion and deposition fluxes of these sediments. This approach highlights the presence of a “fluff layer” characterized by a very low critical erosion shear stress and a second layer with a significantly larger critical erosion shear stress. If a global model is used, i.e. only one class of particles is considered, this distinction between the two layers cannot be made as sediment parameters are identified for the whole eroded particles including the “fluff layer”. Critical shear stresses of erosion were 0.05, 0.04 and 0.025 N m −2, respectively, for the first class of particles eroded at Rhône 1, Rhône 2 and SOFI stations. The second class of particles showed critical shear stress 10–20 times higher, around 0.20 N m −2. The use of the multi-class model allowed estimation of the erosion rates in the order of 2.5×10 −6, 6.2×10 −5 and 2×10 −6 kg m −2 s −1 for Rhône 1, Rhône 2 and SOFI. Settling velocities were in the order of 0.012–0.045 mm s −1 for the first class and between 0.05 and 0.09 mm s −1 for the second class. For the river experiments, it is shown that the “fluff layer”, corresponding to the first class of particles being eroded, is mainly representative of recent deposits of suspended particles probably trapped in the overlying water column during sediment sampling. This highlights the difficulties in sampling sediments and transporting these from field to lab and more generally into flumes, and the limits of applying a global model to flume experiments when studying sediment properties.

Estimation of runoff critical shear stress for soil erosion from soil shear strength

Critical shear stress is an important soil parameter governing detachment by runoff which appears in numerous erosion models. Soil shear strength has been often presented as the best soil property to predict critical shear stress. However, only a few studies have documented the relationship between soil shear strength and critical shear stress, and the results obtained have sometimes seemed contradictory. This is why we have put together all available data about the relationship between critical shear stress and soil shear strength in order to analyse and discuss its significance and its generality. Results showed that contradictions between different studies mainly arise because total shear stress is a poor predictor of detachment on rough soils. When grain shear stress is used rather than total shear stress, a significant relationship between saturated soil shear strength and critical shear stress does exist. Soil shear strength may thus be used to predict critical grain shear stress. However, it is recalled that in general only total shear stress is predicted by erosion models, which makes detachment predictions difficult on rough natural soils.

In situ measurements of erosion shear stress and geotechnical shear strength of the intertidal sediments of the experimental managed realignment scheme at Tollesbury, Essex, UK

Managed realignment is one of several ‘soft’ engineering options which may reduce the costs of coastal defence, provide a more ‘natural’ response to the problem of rising sea levels and at the same time deliver environmental, specifically nature conservation, benefits. The success of this technique depends on the ability of the soils and sediments within the site to resist the erosive action of waves and tidal currents and allow sediment accretion to occur, at least at a rate equal to mean sea-level rise. Once a critical shear stress, τ 0 crt exerted by the moving fluids over the bed, is exceeded erosion will occur. A cohesive strength meter (CSM) and the fall-cone method were used to gather data, in situ on the strength and stability of sediments from an experimental managed realignment site and an adjacent, established saltmarsh in south-east England. Following six years of regular tidal cover, the underlying agricultural soil appeared both very strong (mean surface shear strength, τ f =228 kPa ) and highly resistant to erosion ( τ 0 crt =6.23 N m −2 ). During this period much of the site had been covered by sediment, and saltmarsh plants ( Salicornia europaea) had become established above the mean high water neap tide (MHWN) level. Above MHWN level (tidal cover time <15%) sediments had greater bulk densities and lower water contents which resulted in a moderate shear strength (τ f =11.6 kPa) and resistance to erosion (τ 0 crt =2.45 N m −2) . Below MHWN, where sediment accretion rates were greatest, poor consolidation resulted in very high water contents and low bulk densities. These areas were at the highest potential risk of erosion (τ 0 crt =1.5 N m −2) and had very low shear strengths (τ f =0.33 kPa) . Where sediment exceeded 25 cm depth, gullies formed allowing their banks and adjacent margins to drain faster than the surrounding sediment. This led to a significant increase in bed strength (τ f =10.8 kPa) and stability (τ 0 crt =4.3 N m −2) . These gullies were probably the early stages of the complex creek patterns characteristic of the adjacent, established saltmarsh. The established saltmarsh was rich in plants and had a well-developed (aggregated) soil structure. These soils had a moderate to high resistance to erosion (τ 0 crt =2.45 N m −2) and shear strength (τ f =25.6 kPa) . Undrained sediment shear strength, τ f, obtained with the fall-cone apparatus can also provide a useful indication of critical erosion shear stress, τ 0 crt . Values of τ 0 crt , measured across this site were all relatively large compared with computed bed stresses arising from locally generated waves. Thus this experimental managed realignment site was found to be primarily depositional and was thus successfully achieving the twin aims of protecting the coast from erosion and extending a rich ecosystem.

Day–night variation of intertidal flat sediment properties in relation to sediment stability

The majority of investigations that have measured sediment properties related to intertidal sediment stability have been undertaken during daylight subaerial exposure periods. As a consequence, models based upon such data represent only partially the intertidal flat surface conditions within any 24 h period. In this contribution, a comparison is made between surface sediment properties related to sediment stability measured during six consecutive (day/night), semi-diurnal subaerial exposure periods, at three stations on an intertidal sand flat in late March 1999. The study site was selected on the basis of its suitability for sampling and data collection at night, with special regard to safety and logistics. Seawater temperatures ranged from 4.1 to 9.6 °C, and salinities from 33.9 to 34.8. Eleven parameters related to intertidal flat sediment stability were measured, or derived. These variables included the critical erosion shear stress ( τ c), chlorophyll a, phaeopigment, and colloidal carbohydrate content, mean grain size and settling velocity of the surface (0–1 mm) sediment fraction. Bed elevation was described using an acretion/erosion parameter (AEP) (West and West 1991), whilst additional physical terms included ambient seawater salinity and temperature, as well as tidal range and wind speed, during the preceding immersion periods. One-way ANOVA was used to detect significant differences between day- and night-time emersion periods; similarly, principal components analysis (PCA) was applied to detect continuous variation between properties. The results show a high degree of temporal and spatial variability between day- and night-time intertidal flat variables, the PCA differentiating clearly between day and night conditions. Surface sediments across the intertidal flat exhibited varying degrees of biostabilisation. The maximum biostabilisation coefficient (18) was recorded at night in high microalgal biomass areas; the minimum (5) occurred during both day and night, in areas with lower microalgal biomass. All surface sediment parameters varied rhythmically between day- and night-time. Significant differences were found between day- and night-time biostabilisation coefficients, however, differences between day- and night-time τ c values were not detected. It is suggested that sediment stability at night is enhanced in high microalgal biomass areas as a result of degradation products from bound extra-cellular polysaccharides (EPS) not easily detected using standard extraction procedures.