Suspended Sediment Flux Research Articles

Effect of an obstacle on the depositional behaviour of turbidity currents

ABSTRACTTurbidity currents are responsible for much of the sedimentation in reservoirs. In order to control these flows, various methods such as placing an obstacle in their path have been proposed. In this study, the effect of inlet sediment concentration and obstacle height on the behaviour of turbidity currents is investigated experimentally. For this purpose, some experiments were carried out with different inlet concentrations and various obstacle heights. Velocity and concentration profiles were measured using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter. To examine the depositional behaviour of turbidity current, suspended sediment flux was calculated using velocity and concentration profiles of the current. The results indicate that increasing the obstacle height reduces the sediment flux upstream of the obstacle, and therefore more sedimentation occurs in the region. At low inlet concentrations, it was shown that the sediment flux is approximately constant along the channel and is independent of the obstacle height.

Storm impacts on hydrodynamics and suspended-sediment fluxes in a microtidal back-barrier estuary

Recent major storms have piqued interest in understanding the responses of estuarine hydrodynamics and sediment transport to these events. To that end, flow velocity, wave characteristics, and suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) were measured for 11 months at eight locations in Chincoteague Bay, MD/VA, USA, a shallow back-barrier estuary. Daily breezes and episodic storms generated sediment-resuspending waves and modified the flow velocity at all sites, which occupied channel, shoal, and sheltered-bay environments with different bed-sediment characteristics. Despite comparable SSC during calm periods, SSC at the channel locations was considerably greater than at the shoal sites during windy periods because of relatively more erodible bed sediment in the channels. Sediment fluxes were strongly wind modulated: within the bay's main channel, depth-integrated unit-width sediment flux increased nonlinearly with increasing wind speed. When averaged over all sites, about 35% of the flux occurred during windy periods (wind speed greater than 6 m s−1), which represented just 15% of the deployment time. At channel sites, the net water and sediment fluxes were opposite to the direction of the wind forcing, while at shoal sites, the fluxes generally were aligned with the wind, implying complex channel–shoal dynamics. Yearly sediment fluxes exceed previous estimates of sediment delivery to the entirety of Chincoteague Bay. These observations illustrate the dynamic sedimentary processes occurring within microtidal back-barrier lagoons and highlight the importance of storm events in the hydrodynamics and overall sediment budgets of these systems.

Differential sediment trapping abilities of mangrove and saltmarsh vegetation in a subtropical estuary

Saltmarsh and mangrove are common coastal wetland types and their ability to enhance deposition has been investigated extensively, but rarely compared directly. This study carried out in situ observations to compare the sediment transport processes between a bare mudflat, a mangrove stand and a saltmarsh stand within a subtropical estuary. Turbidity variations over the latter portion of a spring tide were recorded, alongside measurements of flow data, to estimate sediment trapping by hydraulic forces under similar hydroperiods. In addition, vegetation was transplanted to compare the direct sediment trapping by high-standings and short-seedlings. The suspended sediment concentration (SSC) time series showed an overall reduction between the bare mudflat and the vegetated flats. Suspended sediment flux estimates revealed that a considerable amount of sediment was trapped by the saltmarsh and the mangrove edges. The flux estimates find that the saltmarsh edge is more efficient than the mangrove edge in trapping sediments transported normal to the edge. The sediment trapping mechanisms were considered based on two approaches: the hydrodynamic related sediment settling and direct trapping by vegetation. The calculation of deposition tendency showed that the presence of vegetation altered the flow direction and the tidal asymmetry of the deposition process, resulting in a higher deposition tendency during the flood phase to enhance sediment settling. In addition to sediment settling, vegetation surfaces were found to trap sediments directly. In combination with rinsing by precipitation, these trapped sediments accumulated on the bed and contributed to the deposition. Against the background of similar inundation periods, the saltmarsh grass showed a greater sediment trapping ability than the mangrove trees, in terms of both the hydraulic sediment trapping and the direct trapping by vegetation surface.

Water and Suspended Sediment Budgets in the Lower Mekong from High-Frequency Measurements (2009–2016)

Based on a new dataset of high temporal resolution of water discharge (hourly frequency) and suspended sediment concentration (twice daily frequency at ebb and flood tides) at Can Tho and My Thuan stations during the 2009–2016 period, monthly and annual flow and suspended sediment flux of the lower Mekong River were calculated. The present water discharge of the Mekong River to the sea can be estimated to be 400 km3 yr−1, +/− 100 km3 yr−1 depending on El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and the present sediment supply to the sea can be estimated to be 40 Mt yr−1, +/− 20 Mt yr−1 depending on ENSO. The ENSO influence (proxied by the Southern Oscillation Index—SOI) on Q (water discharge) and Qs (sediment flux) is at maximum at a time lag of 8–9 months. The 2010–2011 La Niña event increased the water supply by almost 30% and the sediment supply by 55% in 2011. The 2015–2016 El Niño event decreased the water supply by 20% and the sediment supply by 50% in 2015–2016. The average net water discharge was 12,550 m3 s−1 in neutral years. The Tien River at My Thuan accounted for ~52%, and the Hau River at Can Tho for ~48% of the total Mekong River discharge, with small variations (of the order 1%) amongst years. In terms of suspended sediment delivery to the sea, the Tien River accounted for a more variable portion of 55% in neutral years, 57.3% in 2015–2016 (El Niño) and 62% in 2011 (La Niña). 80% of water discharge occurred during the flood season (July–December) and 20% occurred in the low flow season (January–June), the proportion being 91% and 9% for the sediment supply. Previous estimates of annual sediment supplies to the sea (145–160 Mt yr−1) had been established before 2003. Possible origins of the recent reduction by ~75% of sediment supply are presented and discussed.

The influence of neap–spring tidal variation and wave energy on sediment flux in salt marsh tidal creeks

AbstractSediment flux in marsh tidal creeks is commonly used to gauge sediment supply to marshes. We conducted a field investigation of temporal variability in sediment flux in tidal creeks in the accreting tidal marsh at China Camp State Park adjacent to northern San Francisco Bay. Suspended‐sediment concentration (SSC), velocity and depth were measured near the mouths of two tidal creeks during three 6‐ to 10‐week deployments: two in winter and one in summer. Currents, wave properties and SSC were measured in the adjacent shallows. All deployments spanned the largest spring tides of the season. Results show that tidally averaged suspended‐sediment flux (SSF) in the tidal creeks varied from slightly landward to strongly bayward with increasing tidal energy. SSF was negative (bayward) for tidal cycles with maximum water surface elevation above the marsh plain. Export during the largest spring tides dominated the cumulative SSF for each deployment. During ebb tides following the highest tides, velocities exceeded 1 m s−1 in the narrow tidal creeks, resulting in negative tidally averaged water flux, and mobilizing sediment from the creek banks or bed. Storm surge also produced negative SSF. Tidally averaged SSF was positive in wavy conditions with moderate tides. Spring tide sediment export at the creek mouth was about twice that at a station 130 m further up the tidal creek. The negative tidally averaged water flux near the creek mouth during spring tides indicates that in the lower marsh some of the water flooding directly across the bay–marsh interface drains through the tidal creeks, and suggests that this interface may be a pathway for sediment supply to the lower marsh as well. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Catchment-scale weathering fluxes in the Southern Alps, New Zealand

The dissolved and suspended sediment flux in a small headwater in the Southern Alps, New Zealand over a 16-month period showed that mass transferred as dissolved load (91 t km−2 a−1) is a significant flux relative to the suspended sediment flux (210 t km−2 a−1). Export of dissolved load occurs mostly under baseflow, with 268 t being transported over 10 discrete events, relative to a total load of 1171 t over the experimental observation period; which is equivalent to 23% of the ionic flux occurring during event flow. Storm events contribute 2420 t of suspended sediment, accounting for 90% of the total suspended sediment flux. The chemical weathering flux was 43% of the physical weathering flux, and much higher than previous estimates of 1–9% for the Southern Alps. Such a high relative rate of chemical weathering is unlikely to be indicative of the full Southern Alps extent, but suggests that in some regions of the eastern Southern Alps mass loss via chemical weathering may be a significant portion of overall flux. During storm events, temporal exhaustion of sediment occurred and inferred limited sediment source production, rather than limited connectivity with the hillslope environment. Similar supply-limitation is expressed in the ionic flux, where rainfall events do not usually express hysteretic behaviour, and event flow is dominated by a simple dilution recession.

The Variations of Sediment Transport Patterns in the Radial Sand Ridges along the Jiangsu Coast, China over the Last 30 Years

Tao, J.; Xu, F.; Yao, P.; Zhou, Z., and Zhang, C., 2018. The variations of sediment transport patterns in the radial sand ridges along the Jiangsu coast, China over the last 30 years. In: Shim, J.-S.; Chun, I., and Lim, H.S. (eds.), Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2018 (Busan, Republic of Korea). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 85, pp. 216–220. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.The research objective is to clarify the primary factors lead to the variations of the suspended sediment transport in the radial sand ridges (RSRs) along the Jiangsu Coast over the last 30 years. The suspended sediment concentration (SSC) fields measured in several field surveys from 1980 to 2010 were analyzed. The field data indicate that the SSCs in 1980 are higher than those 2010. A two-dimensional numerical model was developed to simulate the inter-annual variations of the suspended sediment transport. Generally, the magnitude of the SSC is highly relevant with the current speed, which peaks around the Old Yellow River Delta (OYRD) and in the central RSRs. However, the northern part of the RSRs indicates higher SSC than the southern part, which is attributed to their different bed sediment composition. The net suspended sediment flux was calculated. In the north of the RSRs, the sediments are transported in the south direction, which implies a sediment input from the OYRD to the RSRs. In the south of the RSRs, a net sediment loss was observed, which is consistent with the decreasing of the sediment flux from the Yangtze River. The simulated suspended sediment transport in 1980 and 2010 mutually show similar spatial patterns, while SSCs in 1980 are overall larger than those in 2010. It is concluded that the decrease of the SSCs from 1980 to 2010 is attributed to the reduction of the OYRD and the large-scale reclamation along the Jiangsu coast, while the sediment fluxes from the Yangtze River is less important.

Sediment storage in the Southern Alps of New Zealand: New observations from tracer thermochronology

Careful study of the processes transporting sediment across Earth's surface is critical for robust interpretation of the sedimentary record. Here we consider the specific influence of cyclic glaciation on the export of sediment from mountain landscapes to ocean basins. Using detrital apatite fission-track tracer thermochronology, we present new observations of sediment provenance from six large river systems draining the eastern flank of the Southern Alps, New Zealand. Detrital cooling ages in all six rivers reflect erosion of partially-reset and fully-unreset bedrock exposed in lower catchment areas and indicate that sediment is not currently contributed in proportion to long-term (>106 yr) erosion patterns. Instead, detrital cooling ages are better explained by either localized erosion along the eastern mountain front or intermontane sediment storage. Of these two alternatives, only intermontane sediment storage is further consistent with suspended sediment flux measurements in eastern rivers. Our observations are consistent with prior interpretations of Holocene sediment retention, and contrast with tracer thermochronology from continental margin deposits indicating sediment was rapidly exported to the continental shelf during the late Pleistocene. Collectively, this evidence argues for a reactive sediment routing system east of the main drainage divide that responds to cyclic glaciation by retaining sediment onshore following deglaciation and evacuating sediment reservoirs offshore during the subsequent glacial advance. Our research demonstrates the importance of intermontane sediment storage on the transmission of high-frequency (∼104–5 yr) climate signals to offshore sedimentary archives while highlighting a novel approach to detailing sediment provenance in tectonically active mountain ranges.

Contrasting suspended sediment export in two small agricultural catchments: Cross‐influence of hydrological behaviour and landscape degradation or stream bank management

AbstractThe study aimed to identify hydrological and landscape factors that influence sediment transport in 2 agricultural catchments in north‐western France—Moulinet and Kervidy‐Naizin—with the same climate, size, and bedrock but with contrasting suspended sediment (SS) fluxes. Discharge and SS concentrations were continuously monitored at the catchment outlets for 9 hydrological years. Data were examined at annual, seasonal, and individual storm‐flow event scales. Storm events were classified into 3 types—single small, successive, and major events—whose effect on sediment transport was studied. At the annual scale, SS yields were higher in Moulinet (16–63 × 103 kg km−2) than in Kervidy‐Naizin (3–22 × 103 kg km−2) despite similar water fluxes. However, Kervidy‐Naizin had higher potential for hillslope erosion because of more frequent occurrence of saturation excess runoff, more frequent bare soil in cultivated area, and fewer hedgerows. Major storm events were also stronger in this catchment. Although high SS concentrations and fluxes occurred only during a few major events in Kervidy‐Naizin, SS export was always substantial throughout the year in Moulinet. We hypothesised that bank degradation due to cattle trampling generated the higher SS export in the Moulinet catchment. This hypothesis was confirmed by the large decrease in SS fluxes following construction of watering troughs in the middle of the study period. In the Kervidy‐Naizin catchment, natural woody vegetation or grass buffer strips along the stream effectively protect the stream from bank erosion or a possible influx of hillslope erosion particles, except during some major events in winter.

Numerical study of sediment dynamics during hurricane Gustav

In this study, the coupled ocean-atmosphere-wave-and-sediment transport (COAWST) modeling system was employed to explore sediment dynamics in the northern Gulf of Mexico during hurricane Gustav in 2008. The performance of the model was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively against in-situ and remote sensing measurements, respectively. After Gustav's landfall in coastal Louisiana, the maximum significant wave heights reached more than 8 m offshore and they decreased quickly as it moved toward the inner shelf, where the vertical stratification was largely destroyed. Alongshore currents were dominant westward on the eastern sector of the hurricane track, and offshoreward currents prevailed on the western sector. High suspended sediment concentrations (>1000 mg/l) were confined to the inner shelf at surface layers and the simulated high concentrations at the bottom layer extended to the 200 m isobaths. The stratification was restored one week after landfall, although not fully. The asymmetric hurricane winds induced stronger hydrodynamics in the eastern sector, which led to severe erosion. The calculated suspended sediment flux (SSF) was convergent to the hurricane center and the maximum SSF was simulated near the south and southeast of the Mississippi river delta. The averaged post-hurricane deposition over the Louisiana shelf was 4.0 cm, which was 3.2–26 times higher than the annual accumulation rate under normal weather conditions.

Particle size differentiation explains flow regulation controls on sediment sorting in the water-level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China

The Three Gorges Dam has significantly interrupted fluvial continuity and modified the mass transfer regime along river continuums. Flow regulation following regular dam operations drives dramatic hydrological regime shifts, which facilitates sediment dispersal in the water-level fluctuation zone over episodic inundation periods. How flow regulation modulates sediment redistribution, however, remains unclear. In this study, we depict absolute particle size composition of suspended sediment and sink sediment in the water-level fluctuation zone, and these are interpreted in the context of flow regulation controls on sediment sorting. Multiple sampling strategies were applied at different spatial and temporal scales, to overcome limitations of labour and cost input in a large-scale field study and to collect representative samples. The results revealed a longitudinal fining trend and seasonal variability in particle size composition for suspended sediment. Sink sediment collected from the water-level fluctuation zone during a single summer flood event displayed a similar longitudinal fining trend, reflecting preferential settling of coarser fractions in the backwater reaches where flow velocity declines sharply. Surface sediment demonstrated a laterally coarsening trend with increasing elevations along a slope profile. Flooding duration, frequency and timing represent key factors in determining the elevation-dependent variations in the magnitude of sedimentation and its source inputs. Relatively longer flooding duration and frequent intermediate summer floods with high suspended sediment flux are responsible for high sedimentation rates in the lower portions with distal upstream source inputs, while low sedimentation rates in the upper portions are principally associated with water impoundment and sediment produced from local bank erosion. Vertical particle size variability was observed along a sedimentary core profile, which most likely reflects seasonal differences in source supply with contrasting particle size characteristics. We conclude that absolute particle size differentiation explains flow regulation controls on sediment sorting in the water-level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir.

A comprehensive biogeochemical record and annual flux estimates for the Sabaki River (Kenya)

Abstract. Inland waters impart considerable influence on nutrient cycling and budget estimates across local, regional and global scales, whilst anthropogenic pressures, such as rising populations and the appropriation of land and water resources, are undoubtedly modulating the flux of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) between terrestrial biomes to inland waters, and the subsequent flux of these nutrients to the marine and atmospheric domains. Here, we present a 2-year biogeochemical record (October 2011–December 2013) at biweekly sampling resolution for the lower Sabaki River, Kenya, and provide estimates for suspended sediment and nutrient export fluxes from the lower Sabaki River under pre-dam conditions, and in light of the approved construction of the Thwake Multipurpose Dam on its upper reaches (Athi River). Erratic seasonal variation was typical for most parameters, with generally poor correlation between discharge and material concentrations, and stable isotope values of C (δ13C) and N (δ15N). Although high total suspended matter (TSM) concentrations are reported here (up to ∼ 3.8 g L−1), peak concentrations of TSM rarely coincided with peak discharge. The contribution of particulate organic C (POC) to the TSM pool indicates a wide biannual variation in suspended sediment load from OC poor (0.3 %) to OC rich (14.9 %), with the highest %POC occurring when discharge is < 100 m3 s−1 and at lower TSM concentrations. The consistent 15N enrichment of the particulate nitrogen (PN) pool compared to other river systems indicates anthropogenic N loading is a year-round driver of N export from the Sabaki Basin. The lower Sabaki River was consistently oversaturated in dissolved methane (CH4; from 499 to 135 111 %) and nitrous oxide (N2O; 100 to 463 %) relative to atmospheric concentrations. Wet season flows (October–December and March–May) carried > 80 % of the total load for TSM (∼ 86 %), POC (∼ 89 %), dissolved organic carbon (DOC; ∼ 81 %), PN (∼ 89 %) and particulate phosphorus (TPP; ∼ 82 %), with > 50 % of each fraction exported during the long wet season (March–May). Our estimated sediment yield (85 Mg km−2 yr−1) is relatively low on the global scale and is considerably less than the recently reported average sediment yield of ∼ 630 Mg km−2 yr−1 for African river basins. Regardless, sediment and OC yields were all at least equivalent or greater than reported yields for the neighbouring dammed Tana River. Rapid pulses of heavily 13C-enriched POC coincided with peak concentrations of PN, ammonium, CH4 and low dissolved oxygen saturation, suggesting that large mammalian herbivores (e.g. hippopotami) may mediate the delivery of C4 organic matter to the river during the dry season. Given recent projections for increasing dissolved nutrient export from African rivers, as well as the planned damming of the Athi River, these first estimates of material fluxes from the Sabaki River provide base-line data for future research initiatives assessing anthropogenic perturbation of the Sabaki Basin.

Evaluating Regime Change of Sediment Transport in the Jingjiang River Reach, Yangtze River, China

The sediment regime in the Jingjiang river reach of the middle Yangtze River has been significantly changed from quasi-equilibrium to unsaturated since the impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD). Vertical profiles of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and sediment flux can be adopted to evaluate the sediment regime at the local and reach scale, respectively. However, the connection between the vertical concentration profiles and the hydrologic conditions of the sub-saturated channel has rarely been examined based on field data. Thus, vertical concentration data at three hydrological stations in the reach (Zhicheng, Shashi, and Jianli) are collected. Analyses show that the near-bed concentration (within 10% of water depth from the riverbed) may reach up to 15 times that of the vertical average concentration. By comparing the fractions of the suspended sediment and bed material before and after TGD operation, the geomorphic condition under which the distinct large near-bed concentrations occur have been examined. Based on daily discharge-sediment hydrographs, the reach scale sediment regime and availability of sediment sources are analyzed. In total, remarkable large near-bed concentrations may respond to the combination of wide grading suspended particles and bed material. Finally, several future challenges caused by the anomalous vertical concentration profiles in the unsaturated reach are discussed. This indicates that more detailed measurements or new measuring technologies may help us to provide accurate measurements, while a fractional dispersion equation may help us in describing. The present study aims to gain new insights into regime change of sediment suspension in the river reaches downstream of a very large reservoir.

Suspended particle dynamics and fluxes in an Arctic fjord (Kongsfjorden, Svalbard)

An experiment was carried out during summer 2015 in the inner part of the Kongsfjorden to study the inputs of meltwater and behaviour of associated suspended particles. We used a wide range of oceanographic instruments to assess the hydrological and hydrodynamic characteristics of coastal waters. The transfer of suspended particles occurs from a large surface plume fed by two main sources: the most important one is the upwelling of fresh and turbid water coming from a tide-water glacier: the Kronebreen, and the second one from a continental glacier: the Kongsvegen. We estimated that these two sources discharged about 2.48 ± 0.37 × 106 t of suspended sediments during the two months of melting. The major part of these sediments is deposited within the first kilometre due to flocculation phenomena. Flocculation is initiated below the surface turbid plume and is mainly caused by the salinity gradient and high suspended particle concentration. Finally, our estimates of suspended particle fluxes by a typical Arctic coastal glacier showed the need to consider suspended sediment fluxes from high-latitude areas into global budgets in the context of climate change.

Estimating Surface/Subsurface Sediment Mixing in Karst Settings Using 7Be Isotopes

AbstractThis study shows that the cosmogenic radionuclide beryllium‐7 can be used to track sediment movement through caves. The activities of beryllium‐7 and cesium‐137 were measured in two different karst settings at both surface and subsurface sites before and after storm runoff events. At one site, 7Be‐enriched sediment was detected up to 1.5 km along a stream conduit after a moderate storm event; however, the activity of 137Cs was too variable to show a meaningful pattern. The percentages of surface sediment that was found ranged from 0 to 52% along the entire 3 km cave stream and from 33 to 52% along the upper 1.5 km. At the other site, as much as 96% of the sediment initially discharged at the spring during a storm event was fresh surface material that had traveled into and through the cave stream. Moreover, during the 4 day runoff event, approximately 23% of the total suspended sediment flux was estimated to originate from surface erosion with 78% being reworked sediment from within the cave. The data in this study show that cosmogenic radionuclides with multiyear half‐lives are too long‐lived to track sediment origins in the caves; whereas, 7Be with a 53.2 day half‐life, can be used to track movement of sediment along cave streams.

The influence of a semi-arid sub-catchment on suspended sediments in the Mara River, Kenya.

The Mara River Basin in East Africa is a trans-boundary basin of international significance experiencing excessive levels of sediment loads. Sediment levels in this river are extremely high (turbidities as high as 6,000 NTU) and appear to be increasing over time. Large wildlife populations, unregulated livestock grazing, and agricultural land conversion are all potential factors increasing sediment loads in the semi-arid portion of the basin. The basin is well-known for its annual wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) migration of approximately 1.3 million individuals, but it also has a growing population of hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibius), which reside within the river and may contribute to the flux of suspended sediments. We used in situ pressure transducers and turbidity sensors to quantify the sediment flux at two sites for the Mara River and investigate the origin of riverine suspended sediment. We found that the combined Middle Mara—Talek catchment, a relatively flat but semi-arid region with large populations of wildlife and domestic cattle, is responsible for 2/3 of the sediment flux. The sediment yield from the combined Middle Mara–Talek catchment is approximately the same as the headwaters, despite receiving less rainfall. There was high monthly variability in suspended sediment fluxes. Although hippopotamus pools are not a major source of suspended sediments under baseflow, they do contribute to short-term variability in suspended sediments. This research identified sources of suspended sediments in the Mara River and important regions of the catchment to target for conservation, and suggests hippopotami may influence riverine sediment dynamics.

Applicability of Kd for modelling dissolved 137Cs concentrations in Fukushima river water: Case study of the upstream Ota River

A study is presented on the applicability of the distribution coefficient (Kd) absorption/desorption model to simulate dissolved 137Cs concentrations in Fukushima river water. The upstream Ota River basin was simulated using GEneral-purpose Terrestrial Fluid-flow Simulator (GETFLOWS) for the period 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2015. Good agreement was obtained between the simulations and observations on water and suspended sediment fluxes, and on particulate bound 137Cs concentrations under both base and high flow conditions. By contrast the measured concentrations of dissolved 137Cs in the river water were much harder to reproduce with the simulations. By tuning the Kd values for large particles, it was possible to reproduce the mean dissolved 137Cs concentrations during base flow periods (observation: 0.32 Bq/L, simulation: 0.36 Bq/L). However neither the seasonal variability in the base flow dissolved 137Cs concentrations (0.14–0.53 Bq/L), nor the peaks in concentration that occurred during storms (0.18–0.88 Bq/L, mean: 0.55 Bq/L), could be reproduced with realistic simulation parameters. These discrepancies may be explained by microbial action and leaching from organic matter in forest litter providing an additional input of dissolved 137Cs to rivers, particularly over summer, and limitations of the Kd absorption/desorption model. It is recommended that future studies investigate these issues in order to improve simulations of dissolved 137Cs concentrations in Fukushima rivers.

The fate of suspended sediment and particulate organic carbon in transit through the channels of a river catchment

AbstractParticulate organic matter (POM) transiting through rivers could be lost to overbank storage, stored in‐channel, added to by erosion or autochthonous production, or turned over to release greenhouse gases to the atmosphere (either while in the water column or while stored in the channel). In the UK, a net loss of POM across catchments has been recorded, and the aim here was to investigate the balances of processes acting on the POM. This study considered records of suspended sediment and POM flux in comparison to stream flow, velocity, stream power, and residence time for the River Trent (English Midlands, 8,231 km2). We show that for the lower two thirds (106 km) of the River Trent, 2% is lost to overbank storage; 10% is lost to the atmosphere in the water column; and 31% is turned over while in temporary storage. Permanent in‐channel storage is negligible, and for the lower course of the river, material stored in‐channel will have a residence time of the order of hundreds of days between the last flood hydrograph of one winter and the first winter storm of the next winter (usually in the same calendar year). When considered at the scale of the UK, 1% POM in transit would be lost to overbank sedimentation; 5% turned over in the water column, and 14% turned over while in temporary storage. In the upper third of the study river channel, there is insufficient stream power to transport sediment and so in‐channel storage or in‐channel turnover over to the atmosphere dominate. The in‐channel processes of the River Trent do not conform to that expected for river channels as the headwaters are not eroding or transporting sediment. Therefore, the source of sediment must be lower down the channel network.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of sediment transport in lesser Himalayan catchments, India

ABSTRACTSediment transport from mountainous to lowland areas is considered one of the most important geomorphological processes. In the present study, variations in transported sediment loads and dissolved loads have been studied over 3 years (2008–2011) for two forested catchments located in the Lesser Himalayan region of India. Seasonal and annual suspended sediment flux was strongly influenced by amounts of rainfall and streamflow. On average, 93% of annual load was produced during the monsoon, of which 62–78% occurred in only five peak events. Sediment production by the degraded forest catchment (Bansigad) was 1.9-fold (suspended sediment load) to 5.9-fold (bedload) higher than the densely forested catchment (Arnigad). The dissolved organic matter potentially influences total dissolved solids in the stream. Heavy rainfall triggers both stream discharge and landslides, which lead to higher bedload transport. Total denudation rates for Arnigad and Bansigad were estimated at 0.68 and 1.02 mm year−1, respectively.

Budgeting suspended sediment fluxes in tropical monsoonal watersheds with limited data: the Lake Tana basin

Abstract Soil erosion decreases soil fertility of the uplands and causes siltation of lakes and reservoirs; the lakes and reservoirs in tropical monsoonal African highlands are especially affected by sedimentation. Efforts in reducing loads by designing management practices are hampered by lack of quantitative data on the relationship of erosion in the watersheds and sediment accumulation on flood plains, lakes and reservoirs. The objective of this study is to develop a prototype quantitative method for estimating sediment budget for tropical monsoon lakes with limited observational data. Four watersheds in the Lake Tana basin were selected for this study. The Parameter Efficient Distributed (PED) model that has shown to perform well in the Ethiopian highlands is used to overcome the data limitations and recreate the missing sediment fluxes. PED model parameters are calibrated using daily discharge data and the occasionally collected sediment concentration when establishing the sediment rating curves for the major rivers. The calibrated model parameters are then used to predict the sediment budget for the 1994-2009 period. Sediment retained in the lake is determined from two bathymetric surveys taken 20 years apart whereas the sediment leaving the lake is calculated based on measured discharge and observed sediment concentrations. Results show that annually on average 34 t/ha/year of sediment is removed from the gauged part of the Lake Tana watersheds. Depending on the up-scaling method from the gauged to the ungauged part, 21 to 32 t/ha/year (equivalent to 24-38 Mt/year) is transported from the upland watersheds of which 46% to 65% is retained in the flood plains and 93% to 96% is trapped on the flood plains and in the lake. Thus, only 4-7% of all sediment produced in the watersheds leaves the Lake Tana Basin.