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CAREER: Sediment dynamics of a microtidal partially-mixed estuary. National Science Foundation, Division of Ocean Sciences. C.T. Friedrichs, Principal Investigator.
Summary of Objectives
In this project, I aimed to critically examine two classical paradigms in sediment dynamics of microtidal, partially-mixed estuaries: that gravitational circulation is the dominant mechanism for landward transport of fine sediment, and that convergent transport of sediment within the water column is the immediate cause of the along-channel turbidity maximum. Observations from the York River estuary are more consistent with substantially different models for estuarine sediment transport and turbidity. Landward sediment transport in the lower water column of the York River estuary appears to often be due to ebb-flood asymmetries in salinity stratification and turbulence brought about by tidal straining of the horizontal density gradient. Furthermore, along-channel maxima in turbidity appear to be due to spatial variations in stratification along with the distribution of easily-eroded surficial mud.
By providing opportunities for interdisciplinary coastal and estuarine research, I also aimed to facilitate hands-on science learning involving faculty-supervised teams of graduate, undergraduate, and high school students in a manner highly consistent with recent national reports recommending reform of science education. In particular, this proposal enhanced the study of sediment transport-related processes among the otherwise impressive suite of programs encouraging interdisciplinary marine science education at VIMS. Many topics related to estuarine sediment dynamics can provide seeds for interdisciplinary inquiry. For example, zooplankton and fish larvae may be adapted to feed and hide in the estuarine turbidity maximum; however, intense estuarine sediment transport may also limit primary production, suppress macrobenthos, and impact the biogeochemistry of the upper seabed.
Final Report to NSF Download PDF (1 MB)
All raw data collected as part of this project is publicly available upon request.
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