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Tidal assymetry influence on sediment dynamics : the Solent region

Tidal assymetry influence on sediment dynamics : the Solent region
Tidal assymetry influence on sediment dynamics : the Solent region

The hypothesis tested in this investigation that 'tidal asymmetry is a key factor controlling sediment transport and accumulation in a well-mixed tidally-influenced channel, the Solent' is confirmed to be valid, on the basis of some of the methods used and the modelled and observed data studied, within their limitations. Nevertheless, the relationship is neither simple nor direct, since the Solent tidal asymmetry involves M2 and M4 interactions together with S2, N2, M6, MS4, MN4, 2MS6, and 2MN6, which had to be analysed through diff9rent methods and against the available evidence.

The combined analysis of several approaches was shown to be appropriate to validate the hypothesis: (i) snapshots and time-series of current and sea level data over a tidal cycle, showing the maximum currents and slack water periods present in the complex circulation; (ii) the distribution of ellipses and their rotational sense for the main tidal constituents, showing convergences in the East Solent; (iii) the distribution of tidal asymmetry parameters; (iv) the distribution of bed shear-stress; (v) the distribution of bedload sediment transport rates; (vi) the computation of modelled bed-level changes, showing the depositional trend in Southampton Water and East Solent; (vii) the distribution of residual currents; (viii) the fine-grained sediment source information, (ix) the erosion-deposition distribution from bathymetry analysis, and (x) the seabed sediment type distribution.

The hydrodynamics in the Solent and adjacent English Channel could be simulated by the Lei Shi and TELEMAC-2D models, including some residual eddies described previously. Also, the complex character of the progressive-standing tidal wave propagation over the area, associated with the various connections of a 2-entrance tidal channel with estuaries and bays, and the occurrence of tidal flats, relatively deep channels and complex bathymetry. These patterns appear to be the cause for the complex circulation with unusual periods of slack water, described by the large magnitudes and particular phasing of the shallow-water constituents, which permit the deposition of fine-grained suspended sediments in Southampton Water and in the East Solent.

University of Southampton
Teles, Ana Paula Spinelli da Silva
51c6ece0-b3d7-4ea8-a62f-f04fb9029801
Teles, Ana Paula Spinelli da Silva
51c6ece0-b3d7-4ea8-a62f-f04fb9029801

Teles, Ana Paula Spinelli da Silva (2003) Tidal assymetry influence on sediment dynamics : the Solent region. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

The hypothesis tested in this investigation that 'tidal asymmetry is a key factor controlling sediment transport and accumulation in a well-mixed tidally-influenced channel, the Solent' is confirmed to be valid, on the basis of some of the methods used and the modelled and observed data studied, within their limitations. Nevertheless, the relationship is neither simple nor direct, since the Solent tidal asymmetry involves M2 and M4 interactions together with S2, N2, M6, MS4, MN4, 2MS6, and 2MN6, which had to be analysed through diff9rent methods and against the available evidence.

The combined analysis of several approaches was shown to be appropriate to validate the hypothesis: (i) snapshots and time-series of current and sea level data over a tidal cycle, showing the maximum currents and slack water periods present in the complex circulation; (ii) the distribution of ellipses and their rotational sense for the main tidal constituents, showing convergences in the East Solent; (iii) the distribution of tidal asymmetry parameters; (iv) the distribution of bed shear-stress; (v) the distribution of bedload sediment transport rates; (vi) the computation of modelled bed-level changes, showing the depositional trend in Southampton Water and East Solent; (vii) the distribution of residual currents; (viii) the fine-grained sediment source information, (ix) the erosion-deposition distribution from bathymetry analysis, and (x) the seabed sediment type distribution.

The hydrodynamics in the Solent and adjacent English Channel could be simulated by the Lei Shi and TELEMAC-2D models, including some residual eddies described previously. Also, the complex character of the progressive-standing tidal wave propagation over the area, associated with the various connections of a 2-entrance tidal channel with estuaries and bays, and the occurrence of tidal flats, relatively deep channels and complex bathymetry. These patterns appear to be the cause for the complex circulation with unusual periods of slack water, described by the large magnitudes and particular phasing of the shallow-water constituents, which permit the deposition of fine-grained suspended sediments in Southampton Water and in the East Solent.

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Published date: 2003

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 465125
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/465125
PURE UUID: 05fbc5ee-9a9f-44ec-a787-abcf0bc78ea8

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Date deposited: 05 Jul 2022 00:24
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 19:58

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Author: Ana Paula Spinelli da Silva Teles

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