The pattern of cross-slope depositional fluxes

A simple model with horizontal and vertical diffusivities and settling velocity is used to calculate expected distributions of suspended particulate matter in a section across the continental shelf and slope. Dependencies on the shelf and slope profile, diffusivities, settling velocity, cross-slope...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Deep-sea research. Part I, Oceanographic research papers Oceanographic research papers, 1999-09, Vol.46 (9), p.1565-1591
Main Authors: Amin, M., Huthnance, J.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Geology
Marine
Oceanography
Physical and chemical properties of sea water
Physics of the oceans
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Summary:A simple model with horizontal and vertical diffusivities and settling velocity is used to calculate expected distributions of suspended particulate matter in a section across the continental shelf and slope. Dependencies on the shelf and slope profile, diffusivities, settling velocity, cross-slope advection and boundary sources/sinks are explored. It is found that the strongest factors are relative values of diffusivities and settling velocity, and the distribution of sources and sinks – including bottom deposition or resuspension. The latter is the principal means whereby an increased concentration near the bottom is likely, and is suggested as the usual reason for increased deposition recorded by sediment traps nearer the bottom. Observed thin, near-horizontal intermediate nepheloid layers put bounds on the vertical diffusivity and settling velocity, e.g. O(10 -4 m 2 s -1, 10 -5 m s -1) over Goban Spur in OMEX.
ISSN:0967-0637
1879-0119
DOI:10.1016/S0967-0637(99)00020-5