Moving Muds in the Marine Environment

by W. B. Dade, Univ of Washington, Seattle, United States,
A. R. M. Nowell, Univ of Washington, Seattle, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Sediments

Abstract:

Fine sediments with cohesive properties abound in the marine environment. We review idealized relationships that are useful in understanding flow behavior of important components of marine mud suspensions. In general, aqueous suspensions of either clay or microbial cultures are viscoelastic materials exhibiting yield stress and shearthining behavior. These properties are dependent on component concentrations as well as biological, physical, and chemical aspects of the suspension environment. Flow behavior of mud suspensions affects many aspects of mud transport including mud erosion resistance and reduction of suspending turbulence. Comprehensive analysis of the roles of mixed clay types, particle size, and biological effects in cohesive sediment transport await further study. In particular there is a tremendous need for systematic analysis of microbial control of mud properties.

Subject Headings: Mud | Sediment transport | Fluid flow | Suspended sediment | Soil properties | Soil analysis | Seas and oceans

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