Tidally-Induced Sediment Transport on the Amazon Prodelta

by B. K. Paulson, CH2M Hill, Bellevue, United States,
R. W. Sternberg, CH2M Hill, Bellevue, United States,
D. A. Cacchione, CH2M Hill, Bellevue, United States,
G. C. Kineke, CH2M Hill, Bellevue, United States,
D. E. Drake, CH2M Hill, Bellevue, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Engineering Considerations in Coastal Zone Management

Abstract:

A study of boundary-layer processes on the Amazon River prodelta region was conducted as part of the Amazon Shelf Sediment Study (AmasSeds). Over a 2-week period during the time of high river sediment discharge, an instrumented bottom tripod (GEOPROBE) was deployed at a 63-meter depth at the base of the foreset region of the Amazon outer subaqueous delta. Analysis of near-bed velocities and sediment concentration profiles show distinct fortnightly tidal variation with strong semi-diurnal components. Sediment particle fluxes during spring tide conditions were estimated to be about five times greater than during neap tides, with the net flux direction being northward and onshore. These data demonstrate that tidally-induced processes are important in controlling the transport of suspended sediment on the Amazon prodelta.

Subject Headings: Tides | Sediment transport | Sediment | Coastal processes | Boundary layers | Suspended sediment | River and stream beds | Amazon River

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