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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 51 (1967)

Issue: 10. (October)

First Page: 2162

Last Page: 2162

Title: Diffusion and Settling of Suspended Sediment at River Mouths: a Computer Simulation Model: ABSTRACT

Author(s): G. F. Bonham-Carter, Alex J. Sutherland

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

A Fortran IV computer program has been written for simulating the diffusion and settling of suspended sediment at river mouths. The rate of sediment accumulation at any point in front of the channel mouth is governed by water and sediment discharge, sediment grain-size distribution, sediment density, the porosity of the resulting sediment, width and depth of the river channel, and the geometry of the basin. A plane jet model is used for determining the velocity field and the rates of sediment diffusion. By adjusting the input parameters, a variety of "delta" deposits may be created. The shape and foreset slope of the delta fan are found to be closely controlled by grain size and discharge. By allowing the model to respond dynamically to the buildup of sediment at the chan el mouth, a distributary mouth bar and submerged levees can be formed. Delta-simulation experiments are monitored by printing (1) maps showing the rates of sedimentation for each grain size at every point in a digital accounting grid and (2) facies maps using alphabetic symbols. Maps and stratigraphic cross sections are drawn with a digital plotter.

Computer simulation is an important method for sedimentology, and should be used in combination with hydraulic models and direct observations of natural phenomena.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists