A simple mathematical model is used to study the effects of the suspended load on the formation, the growth and the migration of the sand waves. The model is based on a linear stability analysis of the flat configuration of the sea bottom subject to tidal current. Previous investigations of the phenomenon considered only the bed load assuming that the sediment transport takes place only close to the sea bottom. However, rough estimates of the suspended load for field conditions show that the latter can be as large as the bed load. The inclusion of the suspended load makes the phenomenon more unstable and leads to shorter wavelenghts and larger migration speed.
On the effect of the suspended load on the formation of sand waves
BESIO, GIOVANNI;BLONDEAUX, PAOLO
2003-01-01
Abstract
A simple mathematical model is used to study the effects of the suspended load on the formation, the growth and the migration of the sand waves. The model is based on a linear stability analysis of the flat configuration of the sea bottom subject to tidal current. Previous investigations of the phenomenon considered only the bed load assuming that the sediment transport takes place only close to the sea bottom. However, rough estimates of the suspended load for field conditions show that the latter can be as large as the bed load. The inclusion of the suspended load makes the phenomenon more unstable and leads to shorter wavelenghts and larger migration speed.
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