A new methodology for the quantitative visualization of coherent flow structures in alluvial channels using multibeam echo-sounding (MBES)

Best, Jim; Simmons, Stephen; Parsons, Daniel; Oberg, Kevin; Czuba, Jonathan; Malzone, Chris

Abstract

In order to investigate the interactions between turbulence and suspended sediment transport in natural aqueous environments, we ideally require a technique that allows simultaneous measurement of fluid velocity and sediment concentration for the whole flow field. Here, we report on development of a methodology using the water column acoustic backscatter signal from a multibeam echo sounder to simultaneously quantify flow velocities and sediment concentrations. The application of this new technique is illustrated with reference to flow over the leeside of an alluvial sand dune, which allows, for the first time in a field study, quantitative visualization of large-scale, whole flow field, turbulent coherent flow structures associated with the dune leeside that are responsible for suspending bed sediment. This methodology holds great potential for use in a wide range of aqueous geophysical flows.

Citation

Best, J., Simmons, S., Parsons, D., Oberg, K., Czuba, J., & Malzone, C. (2010). A new methodology for the quantitative visualization of coherent flow structures in alluvial channels using multibeam echo-sounding (MBES). Geophysical research letters, 37(6), Article ARTN L06405. https://doi.org/10.1029/2009gl041852

• Acceptance Date: Jan 27, 2010
• Online Publication Date: Mar 17, 2010
• Publication Date: 2010-03
• Deposit Date: Nov 13, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 13, 2014
• Journal: Geophysical research letters
• Print ISSN: 0094-8276
• Publisher: American Geophysical Union
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 37
• Issue: 6
• Article Number: ARTN L06405
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2009gl041852
• Keywords: REF 2014 submission, Turbulence structure, 2-dimensional dunes, Sediment transport, Bedload transport
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/463934
• Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2009GL041852/abstract;jsessionid=3C102412D1EAD1BFCEADAE73C2724647.f03t04
• Additional Information: Copy of article first published in Geophysical research letters, 2010, v.37, issue 6