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A new methodology for the quantitative visualization of coherent flow structures in alluvial channels using multibeam echo‐sounding (MBES)
Author(s) -
Best Jim,
Simmons Stephen,
Parsons Daniel,
Oberg Kevin,
Czuba Jonathan,
Malzone Chris
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2009gl041852
Subject(s) - echo sounding , geology , depth sounding , turbulence , alluvium , bedform , sediment transport , flow (mathematics) , geomorphology , sediment , remote sensing , meteorology , physics , mechanics , oceanography
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.