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Acoustic profiling of fine suspension concentration in the Changjiang estuary

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Abstract

Vertical profiles of suspended fine sediment concentration, tidal current velocity, and salinity were measured in May 1994 in the Changjiang Estuary. High resolution concentration profiles were obtained by using a 0.5-MHz acoustic suspended sediment, monitor. High temporal and spatial resolution acoustic profiling of fine suspension concentration provides both the instantaneous vertical profile of concentration and information on the continuous dynamic processes of fine sediment erosion, transport, and deposition. Calibrated acoustic images revealed 1) highly stratified suspensions, 2) resuspension of the cohesive mud, bed, and 3) re-entrainment of the near-bed high concentration suspensions by turbulent shear flow. Within the near-bed high concentration suspensions, two different frequencies of highly episodic resuspension processes were identified: high frequency resuspension, lasting, a few seconds low frequency resuspension, lasting a few minutes. The highest concentrations, associated with low velocity and high salinity, were found close to the cohesive mud bed. Lutoclines were persistent features during the measurements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Harbour & Hydraulic Engineering National Laboratory of Ocean Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1954 Hua Shan Road, 200030, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

    Z. Shi

  2. Shanghai Acoustics Laboratory, Academia Sinica, 456 Xiao Mu Qiao Road, 200032, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China

    L. F. Ren

  3. Defence Science & Technology Organization (DSTO), Aeronautical & Maritime Research Laboratory, Wharf 17, Jones Bay Road Pyrmont, 2009, Sydney, Australia

    L. J. Hamilton

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  1. Z. Shi
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  2. L. F. Ren
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Correspondence to Z. Shi.

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Shi, Z., Ren, L.F. & Hamilton, L.J. Acoustic profiling of fine suspension concentration in the Changjiang estuary. Estuaries 22, 648–656 (1999). https://doi.org/10.2307/1353052

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