Wave-induced sediment resuspension in the Öre estuary, northern Sweden

Abstract

Material transported by the Öre River in northern Sweden is all deposited within the estuary which means that resuspension is necessary for the transport of particles out of the estuary. Wave-induced sediment resuspension in the estuary was studied by monitoring the distribution of suspended particles during a resuspension-redeposition cycle. The particle concentration in the water mass was measured with a light scattering probe, calibrated by comparison with the amount of particles collected on a filter.

After a long period with calm weather and a low river input less than 100 tonne of suspended particulate matter was present in the estuary. However, during a period with stormy conditions significant resuspension of sediment particles occurred within the estuary. Two days after the storm approximately 1125 tonne of suspended particulate matter was found in the estuary. Most (61%) of the suspended matter was found in the deepest third of the water column, although up to 17% was present in the top third of the water column. The total load of particulate matter in the water column remained constant until day four after the storm, but a significant redistribution of the particulate matter occurred both in the vertical and horizontal directions. Nine days after the storm, a significant amount of particles (c. 350 tonnes) was still in suspension.