Abstract
The process of Differential Roughness Secondary Flow (DRSF), hitherto little recognized, recently was demonstrated in a wind tunnel and in a flume. It is suggested here the DRSF may, in the natural environment, play an important part in the persistence and sharp definition of sand ribbons, previously initiated by other processes.
In 1980 Karl described a series of sand ribbons, alternating with exposed substrate, which he attributed to the effect of Langmuir circulations. Although Langmuir Circulation Secondary Flow (LCSF) may indeed, in some cases, initiate sand ribbons, the sharply-defined edges typical of these features are explained better by DRSF.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Swift, D. J. P. and Ludwick, J. C., 1976. Substrate response to hydraulic process: grain-size frequency distributions and bedforms. In: D. J. Stanley and D. J. P. Swift (eds.), Marine Sediment Transport and Environmental Management. John Wiley & Sons, New York, p. 159–196.
Kenyon, N. H., 1970. Sand ribbons of European tidal seas. Marine Geology, v. 9, p. 25–39.
Werner, F. and Newton, R. S., 1975. The pattern of large-scale bed forms in the Langeland Belt (Baltic Sea) Marine Geology, v. 19, p. 29–59.
Karl, H. A., 1980. Speculations on processes responsible for mesoscale current lineations on the continental shelf, southern California. Marine Geology, v. 34, p. M9-M18.
Prandtl, L., 1952. Essentials of Fluid Dynamics. Blackie and Son, London, 452 p.
Pollard, R. T., 1977. Observations and theories of Langmuir circulations and their role in near surface mixing. In: M. V. Angel (ed.), A Voyage of Discovery: George Deacon 70th Anniversary Volume. Pergamon Press, Oxford, p. 235–251.
Garrett, C. J. R., 1976. Generation of Langmuir circulations by surface waves—a feedback mechanism. Journal of Marine Research, v. 34, p. 117–130.
Edling, W. H. and Cermak, J. E., 1974. Three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer flow on roughness strip of finite width. Project THEMIS Technical Report No. 27. Fluid Dynamics and Diffusion Laboratory, College of Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 245 p.
Müller, A. and Studerus, X., 1979. Secondary flow in an open channel. Proceedings 18th Congress International Association of Hydraulic Research, Cagliari, v. 3, p. 19–24.
McLean, S. R., 1980. The role of non-uniform roughness in the formation of sand ribbons. Abstract. 26th International Geological Congress, Paris, v. 2, p. 506.
McLean, S. R., 1981. The role of non-uniform roughness in the formation of sand ribbons. Marine Geology, v. 42, p. 49–74.
Sayre, W. W., and Albertson, M. L., 1961. Roughness spacing in rigid open channels. Journal of Hydraulics Division, Proceedings American Society of Civil Engineers, v. 87 (HY 3), p. 121–150.
Bagnold, R. A., 1941. The Physics of Blown Sand and Desert Dunes. Methuen & Co., London, 265 p.
Taylor, P. A. and Dyer, K. R., 1977. Theoretical models of flow near the bed and their implications for sediment transport. In: E. D. Goldberg and others (eds.), The Sea. v. 6. John Wiley & Sons, New York, p. 579–601.
Karcz, I. and Kersey, D., 1980. Experimental study of free-surface flow instability and bedforms in shallow flows. Sedimentary Geology, v. 27, p. 263–300.
Townsend, A. A., 1961. Turbulence. In: V. L. Streeter (ed.), Handbook of Fluid Dynamics. McGraw-Hill, New York, p. 10-1–10-33.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pantin, H.M., Hamilton, D. & Evans, C.D.R. Secondary flow caused by differential roughness, Langmuir circulations, and their effect on the development of sand ribbons. Geo-Marine Letters 1, 255–260 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02462443
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02462443