A Mass-Balance, Control-Volume Approach for Estimating Vertical Sediment Flux and Settling Velocity within Dredge Plumes

A mass-balance, control-volume approach is presented for estimating vertical sediment fluxes and mass-averaged settling velocities in dredge plumes. The method requires detailed measurements of velocity and suspended sediment concentration along the control volume boundaries. An example application is presented in which horizontal fluxes at the control volume boundaries are derived from Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler data. Results of the analysis demonstrate good qualitative agreement with the general understanding of sediments at the site. The control-volume method is suitable for application to other types of dredge plumes and general sediment transport research related to vertical fluxes and settling of suspended sediments.