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A comparative study of open channel and subaqueous gravity flows passing a slope break.

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Title: A comparative study of open channel and subaqueous gravity flows passing a slope break.
Authors: Tao, Liyun1,2 (AUTHOR), Huang, Heqing1,3 (AUTHOR) heqingh@sina.com, Yin, Guoxia3 (AUTHOR), Wu, Yakun3 (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Hydraulic Research / Journal de Recherches Hydraulique. Dec2025, Vol. 63 Issue 6, p713-722. 10p.
Subjects: Open-channel flow, Turbidity currents, Slopes (Soil mechanics), Stratified flow, Computer simulation, Chemistry experiments, Hydraulic jump
Abstract: Subaqueous gravity flows – turbidity currents and industrial or agricultural discharges – often encounter abrupt slope changes shortly after entering rivers, lakes or oceans. It has long been assumed that such flows become fully mixed through submerged hydraulic jumps, in the same way as open-channel flows. Here we combine laboratory experiments with high-resolution numerical simulations to compare open-channel flow with two types of subaqueous gravity flow – saline density currents and dilute depositional turbidity currents – at identical inflow rates across a slope break. The results reveal marked contrasts: hydraulic jumps in subaqueous gravity flows are far weaker, and the near-bed density stratification remains across the slope transition. These findings advance our understanding of how dilute turbidity currents deposit stratified layers over breaks in slope and offer guidance for mitigating pollution caused by submerged gravity-driven discharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
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Abstract:Subaqueous gravity flows – turbidity currents and industrial or agricultural discharges – often encounter abrupt slope changes shortly after entering rivers, lakes or oceans. It has long been assumed that such flows become fully mixed through submerged hydraulic jumps, in the same way as open-channel flows. Here we combine laboratory experiments with high-resolution numerical simulations to compare open-channel flow with two types of subaqueous gravity flow – saline density currents and dilute depositional turbidity currents – at identical inflow rates across a slope break. The results reveal marked contrasts: hydraulic jumps in subaqueous gravity flows are far weaker, and the near-bed density stratification remains across the slope transition. These findings advance our understanding of how dilute turbidity currents deposit stratified layers over breaks in slope and offer guidance for mitigating pollution caused by submerged gravity-driven discharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00221686
DOI:10.1080/00221686.2025.2589144