Flow processes and sedimentation in submarine channel bends

Turbidity currents in sinuous submarine channels are an important mechanism for transporting terrestrial sediments to deep water, and their deposits are of increasing importance as hydrocarbon exploration targets. Despite this, the architecture and dynamics of submarine channel systems are not well understood. Analogies are often drawn with fluvial systems due to similarities between their planform shapes even though differences in channel evolution and hydrodynamics have been noted. A key question is the nature of deposition within submarine channel bends; in particular at inner bends where point bars form in alluvial meandering rivers. Recent experimental and numerical work has demonstrated that the fluid dynamics of submarine channel bend flow are markedly different from rivers. Notably, a reversal in the orientation of secondary (helical) flow at bend apices occurs in submarine channels. The potential influence of these differences in fluid dynamics on deposition within submarine channel bends is investigated herein. We report the results of a series of physical experiments in which solute-driven gravity currents were run through pre-formed sinuous channels containing mobile beds. These experiments reveal sedimentation patterns characterised by accumulation zones downstream of bend apices and erosion zones at outer bends. These patterns are broadly analogous to the point bars and outer-bank pools observed in meandering rivers, demonstrating that the longitudinal flow component dominates over the cross-stream component, as also occurs in rivers. However, the data suggest that the reversal in direction of the cross-stream flow component compared with subaerial flows is important in determining the position and morphology of ‘point bars’ relative to bend apices. From analogy with fluvial compound channels, and fluvial theory, this reversal in secondary flow cell orientation is also expected to influence the spatial variations of grain size in submarine channel ‘point-bar’ deposits.     

The influence of bend amplitude and planform morphology on flow and sedimentation in submarine channels

We present a series of experiments that investigate the morphology of sediment deposits within sinuous submarine channels of different sinuosity (S = 1.14–1.94) and planform (symmetric and asymmetric bends), generated by bedload-dominated turbidity current flows. Flows were generated by releasing dense saline gravity currents over a mobile sediment bed through pre-formed sinuous channels. Flows had a basal-outwards helicity and produced a characteristic bed morphology with point bars downstream of the bend apex at the inside of bends and scour at the outside of bends. An increasing loss of fluid through overspill with increasing channel sinuosity results in a decreasing magnitude of cross-stream velocity downstream, a decreasing amount of erosion and deposition, and decreasing transverse slopes of in-channel deposits. Basal fluid from within the channel is transported over the outer-levee at bends, implying that proximal outer-bend levee deposits will have similar sediment composition to that within the channel. More deposition of coarse material might be expected on levees and in overbank regions close to higher amplitude bends. No simple relationship was observed between superelevation and sinuosity, probably due to changes in the relative influences of downstream velocity and bend curvature on centrifugal force and inertial run-up. In the channel with the tightest initial bend curvature, overspill fluid from Bend 1 re-entered the channel at Bend 2, dominating flow characteristics and disrupting the basal-outwards helicity observed in the other channels. Higher sinuosity channels and those with shallow regional and levee slopes are thus more likely to have a higher proportion of anomalous flow and sedimentation patterns due to the influence of overspill fluid re-entry into the channel. The results of this investigation are combined with published observations to enable the synthesis of a new model for sedimentation in sinuous submarine channels.     

琼东南盆地北礁凹陷上新统等深流影响的水道沉积体系

等深流影响的水道沉积体系的沉积特征及其沉积过程是当前深水沉积学研究的热点、难点和前沿科学问题,但研究程度较为薄弱。该文以北礁凹陷上新统（地震反射T20?T30）为研究对象,利用覆盖北礁凹陷局部的三维地震资料,采用均方根属性、相干属性、时间域构造,再结合地震切片等方法,研究北礁凹陷深水区上新统斜交斜坡（走向）的特殊水道沉积体系特征及其沉积过程。研究发现,该水道沉积体系分为早、晚两期,早期发育水道和片状、扇状溢堤沉积,晚期仅发育水道和片状溢堤沉积,其中扇状溢堤沉积仅发育在水道右侧弯曲处,片状溢堤沉积仅分布在水道左侧,水道始终与区域斜坡斜交,水道对称分布且无明显迁移现象。结合该时期北礁凸起发育等深流相关的丘状漂积体和环槽,认为该水道沉积体系特殊的形态主要受控于等深流与浊流交互作用的沉积结果:浊流流经水道,其上覆浊流溢出水道,形成溢岸浊流,在水道左侧,该溢岸浊流与等深流发生相向运动,被等深流“吹拂”到单侧,大面积分布,延伸千米,形成片状溢堤沉积;而在水道弯曲处（右侧）,溢岸浊流与等深流发生相对运动,抑制溢岸浊流进一步扩展,形成相对小范围扇状溢堤沉积,该沉积结果与前人水槽实验结果相一致。     

Reconstruction of turbidity currents in Amazon Channel

Quantifying the characteristics of the turbidity currents that are responsible for the erosion, lateral migration and filling of submarine channels maybe useful for predicting the distribution of lithofacies in channel fill and levee reservoirs. This paper uses data from a well-studied submarine channel in Amazon Fan in an attempt to reconstruct the velocity, thickness, concentration, duration, recurrence rates and vertical structure of turbidity currents in this long sinuous channel. Estimates of flow conditions are derived from the morphology of the channels and the characteristics of the deposits within them. In particular, the availability of information on the sediment distribution with respect to the channel topography at the time of deposition allows for insights into the vertical structure of the flow, a key property that has been so far poorly understood. Integration of flow constraints from well and seismic data or from detailed analysis of outcrop with numerical flow models is a critical step toward a complete understanding of the flow and associated deposits. Turbidity currents in sinuous submarine channels, exemplified by Amazon Channel, are found to last for tens of hours and occur on a regular, quasi-annual basis. Model results suggest that these flows had, on average, velocities ranging from 2 to 4 m/s in the canyon/upper fan which decreased to 0.5–1 m/s in the lower fan, travelling in excess of 800 km. The model turbidity currents were subcritical over most of the channel length, indicating a low degree of water entrainment and low rate of deceleration down the channel. The formation of such long, sinuous channels is intrinsically associated with frequent, long-duration, subcritical turbidity currents carrying a silt-dominated sediment load.     

长江口涨、落潮槽底沙输移趋势探讨

选择长江口南港南小泓和南港主槽作为典型涨、落潮槽为研究对象，以2001年9月所采底沙的颗粒分析资料为根据，并结合实测水文、泥沙资料进行水动力分析，运用Gao-Collins粒径趋势分析模型分析了底沙输移趋势，结果表明：南小泓的底沙主要是来自口门附近，由于涨潮流强于落潮流而使底沙向上游输移，即SE—NW方向，而南港主槽的底沙主要来自上游，由于落潮流强于涨潮流而使泥沙向下游输移，即NW—SE方向。     

Quantifying the influence of channel sinuosity on the depositional mechanics of channelized turbidity currents: A laboratory study

Here we present results from a suite of laboratory experiments that highlight the influence of channel sinuosity on the depositional mechanics of channelized turbidity currents. We released turbidity currents into three channels in an experimental basin filled with water and monitored current properties and the evolution of topography via sedimentation. The three channels were similar in cross-sectional geometry but varied in sinuosity. Results from these experiments are used to constrain the run-up of channelized turbidity currents on the outer banks of moderate to high curvature channel bends. We find that a current is unlikely to remain contained within a channel when the kinetic energy of a flow exceeds the potential energy associated with an elevation gain equal to the channel relief; setting an effective upper limit for current velocity. Next we show that flow through bends induces a vertical mixing that redistributes suspended sediment back into the interiors of depositional turbidity currents. This mixing counteracts the natural tendency for suspended sediment concentration and grain size to stratify vertically, thereby reducing the rate at which sediment is lost from a current via deposition. Finally, the laboratory experiments suggest that turbidity currents might commonly separate from channel sidewalls along the inner banks of bends. In some cases, sedimentation rates and patterns within the resulting separation zones are sufficient to construct bar forms that are attached to the channel sidewalls and represent an important mechanism of submarine channel filling. These bar forms have inclined strata that might be mistaken for the deposits of point bars and internal levees, even though the formation mechanism and its implications to channel history are different.     

南海东北部峡谷体系的地貌特征与发育控制因素

海底峡谷在全球陆缘广泛分布,是浅海沉积物向深海运移的主要通道,对于理解深海浊流触发机制、深海沉积物的搬运模式、深海扇的发育历史和深海油气资源勘探等均具有重要意义。本文基于高分辨率高精度的多波束测深数据,首次对南海东北部海底峡谷体系进行了研究,精细刻画了高屏海底峡谷、澎湖海底峡谷、台湾浅滩南海底峡谷和东沙海底峡谷等4条大型海底峡谷的地貌特征并分析其发育控制因素。海底坡度、构造运动、海山与海丘是影响南海东北部峡谷群走向与特征的重要因素,其中,海底坡度对于峡谷上游多分支与“V”字特征有显著的控制作用;构造运动是控制高屏海底峡谷走向的因素,澎湖海底峡谷的走向则与菲律宾海板块与欧亚板块碰撞有关,东沙海底峡谷的走向则与东沙运动相关,台湾浅滩南海底峡谷上段受NW向断裂构造的控制;海山的阻挡作用造成峡谷局部走向和特征改变。海底峡谷群输送大量陆源沉积物到深海盆并形成大面积的沉积物波,海山和沉积物波的发育导致东沙海底峡谷下段“回春”和转向。     

The Ebro Deep-Sea Fan system

The Ebro Fan System consists of en echelon channel-levee complexes, 50×20 km in area and 200-m thick. A few strong reflectors in a generally transparent seismic facies identify the sand-rich channel floors and levee crests. Numerous continuous acoustic reflectors characterize overbank turbidites and hemipelagites that blanket abandoned channel-levee complexes. The interlobe areas between channel complexes fill with homogeneous mud and sand from mass flow and overbank deposition; these exhibit a transparent seismic character. The steep continental rise and sediment “drainage” of Valencia Trough at the end of the channel-levee complexes prevent the development of distributary channels and midfan lobe deposits.     

Transport of salt and suspended sediments in a curving channel of a coastal plain estuary: Satilla River, GA

This study describes the transport of salt and suspended sediment in a curving reach of a shallow mesotidal coastal plain estuary. Circulation data revealed a subtidal upstream bottom flow during neap tide, indicating the presence of a gravitational circulation mode throughout the channel. During spring tide, landward bottom flow weakened considerably at the upstream end of the channel and changed to seaward in the middle and downstream areas of the reach, suggesting the importance of tidal pumping. Salt flux near-bottom was landward at both ends of the channel during neap tide. At spring, however, the salt flux diverged along the bottom of the thalweg suggesting that tidal pumping caused a transfer of salt vertically and laterally into the intertidal zone. Thus, landward flux of salt is maintained even in the presence of subtidal seaward flow along the bottom at the downstream end of the channel.Landward bottom stress is greater than seaward stress, preferentially transporting suspended sediments upstream. Compared with salt, however, the weight of the suspended sediments causes less upward transfer of sediments into the intertidal zone. Flood flow carried more suspended sediments landward at the upstream end compared with the downstream end. We speculate that secondary flow in the curving channel picks up increasing amounts of suspended sediments along the sides during flood and adds them to the axial flow in the thalweg. Since the landward flow along the bottom of the thalweg weakens and even reverses during spring tide, there appears to be a complex re-circulation system for sediments re-suspended in curving channels that complicates the picture of a net transport of sediments landward.     

The Ebro Deep-Sea Fan system

The Ebro Fan System consists of en echelon channel-levee complexes, 50×20 km in area and 200-m thick. A few strong reflectors in a generally transparent seismic facies identify the sand-rich channel floors and levee crests. Numerous continuous acoustic reflectors characterize overbank turbidites and hemipelagites that blanket abandoned channel-levee complexes. The interlobe areas between channel complexes fill with homogeneous mud and sand from mass flow and overbank deposition; these exhibit a transparent seismic character. The steep continental rise and sediment “drainage” of Valencia Trough at the end of the channel-levee complexes prevent the development of distributary channels and midfan lobe deposits. Margin setting represents fan and/or source area     

珠江黄茅海河口洪季侧向余环流与泥沙输移

2012年洪季对珠江黄茅海河口湾侧向动力结构与泥沙输移过程进行了系统观测,采用动量平衡和泥沙通量机制分解等方法,分析了河口流、温盐和泥沙侧向分布特征以及泥沙输移过程,探讨了侧向动量平衡与泥沙输移机制。洪季黄茅海河口存在明显的侧向流,西滩和北槽均形成表层向东、底层向西的两层侧向流,拦门沙滩顶呈现表、底层向西、中层向东的三层侧向流,而拦门沙前缘侧向流整体向西。河口湾纵向净泥沙通量表现为北槽向海、西滩向陆,拦门沙滩顶及其前缘均向海;侧向净泥沙通量表现为滩顶及其前缘均向西,西滩向东、北槽向西。这种侧向泥沙辐聚过程是高浓度悬沙聚集于滩槽界面的重要原因,向陆净通量是西滩回淤的重要原因。滩槽间侧向余环流动量平衡主要是侧向斜压梯度力、科氏力和侧向平流作用。欧拉平流输运在侧向泥沙输运中起主要作用,潮泵效应也起重要作用。     

Sinuous deep-water channels: Genesis,geometry and architecture

Sinuous deep-water channels display a wide range of geometries and internal architectures. Most modern examples have been documented from large passive-margin fans, supplied by major rivers carrying huge volumes of dominantly fine-grained sediments, e.g. Amazon, Mississippi, Zaire, Bengal, Indus, Rhône and Nile Fans. However, similar examples have also been documented from tectonically active margins, e.g. Magdalena Fan. In most cases, modern sinuous channels comprise the core element of laterally extensive channel–levee systems that often aggrade significantly above a low-gradient (0.1–0.5°) fan surface; individual channels may extend downslope for 100s of kilometres. Typically, channels are subject to frequent avulsions, with only one channel active at any given time. Present highstand conditions have ensured that activity in many modern sinuous channels is much reduced due to the disconnect between fluvial feeder system and canyon head, and some have even been heavily modified or destroyed by major mass-transport deposits. Exceptions include Zaire Fan, where recent activity has provided useful insights into flow processes.The majority of detailed studies relating to sinuous channels in the subsurface originate from offshore west Africa, where channels typically occur within incisional (confined) slope–channel complexes and often represent the latter stages of channel complex fill. Both dominantly aggradational and laterally migrating styles are recognised, while modern seafloor channels in this region display a similar incisional character, e.g. Cap Timiris Canyon. Morphologic expression of sinuosity is harder to recognise at outcrop, but there are an increasing number of documented examples of lateral accretion deposits, representing point-bar growth, that are currently thought to be diagnostic of sinuous channel forms. Sinuous channel lateral migration, and point-bar growth, appears to be driven by sustained flow of fluvial-sourced (probably hyperpycnal) low-density turbidity currents, although there does appear to be variation in energy conditions, with some outcrop examples showing switches in erosive and depositional phases of activity.Previous studies have frequently focussed on the obvious gross planform morphologic similarities between fluvial and deep-water sinuous channels, e.g. nature of sinuosity, presence of point bars and cut-off loops. However, we suggest here that the differences between submarine and river channels are of greater significance, in terms of geometry, flow processes, migration style and deposit character. Sinuous deep-water channels typically form initially by a moderate amount of incision followed by rapid initial bend growth (associated with bypass of sediment). Channels that show significant aggradation then reach a point where there is a near cessation of planform movement (ossification), and growth is dominated by vertical aggradation. A new process model is proposed for this developmental sequence that synthesises observations and experiments that were previously paradoxical.     

潮汐河口坝田长宽比对泥沙淤积特征影响试验研究

在航道治理工程中,往往通过丁坝群来实现其稳定航槽等目的,而坝田作为缓流区,其与主槽的水沙交换主要取决于横向的紊动交换。基于长江口北槽丁坝群实测资料分析和物理模型水槽试验研究发现不同长宽比坝田内的流态、淤积形态、坝田与相邻河段水沙交换的机理均不同,在长江口北槽丁坝群坝田建成后的淤积初期阶段,长宽比为0.30～0.40的坝田内的平均淤积强度最大。水槽试验研究表明,长宽比为0.50的坝田内淤积的主要部位即为主环流所在位置(坝田外侧),而在副环流位置,则出现微淤或冲刷的趋势;而长宽比为0.33的坝田内的淤积分布相对比较均匀。长宽比为0.33的坝田内淤积速率明显大于长宽比为0.50的坝田,长宽比为0.33的坝田达到冲淤平衡的时间较长。坝田淤积强度与随坝田回流强度、坝田与主槽水沙交换系数的增加而增加。     

Bottom Sediment Transport in the Flood and Ebb Channels of the Changjiang Estuary

Nanxiaohong and Nangang main south channel are chosen as the typical flood and ebb channels. Hydrodynamics analysis based on field hydrological and sediment data is conducted with Gao-Collins model to analyse sediment transport trends. Also, the grain size distribution analysis of the bottom sediment sampled in Sep. 2001 is used as the base of the analysis. The result shows that the sediment in Nanxiaohong is from the rive mouth area. The sediment transports upwards with the flood flow which is stronger than the ebb flow, i.e., in the direction of SE-WN. The sediment in main south channel comes from upward. They transport downwards with the ebb flow. which is stronger than the flood flow, i.e., in the direction of WN-SE. The directions, sources and mechanism of sediment transport are identified according to comprehensive analyses of the observed data on hydrodynamics and sediment.     

Key controls on submarine channel development in structurally active settings

Submarine channel-levee systems commonly develop in structurally active deepwater settings. Despite their widespread development in such settings, only recently have researchers begun to address the response of channel-levee system evolution to deformation. Key factors which govern channel evolution and morphological development are relative rates of deformation and channel deposition and erosion, and also the number and scale of deformational structures, relative to the scale of the submarine channel. Submarine channel-structure interactions can be split into four end-members: deflection, blocking, diversion and confinement. Where deformation is coeval with channel development, an increase in the relative rate of uplift versus deposition and erosion causes a transition from channel deflection to blocking. Diversion and confinement are linked by the number, scale and orientation of structures relative to the channel flow path. Increasing the number of structures and their scale typically results in channel confinement. Underlying all of these individual controls is the distribution of local accommodation, which is determined by specific structural style. This distribution of accommodation over relatively small (<10 km) length scales strongly affects local channel development in order to attain the equilibrium profile. Knowledge of these controls on submarine channel development can increase our understanding of how these deepwater sedimentary systems evolve and distribute sediment across deforming submarine slopes. Understanding the factors governing spatial variations in channel morphology may also be applied when exploring for hydrocarbon reservoirs in structurally active deepwater settings.     

Mechanism of local scour around submarine pipelines based on numerical simulation of turbulence model

1 IntroductionSubmarine pipelines are important ocean engi-neeringequipm ents, especiallyfortheoiland gasin-dustries. M anyresearchershavebeendedicatedtotheproblem of local scour around the submarinepipelines, butmostoftheirwork arelaboratory testsand foc…     

Prediction of Siltation in the Downstream Approach Channel of Tidal Locks

Silt deposition occurs in the downstream approach,channel of the tidal lock as in a closed channelor excavated dock basin.It is often difficult to calculate or predict siltation because of complex flow and sedi-ment conditions and many other affecting factors.In this paper,the characteristics of flow movement in theapproach channel(including its mouth)of the tidal lock are analyzed,the basic laws of sediment movementand siltation mechanism are investigated,the conditions for three types of siltation(circumfluence siltation,density flow siltation and slow flow siltation)are discussed,and corresponding calculating formulas are pro-posed.A practical example shows that the difference between measured and calculated results is small,indi-cating that the present calculating methods could be used in design and management of practical engineeringprojects.     

Deep-water and fluvial sinuous channels—Characteristics,similarities and dissimilarities,and modes of formation

High-resolution 3D seismic data of several subsurface examples reveal significant differences in internal architecture and evolution of fluvial and deep-water sinuous channel systems, although there are many similarities in external morphologies of both systems. Channel migrations or shifts in fluvial systems, with point-bar scrolls, are relatively continuous laterally and show a downstream component; they are commonly a single seismic phase thick, with flat tops. In deep-water systems, channel migrations or shifts, with or without point-bar scroll-like features, may be lateral, either continuous or discrete, and laterally to vertically aggrading, again either continuous or discrete; they are single to multiple seismic phases thick, with or without a downstream component. Even the most laterally migrated channel complex commonly aggrades, to varying degrees, from the inside to the outside of sinuous loops. Similarities between fluvial and deep-water sinuous channel systems discussed here imply that sinuosity enhancements in both cases are the result of gradual processes, involving interaction of flows, sediments and alluvial plain or seafloor in attempts to build equilibrium profiles. Flat gradients, high width to depth ratios of valleys/channel belts, fine sediment grain sizes, a certain degree of bank cohesiveness, and presence of secondary circulations in flows were pre-requisites in both systems. However, a number of factors appear to have caused major differences in the internal architecture and modes of evolution of fluvial and deep-water channels. These include differences in (1) density contrasts of flows relative to ambient fluids, (2) entrainments of ambient fluids into flows, (3) effects of centrifugal and Coriolis forces on flows, (4) frequency, volume and duration of steady vs. catastrophic flows, (5) modes of sediment transport, and (6) effects of sea level changes on deposition. Furthermore, within deep-water systems, changes in flow parameters and sediment grain size can cause erosion, bypassing or deposition in space and time and result, through cuts and fills, in sinuous channels with lateral migrations, vertical aggradations and combinations thereof.     

A submarine channel confluence classification for topographically confined slopes

High-quality 3D seismic data are used in this paper to: a) investigate the geometry of Miocene–Holocene submarine channels in confluence regions, and b) to correlate the geometry of channel confluences with the styles of topographic confinement imposed by salt structures in the Espírito Santo Basin (SE Brazil). A new method is used to analyse geomorphic parameters of three channel intervals (Units 1–3) and a modern channel. 5348 Channel Points (CP) are recorded on a sinusoidal slope interrupted by salt structures. In the upper-slope region, diapir confinement directly controls the location of channel confluences. These are characterised by a sharp increase in channel width and height at their junctions. Scale relationships show an increase in channel width of the order of 1.19 < W < 1.22 in confluence regions. Ratios of channel height between confluence and pre-confluence regions are 1.09 < H < 1.40, with ratios of <1 observed in post-confluence regions. This work proves the existence of a direct relationship between topographic confinement, confluence location and relative channel distribution. The studied submarine confluences are located in regions with high confinement created by salt diapirs. The results of this work are significant, as they show clustered distribution patterns in channels, with higher channel densities being observed in pre-confluence regions. Thus, we propose a new classification for submarine confluences based on a combined analysis of channel geometry and seismic attribute data. Confluences may be symmetric or asymmetric based on the equality of the angles the tributaries bear to the post-confluence channel. Symmetric confluences can be left or right symmetric, based on whether the dominant flow path is in the left- or right-hand tributary. Asymmetric confluences are pure asymmetric or secondary asymmetric depending on whether the dominant flow takes place along the main tributary and the post-confluence channel alignement, or along the secondary tributary which is at an angle with the main alignement.     

A critical test of the concept of submarine equilibrium profile

The existence of a slope equilibrium profile has been widely used to account for erosional and depositional processes on submarine slopes and turbidite systems. Profiles out-of-equilibrium are commonly observed in actively deforming areas where channels seem to be deflected or diverted by seafloor structures. In this study the concept of the submarine equilibrium profile is tested in an area of extensive surface faulting to examine whether channels adopt an equilibrium-type profile through time. The study area is on the slope of the Nile Delta, which is disrupted by a number of surface-rupturing normal faults. Prior to fault linkage, several submarine channels flowed down the slope and either utilised relay ramps or flowed through fault scarps of the fault array. Where a relay ramp had been utilised, post fault linkage, the channels of the area either avulsed or converged into one major channel in response to a change in the deformed slope profile to a more concave shape. The thalweg of the post fault linkage channel and two slope profiles either side of it are measured in the area of the fault array, to understand how the channel evolved in response to the active faulting. When fault displacement is relatively small the combination of channel erosion and aggradation results in a channel thalweg profile near-equilibrium with predictable modifications of channel dimensions (depth and width) even if sediment supply was infrequent and episodic. It is concluded that turbidite channels can conform to the concept of equilibrium and submarine base level if it is the most energy efficient route for submarine gravity flows downslope. The most energy efficient route will be one where flows bypass the slope without eroding or depositing and move in a direct downslope course towards base level.