In-channel surficial fine-grained sediment laminae. Part I: Physical characteristics and formational processes

An in-channel surficial depositional feature (surficial fine-grained laminae) composed of loosely bound fine sediment deposited during low flow conditions has often been observed in river systems in south-western Ontario. The physical characteristics of this feature have been determined by a direct observation image analysis system. This sediment consists primarily of flocculated fine-grained material. The size distributions of surficial fine-grained laminae and suspended sediment were not significantly different. Each distribution is bimodal in nature and shows a characteristic grain size deficiency in the 4-5 μm size range. This observation suggests that flocculation and not low discharge or low competence is the dominant mechanism for the formation of surficial fine-grained laminae under conditions of low flow in fluvial systems of south-western Ontario. A quantitative assessment of this feature shows its potential importance as a source of fine-grained sediment and associated contaminants for downstream transport.