An analysis of the factors contributing to the settling potential of fine fluvial sediment

The settling potential of fine sediment is known to be influenced by particle size, shape, density and porosity, and is commonly predicted using Stokes's law, despite its known limitations for modelling the behaviour of natural particles. In order to develop an improved understanding of the potential for fine sediment to settle out of suspension or undergo transport by hydraulic processes, it is important to examine the role of particle structure in detail. In this study, stepwise regression was used to identify which structural properties of particles exert an important control on fine sediment behaviour in river systems. The presence of composite particles and their associated particle size, porosity and fractal dimension were shown to be the most important controls on settling potential. Composite particles that form in the aquatic environment (flocs) were shown to have significantly different form and behaviour from composite particles of terrestrial origin (aggregates). Importantly, it was demonstrated that particle structure and behaviour exhibited consistencies between contrasting river catchments in different locations. An understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the formation of composite particles is viewed as providing a valuable input to efforts to model the mobilisation, transport and fate of fine sediment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.