Controls of variation in suspended sediment concentration in the River Rother, West Sussex, England

Suspended sediment concentrations were determined for samples collected from the River Rother, West Sussex, and rating loops constructed for several hydrographs. The rating loops often exhibit hysteresis with a greater suspended sediment concentration for a given discharge occurring on the rising limb than on the falling limb. A comparison of these loops indicates that the hysteresis, and the suspended sediment concentration (for a given discharge) become progressively reduced when storm events occur in rapid succession. Various types of rating curves can be identified, and a model of suspended sediment concentration and discharge constructed. Controlling factors of suspended sediment concentration are river discharge, duration and frequency of the storm event, the length of time between successive events, and the time of year.