Turbidity Current Simulations

Overview
Turbidity currents are dilute density-driven flows that carry sediments suspended by the flow turbulence. When a turbidity current comes to rest, the heaviest, coarsest grains settle first and the finest, lightest grains settle last, leading to a deposit than fines upward (i.e. a turbidite). However, the dynamics of these event are difficult to visualize from their deposits alone. The simulations below illustrate the major influences that govern turbidity-current behavior.

Example Publications

Pratson, L.F., and B.J. Coakley, 1996, A model for the headward erosion of submarine canyons induced by downslope eroding sediment flows: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 108, p. 225-234.

L.F. Pratson, J. Imran, E. Hutton, G. Parker, and J. Syvitski, 2001, BANGID: A one-dimensional Lagrangian model of turbidity current mechanics: Computers and Geosciences, v. 27, p. 701-716.

Pratson, L.F., J. Imran, G. Parker, J. Syvitski and E. Hutton, 2000, Debris flows versus turbidity currents: a modeling comparison of their dynamics and deposits, in A. Bouma and C. Stone (eds), Fine-Grained Turbidite Systems: AAPG Memoir 72 / SEPM Special Publication No. 68, p. 57-72.

Simulations

The following simulations are from results presented in Pratson, L.F., J. Imran, G. Parker, J. Syvitski and E. Hutton, 2000, Debris flows versus turbidity currents: a modeling comparison of their dynamics and deposits, in A. Bouma and C. Stone (eds), Fine-Grained Turbidite Systems: AAPG Memoir 72 / SEPM Special Publication No. 68, p. 57-72.

Initial and Boundary Conditions

Forces


1. Gravity pulls the flow down the slope.

2. Pressure spreads the flow out.

3. Friction slows the flow down.

Code

BANG1D code:
ftp://ftp.iamg.org/VOL27/v27-06-06.zip

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Last updated November 19, 2001