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Self-sharpening induces jet-like structure in seafloor gravity currents.


ABSTRACT: Gravity currents are the primary means by which sediments, solutes and heat are transported across the ocean-floor. Existing theory of gravity current flow employs a statistically-stable model of turbulent diffusion that has been extant since the 1960s. Here we present the first set of detailed spatial data from a gravity current over a rough seafloor that demonstrate that this existing paradigm is not universal. Specifically, in contrast to predictions from turbulent diffusion theory, self-sharpened velocity and concentration profiles and a stable barrier to mixing are observed. Our new observations are explained by statistically-unstable mixing and self-sharpening, by boundary-induced internal gravity waves; as predicted by recent advances in fluid dynamics. Self-sharpening helps explain phenomena such as ultra-long runout of gravity currents and restricted growth of bedforms, and highlights increased geohazard risk to marine infrastructure. These processes likely have broader application, for example to wave-turbulence interaction, and mixing processes in environmental flows.

SUBMITTER: Dorrell RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6437198 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Self-sharpening induces jet-like structure in seafloor gravity currents.

Dorrell R M RM   Peakall J J   Darby S E SE   Parsons D R DR   Johnson J J   Sumner E J EJ   Wynn R B RB   Özsoy E E   Tezcan D D  

Nature communications 20190327 1


Gravity currents are the primary means by which sediments, solutes and heat are transported across the ocean-floor. Existing theory of gravity current flow employs a statistically-stable model of turbulent diffusion that has been extant since the 1960s. Here we present the first set of detailed spatial data from a gravity current over a rough seafloor that demonstrate that this existing paradigm is not universal. Specifically, in contrast to predictions from turbulent diffusion theory, self-shar  ...[more]

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