On the Sediment Dynamics in a Tidally Energetic Channel: The Inner Sound, Northern Scotland.

Jason McIlvenny, Duncan Tamsett, Philip Gillibrand, Lonneke Goddijn-Murphy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)
211 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Sediment banks within a fast-flowing tidal channel, the Inner Sound in the Pentland Firth, are mapped using multi-frequency side-scan sonar. This novel technique provides a new tool for seabed sediment and benthic habitat mapping. The sonar data are supplemented by sediment grab and ROV videos. The combined data provide detailed maps of persistent sand and shell banks present in the Sound despite the high energy environment. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler data and numerical model predictions are used to understand the hydrodynamics of the system. By combining the hydrodynamics and sediment distribution data, we explain the sediment dynamics in the area. Sediment particle shape and density, coupled with persistent features of the hydrodynamics, are the key factors in the distribution of sediment within the channel. Implications for tidal energy development planned for the Sound are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Marine Science and Engineering
Volume4
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Apr 2016

Keywords

  • Sediment transport
  • hydrodynamics
  • settling rates
  • tidal energy
  • Pentland Firth

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