Constancy of the relation between floc size and density in San Francisco Bay

Proceedings in Marine Science
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

The size and density of fine-sediment aggregates, or flocs, govern their transport and depositional properties. While the mass and volume concentrations of flocs can be measured directly or by optical methods, they must be determined simultaneously to gain an accurate density measurement. Results are presented from a tidal cycle study in San Francisco Bay, where mass concentration was determined directly, and volume concentration was measured in 32 logarithmically spaced size bins by laser-diffraction methods. The relation between floc size and density is investigated assuming a constant primary particle size and fractal floc dimension. This relation is validated with measurements from several sites throughout San Francisco Bay. The constancy of this relation implies a uniform primary particle size throughout the Bay, as well as uniform aggregation/disaggregation mechanisms (which modify fractal dimension). The exception to the relation is identified during near-bed measurements, when adverted flocs mix with recently resuspended flocs from the bed, which typically have a higher fractal dimension than suspended flocs. The constant relation for suspended flocs simplifies monitoring and numerical modeling of suspended sediment in San Francisco Bay.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Constancy of the relation between floc size and density in San Francisco Bay
Series title Proceedings in Marine Science
ISBN 9780444521637
DOI 10.1016/S1568-2692(07)80007-6
Volume 8
Year Published 2007
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) San Francisco Bay-Delta
Description 17 p.
First page 75
Last page 91
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial San Francisco Bay
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details