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Spatial and temporal variability of suspended-sediment concentrations in a shallow estuarine environment

San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.15447/sfews.2004v2iss2art1

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Abstract

Shallow subembayments respond differently than deep channels to physical forces acting in estuaries. The U.S. Geological Survey measured suspended-sediment concentrations at five locations in Honker Bay, a shallow subembayment of San Francisco Bay, and the adjacent channel to investigate the spatial and temporal differences between deep and shallow estuarine environments. During the first freshwater pulse of the wet season, the channel tended to transport suspended sediments through the system, whereas the shallow area acted as off-channel storage where deposition would likely occur. Following the freshwater pulse, suspended-sediment concentrations were greater in Honker Bay than in the adjacent deep channel, due to the larger supply of erodible sediment on the bed. However, the tidal variability of suspended-sediment concentrations in both Honker Bay and in the adjacent channel was greater after the freshwater pulse than before. During wind events, suspended-sediment concentrations in the channel were not affected; however, wind played a crucial role in the resuspension of sediments in the shallows. Despite wind-wave sediment resuspension in Honker Bay, tidally averaged suspended-sediment flux was controlled by the flood-dominated currents.

 

Suggested Citation

Ruhl, C., and Schoellhamer, D., 2004, Spatial and temporal variability of suspended-sediment concentrations in a shallow estuarine environment: San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science, v. 2, no. 2, 9 p., https://doi.org/10.15447/sfews.2004v2iss2art1.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Spatial and temporal variability of suspended-sediment concentrations in a shallow estuarine environment
Series title San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science
DOI 10.15447/sfews.2004v2iss2art1
Volume 2
Issue 2
Publication Date May 22, 2004
Year Published 2004
Language English
Publisher eScholarship University of California
Contributing office(s) California Water Science Center, San Francisco Bay-Delta, Pacific Regional Director's Office
Description 9 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial San Francisco Bay
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details