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The mud deposits and the high turbidity in the Belgian-Dutch coastal zone, Southern Bight of the North Sea
Fettweis, M.; Van den Eynde, D. (2003). The mud deposits and the high turbidity in the Belgian-Dutch coastal zone, Southern Bight of the North Sea. Cont. Shelf Res. 23(7): 669-691. dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0278-4343(03)00027-X
In: Continental Shelf Research. Pergamon Press: Oxford; New York. ISSN 0278-4343; e-ISSN 1873-6955, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Coastal zone
    Modelling
    Particulates > Suspended particulate matter
    Properties > Physical properties > Turbidity
    Sediments > Clastics > Mud
    Transport > Sediment transport
    ANE, Belgium [Marine Regions]; ANE, Netherlands [Marine Regions]; ANE, North Sea, Southern Bight [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    mud; SPM; turbidity maximum; sediment transport; modelling; Belgium; North Sea

Authors  Top 
  • Fettweis, M., more
  • Van den Eynde, D., more

Abstract
    The suspended sediment processes and the mudfields found in the Belgian/Dutch coastal area (Southern North Sea) are discussed by presenting an integrated data-modelling approach of the suspended sediment transport along the Belgian-Dutch coast, using a fine-grid coupled 2D hydrodynamic and sediment transport model and existing field and literature data. These mudfields and turbidity maxima are situated in a well-mixed, highly energetic hydrodynamic environment. In the past the occurrence of this high turbidity zone (more than a few hundreds mg/l of suspended matter) was ascribed to a closed hydrodynamic system (gyre) in front of the coast. This study shows that the SPMinput through the Strait of Dover, the shallowness of the considered area, the decreasing magnitude of the residual transport vectors from the French/Belgian border towards Zeebrugge and the specific hydrodynamic features are the main processes responsible for the presence of the turbidity maximum. The origin and the formation of these mud deposits in front of the coast are explained by the neap-spring tidal cycles and the presence of SPMsources (import of SPM through the Strait of Dover and through erosion of clay layers).

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