Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Fractal Floc Size, Settling Velocity And Implications For Water Clarity In Partially Mixed-Estuaries: The Role Of Small, Organic-Rich Particles, Kelsey Fall, Carl Friedrichs, Grace M. Cartwright, D.G. Bowers

Presentations

Observations and analysis presented here suggest that properties of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the water column of partially mixed estuaries, including floc size and settling velocity, are strongly related to the relative concentrations of inorganic versus organic matter in suspension. In regions with high inorganic SPM concentrations, addition of organic matter tends to increase the median size and settling velocity of flocs, removing both organic and inorganic SPM from the water column and enhancing water clarity relative to that in the absence of organics. In contrast, in regions with lower inorganic SPM concentration, suspended organic matter appears to decrease …