Modeling of Flow and Morphodynamics of Sinuous Submarine Channels

垂直加积的大型弯曲河道构成了现代海底扇的基本组成部分。近年来，三维高分辨率地震数据也揭示了许多小规模的地下弯曲通道的大陆坡。最近的研究提供了新的见解，但也导致了强烈的反对意见，特别是对螺旋流结构在蜿蜒的渠道和渠道形态的影响。通过一种全面的方法，包括精心设计的实验和数值模拟工作，以及与参与海底形态研究的海洋地质学家密切合作，可以清楚地了解海底航道的航道内和岸外过程。主要研究人员将进行实验室和数值模拟，主要关注以下问题：（i）海底航道弯曲处水流分布的几何和流入限制;（ii）螺旋流、推移质输运、横截面变化和海底航道迁移趋势之间的关系;（iii）和漫滩过程，包括河道弯曲处水流分裂引起的粒度分布和波瓣形成。实验将在12.2 m × 6.1 m × 1.5 m的实验室水槽中进行，并将使用密度和浊流的三维模型进行实验室和现场尺度的数值模拟。更广泛的影响涉及为海底环境开发更好的景观演变模型，这将有助于学术和工业研究人员解释地震数据集。除此之外，PI还概述了一项计划，通过资助南卡罗来纳州大学已经实施的一项计划，增加少数民族对地球科学研究的参与。他还计划举办一个研讨会。

Vertically aggrading large sinuous channels constitute the basic building blocks of modern submarine fans. In recent years, 3D high resolution seismic data have also revealed numerous small scale subsurface sinuous channels on continental slopes. Recent studies have contributed new insights, but have also led to strongly opposing views, specifically on the helical flow structure in sinuous channels and its effect on channel morphology. A clear picture of intra-channel and over-bank processes of submarine channels can emerge through a comprehensive approach involving carefully designed experimental and numerical modeling efforts and close collaboration with marine geologists involved in the study of seafloor morphology. The PI will pursue laboratory and numerical modeling with primary focus on the following issues: (i) geometric and inflow constraints on the flow distribution at submarine channel bends; (ii) relationships between helical flow, bed-load transport, cross sectional variability and migration tendency of submarine channels; (iii) and overbank processes including grain size distribution and lobe formation due to flow splitting at channel bends. Experiments will be conducted in a 12.2 m × 6.1 m × 1.5 m laboratory tank, and numerical simulations at both laboratory and field scales will be conducted using 3D models of density and turbidity currents. The broader impacts relate to developing better landscape evolution models for submarine environments that would aid interpretation of seismic data sets by both academic and industry researchers. In addition to this the PIs outline a plan to increase minority involvement in geoscience research through funding of a program that the University of South Carolina already has in place. He also plans to hold a workshop.