Sediment and Ocean Processes

This animation shows the animation from the PASTA (the Po and Apennine Sediment Transport and Accumulation) project. It explored the transportation and movement of sediment in the Adriatic Sea by the Po and Apennine rivers. Due to the nature of the Adriatic Sea, there is minimal energy expenditure due to tides and ocean swells and therefore [local] wind driven currents dominate the sediment dispersal. The movie itself is comprised of four separate factors all running at the same time, showing their interactions with each other. They are; "Wind, Waves" where color is indicates wave height in meters and the arrows indicate wind direction and strength. Notice that as wind speed increases (indicated by longer arrows) wave height also increases. The second is "Hydro" and shows salinity in parts per million (color scale), and water current movement (arrows). The "Fluv Sed." Animation shows influx of fluvial, or river generated, sediment into the system in kg/m2. There is a higher concentration of rivers on the Italian (left) side of the animation which causes the discrepancy in the coloring of the map. The "Susp Sed." Animation shows the concentration of suspended sediment, also in kg/m^2. Notice the relationship between the wind direction and the movement of the suspended sediment. The final animation is "Bed Sed." and shows the deposition of sediment on the bed of the Adriatic Sea, also in kg/m^2.

Alumni Memorial Term Distinguished Associate Professor Courtney Harris
Virginia Institute of Marine Science