Three-dimensional submerged wall jets and their transition to density flows: Morphodynamics and implications for the depositional record

Abstract

Jets that expand from an orifice into an ambient water body represent a basic flow model for depositional environments related to expanding flows. Momentum-dominated jets evolve into gravity-dominated density flows. To understand this transition and its sedimentological relevance, three-dimensional tank experiments with submerged wall jets were conducted, systematically varying parameters such as the initial density difference, bed slope, grain size and sediment supply. Bedform successions could be subdivided into those related to the jet and those related to the density flow. Jet deposits included early-stage bedforms, scours and mouth bars. Early-stage bedforms are asymmetrical dunes that spread concentrically from the orifice. Sediment entrainment by eddies from the expanding jets led to the formation of scours and mouth bars. Flows with lesser initial density difference produced more elongate scours. Conversely, scours became deeper for denser incoming flows. Coarser-grained sediment caused the formation of higher and steeper mouth bars and vice versa. The transition from momentum-dominated jets to gravity-dominated density flows occurred approximately at the mouth-bar crest. Hydraulic jumps were absent in the expanding jet regions and at the transitions to density flows. Instead, complex flow patterns and circulations were inferred from the velocity measurements within the scour and at the mouth-bar crests. Bedform trains related to the density flow were controlled by the grain size and sediment supply. Coarse-grained sediment and high supply rates caused strong mouth-bar aggradation and flow splitting, leading to the formation of bedform trains laterally adjacent to the mouth bar. Fine-grained sediment and low supply rates caused the formation of bedform trains downflow of the mouth bar. The symmetrical bedforms deposited by the density flows always displayed an in-phase relationship with the flow, indicating that they were antidunes. The experimental jet deposits resemble successions known from subaqueous ice-contact fans and deep water channel-lobe transition zones.