Coherent structures, such as boils and eddies are ubiquitous in fast moving rivers, estuaries and narrow passages. These structures enhance lateral and vertical transport of contaminants, sediments and other water-borne particles. They are generated by strong hydrodynamic forcing over dunes and sills on the river bottom, around regions of high channel curvature and other bathymetric irregularities. We are investigating the generation of coherent structures in the Snohomish River Estuary. This study is part of a collaborative effort with the UW Applied Physics Lab and Stanford University to relate the surface signature of remotely observed coherent structures to subsurface flow characteristics.
People: Stefan Talke, Alex Horner-Devine, Andy Jessup
Funding: Office of Naval Research
Further project information (general); UW CEE-specific project information.