Modelling cohesive sediment transport in rivers

A new model is proposed for the transport of fine sediment in the Athabasca River. The model is based on empirical relationships developed from laboratory experiments in a rotating circular flume using Athabasca River sediment. The model takes into account the differences in the critical conditions for erosion and deposition of fine sediment and treats the erosion and deposition processes as mutually exclusive. Therefore, under constant shear stress, the fine sediment will undergo either erosion or deposition but not both simultaneously. Such a treatment reflects the true nature of the cohesive sediment transport mechanism. The model may be easily incorporated into existing models of contaminant transport, fate and bioaccumulation.