Lateral convection and diffusion of sediment in straight rivers

The lateral transport of suspended sediment in a straight river cross section with a parabolic shaped bed is studied be use of a k-e and a full Reynolds stress turbulence model. Due to depth variations a lateral transport of suspended sediment is generated. This is mainly caused by the slopping bed and a higher level of turbulence at the channel centre, than in the near bank zones, which means that the ability to support suspended sediment will decrease from the channel centre.

The two turbulence models give different estimates for the lateral transport, which mainly are caused by turbulence generated secondary flow cells in the Reynolds stress model. The flow cells make zones with alternately high and low sediment concentration, and thereby much higher local gradients in the lateral direction.

Both models found a net inward lateral transport. The transport by convection was found more dominant than diffusion.