Turbidity current observations in a large reservoir following a major wildfire
Turbidity currents are generated when denser river water plunges and flows along the bottom of a lake, reservoir, or ocean. The plunging and downstream movement are driven by density differences due to temperature and/or suspended sediment, and currents have been observed to move slowly over long distances. This study presents observations of multiple turbidity currents in a large reservoir in California, United States, during runoff events following a major wildfire in the upstream watershed. Several aspects of the currents are documented and discussed, including the conditions leading to plunging, the vertical and longitudinal structure of turbidity within the currents, the velocity of the currents, and the development of a muddy lake upstream from an old submerged dam in the reservoir.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2019 |
|---|---|
| Title | Turbidity current observations in a large reservoir following a major wildfire |
| DOI | 10.1061/(ASCE)HY.1943-7900.0001611 |
| Authors | Scott A. Wright, Mathieu D. Marineau |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Journal of Hydrologic Engineering |
| Index ID | 70203606 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | California Water Science Center |