Processes of storm-induced fluid mud formation in open muddy channels

ABSTRACT: Fluid mud frequently forms in muddy channels after typhoon, but the processes of formation still need to be studied further, especially based on the field investigation. Hence, the processes of storm-induced fluid mud formation in the channel of Lianyungang Harbor, China were analyzed, mainly based on the experiment of fluid mud motion in flume and field surveyed data during typhoon Wipha. Based on the analysis, the results were obtained as follows. Strong waves last sufficient time, more than 18 hours during typhoon Wipha, for example, to lift enough sediments from shoals to form a high silt-laden layer with a height of 0.5 m near the bottom. Then, the sediment in the high silt-laden layer moves as density flows and pours directly into the channel to be fluid mud. In fact, parts of the suspended load settled in the channel also help in the formation of fluid mud.