Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/T/S/2003/00110

Settling behaviour of sand through a non-Newtonian colloidal mud suspension: Implications for turbidity current motion and turbidite deposition.

Principal Investigator:: Professor P Talling, University of Bristol, Earth Sciences
Co-Investigator:: Professor J Peakall, University of Leeds, School of Earth and Environment
Co-Investigator:: Professor AJ Hogg, University of Bristol, Mathematics
Co-Investigator:: Professor RB Wynn, National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
Grant held at:: University of Bristol, Earth Sciences

ENRIs:: Pollution and Waste; Natural Resource Management; Environmental Risks and Hazards
Science Topics:: Pollution; Sediment/Sedimentary Processes; Geohazards

Abstract:: Deposition in many Ocean Margin settings involves settling of non-cohesive grains ('sand') through a non-Newtonian suspension of colloidal ('mud') particles. Although sand or mud-only settling is well constrained, combined sand-mud settling is poorly understood. Complex particle interactions ensure sand-mud settling is not simply the addition of individual sand and mud settling behaviour. Novel experiments will develop a better understanding of sand-mud settling dynamics in the context of submarine turbidity currents, in order to predict lateral variations in mud-content and reservoir quality of their deposits (turbidites). Many of the World's largest petroleum reservoirs occur within turbidites. Results will also aid prediction of pollutant flux to the sea-floor in diverse marine settings, as pollutants are preferentially incorporated onto mud particles.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £89,668

Total - Staff	Total - T&S	Total - Other Costs	Total - Equipment	Total - Indirect Costs
£22,280	£9,701	£37,869	£9,568	£10,249

If you need further help, please read the user guide.