Self-sharpening induces jet-like structure in seafloor gravity currents

R. M. Dorrell (), J. Peakall, S. E. Darby, D. R. Parsons, J. Johnson, E. J. Sumner, R. B. Wynn, E. Özsoy and D. Tezcan
Additional contact information
R. M. Dorrell: University of Hull
J. Peakall: University of Leeds
S. E. Darby: University of Southampton
D. R. Parsons: University of Hull
J. Johnson: University of Hull
E. J. Sumner: University of Southampton
R. B. Wynn: National Oceanography Centre
E. Özsoy: Middle East Technical University
D. Tezcan: Middle East Technical University

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Gravity currents are the primary means by which sediments, solutes and heat are transported across the ocean-floor. Existing theory of gravity current flow employs a statistically-stable model of turbulent diffusion that has been extant since the 1960s. Here we present the first set of detailed spatial data from a gravity current over a rough seafloor that demonstrate that this existing paradigm is not universal. Specifically, in contrast to predictions from turbulent diffusion theory, self-sharpened velocity and concentration profiles and a stable barrier to mixing are observed. Our new observations are explained by statistically-unstable mixing and self-sharpening, by boundary-induced internal gravity waves; as predicted by recent advances in fluid dynamics. Self-sharpening helps explain phenomena such as ultra-long runout of gravity currents and restricted growth of bedforms, and highlights increased geohazard risk to marine infrastructure. These processes likely have broader application, for example to wave-turbulence interaction, and mixing processes in environmental flows.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09254-2

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