Modeling fine sediment resuspension due to vessel passage

Channel Utilization in South Louisiana Using AIS Data, 2011-2012

“…As ships pass through a channel, the energy imparted on the shoreline mobilizes sediment. As the frequency of vessel movements increases, the time between sequential sediment disruptions decreases (Parchure et al 2007). If vessels pass so frequently that sediment from a previous vessel passage remains suspended in the water column when the next vessel passes, effects on land loss and aquatic and benthic organisms are likely to be more severe.…”