SMS 618: Particle Dynamics in Aquatic Systems

# of credits: 3.

Taught by: Emmanuel Boss

emmanuel.boss@maine.edu

207-581-4378

Meeting times: Thursdays, Libby 202 10:45-12:00, Libby 220 12:45-14:00.

In this course we will examine the geological, physical, chemical and biological processes associated with, and mediated by, particulate matter in aquatic systems. The material will include the mathematical description of the conservation equations associated with particulate material and the mathematical description of the processes associated with this material. Processes covered will include: settling, erosion, deposition, and transport of particulate material. Interactions among particles (flocculation, aggregation, and breakup) and with dissolved materials in the water will also be covered.

The class will be comprised of paper discussions, hands-on laboratory sessions and demonstration (possibly a field trip), and lectures. Students will also assist in developing a comprehensive web site with relevant material for the benefit of the greater aquatic community.

For an evolving syllabus, click here.

Expectations:

Grading will be based on participation, bi-weekly assignments, and a term project which will be presented to the class.

Useful links (last updated, 12/10/2003):

For Links to researchers of particle dynamics click here.

Text books:

Allen, J. R. L., 2001. Physical Sedimentology, Blackburn Press, 272pp.

Boggs, Sam, 2001. Principles of sedimentology and stratigraphy. 3rd edition, Prentice Hall, 726pp.

Boudreau, B. P., 1997. Diagenetic Models and their implementation. Springer, 414pp.

Dyer, K. R., 1986, Coastal and Estuarine Sediment Dynamics. John Wiley & Sons, 342pp.

Middleton, G. V. and J. B. Southard, 1984, Mechanics of Sediment Movement, SEPM short course, 2nd edition, Providence.

Relevant courses on the WWW:

Sediment Dynamics and Boundary Layer Physics from Dr. Jeff Parsons at the University of Washington:

http://www.ocean.washington.edu/people/faculty/parsons/OCEAN542/542-02.html

Sediment Transport Process in Coastal Environments from Dr. Courtney Harris at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences:

http://www.vims.edu/~ckharris/MS698_03/index.html

Marine geological processes from Dr. Russ McDuff of the University of Washington:

http://www2.ocean.washington.edu/oc540-2002/

Multi-authored edited books:

Particle Flux in the Ocean, 1996, Edited by V. Ittekot, P. Schafer, S. Honjo, and P. J. Depetris. John Wiley & Sons Ltd.367pp. (to download book chapters go to: http://www.icsu-scope.org/downloadpubs/scope57/contents.html )

Marine Particles: Analysis and Characterization, 1991, Edited by D. C. Hurd and D. W. Spencer, Geophysical Monograph, 63, American Geophysical Union.

Suspended Solids in Water, 1974, Edited by R. J. Gibbs, Plenum Press, 320pp.

The Benthic Boundary Layer, 2001, edited by B. P. Boudreau and B. B. Jorgensen, Oxford University Press.

Special volumes of journals:

Aggregation in Marine Systems, 1995, Topical Studies in Oceanography, Deep Sea Res. II, 42.

Sediment Transport Processes in Estuaries, 1989, Special issue of the Journal of Geophysical Research, 94 (C10).