NSFGEO-NERC: Processes of submarine channel formation

Submarine channel networks move large amounts of material from the continent to the seafloor. They are constructed by turbidity currents on continental margins. This project will conduct novel lab experiments that will accurately represent turbidity currents for the first time. The lab results will be used to develop sophisticated models of submarine channel formation. Understanding turbidity currents has important implications as these rapid flows through submarine channels can threaten infrastructure such as submarine data cables. The project is an international collaboration between scientists in the United States and the United Kingdom and includes research opportunities for high school students and workshops for teenagers. This project will integrate physical and numerical experiments to understand processes responsible for submarine channel formation. Physical experiments will use a novel sediment mixture that facilitates long-distance self-suspension of dilute sediment-laden flows. Numerical models will develop the framework capable of constructing submarine channels and strata. The project will test three hypotheses: 1) Bedload sediment transport critically contributes to the construction and maintenance of submarine channels. 2) The construction of submarine channels can proceed by levee growth alone. 3) Submarine channels constructed by short lived turbidity currents with prominent heads maintain open channel conduits for longer durations. Broader impacts include support for a team of scientists that spans high school, undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral research associates, and faculty. The project will support workshops for 13-year-olds that include physical experiments to convey marine geohazards. This award was made possible through the NSF/GEO-UKRI/NERC lead agency opportunity. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. NSF Award ID: 2553884 | Program: 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT | Principal Investigator: Kyle Straub | Institution: Tulane University, NEW ORLEANS, LA | Award Amount: $422,913 View on NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2553884 View on Research.gov: https://www.research.gov/awardapi-service/v1/awards/2553884.html