Propagation and Separation of Downslope Gravity Currents over Rigid and Emergent Vegetation Patches in Linearly Stratified Environments

Large eddy simulation (combined with the mixture model) and laboratory experiment were used to investigate impact of emergent rigid vegetation on dynamics downslope gravity currents in stratified environments. The reliability numerical model was assessed corresponding measurements. results show that cylinders lead severe lateral non-uniformity current front, causing more evident lobe cleft structures. In environments, smaller driving force leads less propagating velocity until separates from slope. transition point (from acceleration deceleration phases) appears earlier as becomes denser. peak value bulk entrainment coefficient Ebuik is inversely proportional density, while final converged density. Vegetation patches make degree fluctuation instantaneous Einst intense, even negative values appear locally, indicating detrained into ambient fluid. profiles develop multi-peak patterns environments due fingering intrusive patterns. Our analysis reveals density increases, generated wakes behind increase local mixing, flow decrease reach neutral buoyancy layer fluids earlier, finally leading a separation depth.