The role of wind-wave related processes in redistributing river-derived terrigenous sediments in Lake Turkana: A modelling study

A complete annual cycle of the dynamics fine-grained sediment supplied by Omo and smaller rivers is simulated for Lake Turkana, one world’s large lakes, with hydrodynamic, wave transport model Delft3D. The forced river liquid solid discharge wind data in order to simulate cohesive resuspension. It simulates stratification due salinity, generation dissipation, advection resuspension waves currents, multiple fractions. comparison simulation results remotely-sensed imagery available in-situ deposition rates validates model. By devising scenarios which certain processes were switched on or off, we investigated contribution waves, wind-induced surface bottom salinity-induced jet, resuspending transporting fine sediments lake basin. With only influence, most occurs first 10 km off River mouth at a depth < m. When are on, increased bed shear stresses resuspend sediments, that then deposited further deeper 30 km, water depths > This study sheds new light Turkana great lakes general, favouring view wind-waves can be main agent transports away from mouths areas, as opposed river-plume gravity-driven transport.