Modeling Storm-Influenced Suspended Particulate Matter Flocculation Using a Tide-Wave-Combined Biomineral Model.

Flocculation of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in marine and estuarine environments is a complex process that is influenced by physical, biological, and chemical mechanisms. The flocculation model of Maggi (2009) was adapted to simulate flocculation under various weather conditions and during different seasons. The adaptation incorporated the effect of tide-wave-combined turbulence on floc dynamics. The model was validated using in situ measurements of floc size and SPM concentration from the southern North Sea during both calm and storm conditions. The results show that tide-wave-combined turbulence needs to be incorporated when simulating flocculation in a tide-wave-dominated environment. The observed seasonal variations in floc size (Fettweis et al., 2014) were reproduced using varying values for various floc strengths in different seasons. The results revealed that the biological effect on floc strength, which enhances aggregation, is stronger during summer, indicating that floc strength in the model should be varied seasonally.