Sediment transport induced by internal waves

We conduct particle-resolved numerical simulations to explore the interactions between an internal wave and a slope comprised of particles. A solitary internal wave is generated in a lock-exchange simulation, propagating over an erodible sediment bed comprised of fully resolved grains through the immersed boundary method. We explore the respective role of (i) buoyancy versus hydrodynamic forces, (ii) fluid and sediment density ratios, and (iii) slope angles on the entrainment of particles and slope stability. These parameters (among others) govern particle redistribution, slope stability and bedform formation. Such a study is relevant to any stratified water body where internal waves are generated and interact with an inclined bottom, a very common setup in nearshore environments/continental margins worldwide.