Sediment-water interface
Encyclopedia
In oceanography
and limnology
, the sediment-water interface is the boundary between bed sediment
and the overlying water column. The topography of this interface
is often dynamic, as it is affected by physical processes (e.g. current
s causing rippling or resuspension) and biological processes (e.g. bioturbation
generating mounds or trenches).
Oceanography
Oceanography , also called oceanology or marine science, is the branch of Earth science that studies the ocean...
and limnology
Limnology
Limnology , also called freshwater science, is the study of inland waters. It is often regarded as a division of ecology or environmental science. It covers the biological, chemical, physical, geological, and other attributes of all inland waters...
, the sediment-water interface is the boundary between bed sediment
Sediment
Sediment is naturally occurring material that is broken down by processes of weathering and erosion, and is subsequently transported by the action of fluids such as wind, water, or ice, and/or by the force of gravity acting on the particle itself....
and the overlying water column. The topography of this interface
Interface (chemistry)
An interface is a surface forming a common boundary among two different phases, such as an insoluble solid and a liquid, two immiscible liquids or a liquid and an insoluble gas. The importance of the interface depends on which type of system is being treated: the bigger the quotient area/volume,...
is often dynamic, as it is affected by physical processes (e.g. current
Ocean current
An ocean current is a continuous, directed movement of ocean water generated by the forces acting upon this mean flow, such as breaking waves, wind, Coriolis effect, cabbeling, temperature and salinity differences and tides caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun...
s causing rippling or resuspension) and biological processes (e.g. bioturbation
Bioturbation
In oceanography, limnology, pedology, geology , and archaeology, bioturbation is the displacement and mixing of sediment particles and solutes by fauna or flora . The mediators of bioturbation are typically annelid worms , bivalves In oceanography, limnology, pedology, geology (especially...
generating mounds or trenches).