Abstract:

This dataset reports conductivity measurements performed at three different depths along the same channel cross section, as well velocity measurements of the leading edge of the gravity currents. Results of similar conditions with and without dispersed oil (quantified by volume) are presented. While there is no noticeable changes in the conductivity values at the top and bottom probes, the middle probe salinity measurements are higher in conditions with dispersed oil. It is speculated that the vertical migration of dispersed oil droplets during the advance of the gravity currents is results in increased mixing in the intermediate layers of the flow.

Suggested Citation:

Jose G. Vasconcelos, Thomas M. Hatcher. 2016. Conductivity and velocity measurements in gravity currents with and without presence of dispersed oil phase. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N7RF5S1K

Purpose:

Calibration of numerical models aimed at the simulation of gravity currents with presence of dispersed oil fraction

Data Parameters and Units:

Time (seconds or minutes), top conductivity (top cond., mS/cm), mid conductivity (mid. cond., mS/cm), bottom conductivity (bot. cond., mS/cm), height (in), distance (in or ft), volume (in^3), temperature (degrees C), depth (in), distance (in or ft), gravity current leading edge velocity (ft/s)

Methods:

An apparatus was created to simulate the interaction between freshwater, saltwater, and dispersed oil in the Mobile Bay navigation channel. The apparatus had an 8 ft channel and a 32 ft channel reservoir system. Several experimental conditions were tested: 1% density difference and no oil, 1% density difference and 2% oil, 0.7% density difference and no oil, and 0.7% density difference and 1% oil.

Instruments:

Nortek Vectrino MicroADV probes - measure flow velocity at the two different stratified flow layers Conductivity loggers - measure conductivity at three depths (top = 1 in, middle = 8 in, and bottom = 15 in)

Individual Files: