Erosion of mud by waves - development of field measurement system

The ability to predict the movement of cohesive sediment within coastal, estuarine or inland waters has a significant economical and ecological importance in the development of new engineering works and the maintenance of existing installations. Schemes such as the reclamation of intertidal flats or the construction of flood protection structures or the laying of outfalls require a sound engineering appraisal of the likely changes in the patterns of sediment movement which will result after the scheme is built. Furthermore, the capability to predict the movement of cohesive sediment is crucial in the understanding of the distribution of certain pollutants, in particular heavy metals which are adsorbed on to clay and silt particles.