Estuarine flocs: Their size, settling velocity and density

Abstract

The size and settling velocity of flocs of suspended sediments from the Chesapeake Bay were measured in laboratory experiments and in the field. The curves between floc diameter and settling velocity showed a non‐Stoke's relationship that was best described by the following: settling velocity (cm/s) = 1.73 (floc diameter, cm) 0.78 . Furthermore, the relationship between floc diameter and settling velocity indicated that the floe density decreased as the floes increased in size. In addition to changing density, a cylinder shape was found to be the best shape factor.