EPSP Connects - Wednesday January 21st - 11am New York
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Roberto Fernández
Jan 21, 2026, 2:16:22 AM (14 days ago) Jan 21
to AboutHydrology
Join us this Wednesday January 21st for a science talk by Dr. Jorge E. San Juan. Registration Link and details below.
Register here: https://psu.zoom.us/meeting/register/VPXJNAdhTcm3k4NtfR7hVw
Register here: https://psu.zoom.us/meeting/register/VPXJNAdhTcm3k4NtfR7hVw
Flow and sediment flux in low-height oyster reefs: A flume study of how oysters alter their habitats
Abstract: Oyster reefs are three-dimensional structures with diverse morphologies that modify flow and sediment transport. In estuarine environments, lateral expansion of reefs creates spatially variable flow resistance, leading to localized patterns of sediment dynamics. Anticipating sediment flux behavior in oyster reef zones is essential for effective restoration planning. This presentation will examine how low-relief oyster reefs modify flow structure and the resulting sediment transport patterns. Using flume experiments, the first part will explore the role of oyster density in the formation of a mixing zone, the relevance of dispersive stresses, and the applicability of a mixing-length framework to flows through oysters. The second part will focus on estimates of suspended sediment fluxes. Our results highlight the need to jointly analyze spatial and temporal variations in flow and sediment flux to capture the impact of oyster reefs.
Abstract: Oyster reefs are three-dimensional structures with diverse morphologies that modify flow and sediment transport. In estuarine environments, lateral expansion of reefs creates spatially variable flow resistance, leading to localized patterns of sediment dynamics. Anticipating sediment flux behavior in oyster reef zones is essential for effective restoration planning. This presentation will examine how low-relief oyster reefs modify flow structure and the resulting sediment transport patterns. Using flume experiments, the first part will explore the role of oyster density in the formation of a mixing zone, the relevance of dispersive stresses, and the applicability of a mixing-length framework to flows through oysters. The second part will focus on estimates of suspended sediment fluxes. Our results highlight the need to jointly analyze spatial and temporal variations in flow and sediment flux to capture the impact of oyster reefs.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Jorge E. San Juan is an Assistant Professor in the CCEE department at NC State. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on how hydrodynamics and sediment transport shape coastal habitats. Through physical models in flume experiments, Dr. San Juan seeks to develop empirical and theoretical frameworks for eco-hydro-morphodynamics. Currently, his research group concentrates on mixing mechanisms in seagrass mats and sediment transport through oyster reefs.
Roberto Fernández
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