A new model for marine density-turbidity currents with criteria for ignition

摘要

We discuss the hydrodynamic stability properties of a one-dimensional quasi-steady marine current, driven by a density excess caused by low temperature or high salinity, and flowing over a regular slope, taking bottom-erosion phenomena into consideration. The term density-turbidity current is used here for a thermohaline density current, with that density increased by entrained sediment. Thermohaline currents are of fundamental importance with regard to the Earth's climate, and the same must apply to density-turbidity currents.