Modeling Gravity and Turbidity Currents: Computational Approaches and Challenges

Abstract

In this review article, we discuss recent progress with regard to modeling gravitydriven, high Reynolds number currents, with the emphasis on depthresolving, highresolution simulations. The initial sections describe new developments in the conceptual modeling of such currents for the purpose of identifying the Froude number–current height relationship, in the spirit of the pioneering work by von Kأ،rmأ،n and Benjamin. A brief introduction to depthaveraged approaches follows, including box models and shallow water equations. Subsequently, we provide a detailed review of depthresolving modeling strategies, including direct numerical simulations (DNS), largeeddy simulations (LES), and Reynoldsaveraged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations. The strengths and challenges associated with these respective approaches are discussed by highlighting representative computational results obtained in recent years.