The frequency distribution of the current speed at the Netherlands lightvessels and its possible influence on the composition of sediments in the Southern North Sea

Abstract

Frequency distributions of current velocities were determined from the Netherlands lightvessels in the North Sea. Near the lightvessel "Texel" the frequency distribution shows a considerable degree of symmetry. By means of a simple model for transport of sediment the consequences of such a frequency distribution for the transport of particles of different sizes are investigated. There appears to be a distinct maximum in the transporting velocity near the lightvessel "Texel" for a certain particle size. This particle size is estimated to be about 300 μ, a value that corresponds with a relative poverty of particles between 200μ and 300μ "downstream" of the position of the lightvessel.