Traineeship

Assignments

H2. Waterway Dynamics and Sediment Transport Modeling

Engineering (Civil, Computer, Chemical, Mechanical, Fluids/Aerospace, Environmental), Geography (GIS technologies) or Hydrology students

For many years Southern DataStream in cooperation with Watershed Council and Caloosahatchee Riverwatch/ have been working towards a restoration project for the Caloosahatchee River. This project is concerned with (i) restoration of oxbows that represent the original river course prior to its channelization (known as 1948 Central and Southern Flood Control Project or C-43 canal) and (ii) development and testing computer simulating models for predicting sustainable resuspension of sediments in the river in future.

These oxbows are the remnants of the original Caloosahatchee. Before its dredging and straightening, the Caloosahatchee was a small, winding river that snaked its way from Ft. Thomson (just east of LaBelle) to the estuary at Ft. Myers.

The computer model based on the data collected throughout the whole period of research will provide significant insight into the mechanisms of pollution in Caloosahatchee River. This involves a fluid dynamics model and developing a model of flow through an oxbow.

The ultimate goal of our entire project is to determine the structures (river wing walls) required to divert water through the oxbows in quantities sufficient to generate enough lift to transport through the oxbow various organic sediments that accumulate on the bottom.

ProvaPart Author: Pagani Copyright: SouthernDataSTream Inc.

The results from the model will help to better understanding of the response of Caloosahatchee River ecosystem to the impact of natural and human activity caused stressors.

Interns will assist in:

Performing field measurement tests according to specified methodology;
Collecting water samples during field trips;
Processing collected water samples in a laboratory;
Analyzing received lab results;
Researching in flow and sediment pathways in rivers and ground waters;
Development of models of flow pathways;
Field and modeling studies of flow structures and pollutant dispersion in rivers;
Parameterization of hydrological and erosion process in the environment.

What is an oxbow?
A U-shaped bend in a river or stream.

What is resuspension(of sediment)?
The remixing of sediment particles and pollutants back into the water by storms, currents,organisms, and human activities, such as dredging.

What is sediment?
Sediment is any particulate matter that can be transported by fluid flow and which eventually is deposited as a layer of solid particles on the bed or bottom of a body of water or other liquid.

Essentials:

Do I fit the position?
If you are interested in engineering and feel a strong inclination to try your hand on this career path, then we encourage you to join us.

I am interested in this project, when do you recruit students for the program?
Our projects run all year round, so you have an opportunity to apply for any period you wish.

What will I achieve?
If you work hard, you will get a real working experience opening the door to the career you want and equipping you to succeed in it. In particular you will acquire:

Hands-on experience in field and modeling research of flow structures and pollutants in rivers.
Real working experience in computer modeling and simulation while working with various simulation software.
Environmental skills and knowledge in hydrology.

Do you provide housing for interns?
Yes, we provide housing, local transportation and all necessary utilities for our participants.

How do I learn more or apply?
Submit On-line Application button at the bottom of the page to start the process.

I can't submit on line application. Can you help me?
If you face difficulties with on line form submitting, please download the form in word, complete and send back to us with your resume/cv and cover letter.