Method and apparatus for impeding sediment deposition in harbors and navigation channels

摘要

A buoyant high aspect ratio delta wing having an inverted airfoil shape for producing a downward lift force is anchored at a negative angle of attack adjacent the bottom of a waterway having a current. The net vertical deflection and turbulent trailing wake generated as the water flows past the wing prevents sediments from depositing on the bottom of the waterway for a predetermined distance downstream of the wing. Cascading arrays of such wings may be anchored in succession along the waterway to resuspend sediments and thereby maintain sufficient water depth for navigation while avoiding the cost and environmental drawbacks of dredging.