A stochastic approach is proposed to evaluate sediment entrainment close to incipient sediment motion. Particular attention is also given to the problem of reconstructing a reliable initial bed composition as this has a significant impact on sediment entrainment.
The model was applied to the test case of the Venice lagoon (Italy) and good agreement was found when comparing model results to a series of turbidity measurements collected inside the lagoon. The model was then used to predict the actual net amount of sand and mud flowing through the inlets and the bottom evolution in terms of elevation and composition.