A numerical model of a turbidity current driven by poorly-sorted sediment i
s developed. The model is applied to study the role that finer fractions of
suspended sediment play in the evolution of a submarine fan due to the flo
w of a subsiding turbidity current. The depth-integrated model can treat mu
ltiple size fractions of suspended sediment, ranging from clay to coarse sa
nd. The model is implemented in a sensitivity study by varying inflow fract
ions of suspended sediments. Computed results clearly indicate that a modes
t increase in fine sediment content in the inflow dramatically increases th
e sand carrying capacity of a turbidity current. It is also found that clay
is more effective than fine or coarse silt in maintaining the momentum and
the identity of a current. Downstream fining and gradual thinning of the s
imulated deposit is observed in computations performed with multiple,grain
sizes. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd All rights reserved.