Thread: Force balance for 'capture' of a seed in water

Hello!

I am working on a problem to resolve the balance of forces on a seed (very small and disc shape) that is being 'captured' on the stream bank. The density of the seed is less than water thus it is buoyant (making the problem different than sediment deposition theory). I am assuming that the water is receding and the capture of the seed is the result of friction forces overcoming the pull force of the water.

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestion on how surface tension or drag forces might come into play? How would the force balance change if it is laminar or turbulent flow? Or any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks - Adrienne