once begun, a dredge plume develops and dissipates. these processes depend on a number of factors—such as the rate at which dredgers release material into the water column, and exactly where they release it. another factor is the types of dredged materials. a dredge plume of coarse sand has different properties and dynamics than a similar plume of fine sand. dredge plumes usually contain different constituents, each of which affects the plume's character. for example, denser material settles faster than less dense material. a fourth factor is the degree to which the plume's material clumps together to form larger particles, a process known as flocculation. still another factor is water movement where the plume is introduced, e.g., currents, tides, waves, and turbulence.