There would be a strong influence of density current on efficiencies of scouring and silting in the lateral channel type sediment si lting basin.In order to achieve the desired treatment effect while setting up an anticipatory silting basin,it is necessary to know well the characteristics of dens ity current.By means of model experiments of a scoop channel,the regularities of velocity distributions and separating velocity of clear water,as well as the re lationship of limitrainize(d90) and sediment concentration are stu died.For solving the problems of sedimentation in density flow and practical ope ration effectiveness of scoop channel,it provides important experimental basis.