Search

Xiangshan Bay consists of a deep tidal channel and three shallow inlets. A large-scale tidal flat has been utilized through coastal construction. To ascertain the accumulate influences of these engineering projects upon the tidal dynamics of the channel-inlets system, this study uses FVCOM to investigate the tides and flow asymmetries of the bay, and numerically simulate the long-term variations of tidal dynamics caused by the loss of tidal flats. It was found that the reduction of tidal flat areas from 1963 to 2010 slightly dampened M 2 tidal amplitudes (0.1 m, ∼6%) and advanced its phases by reducing shoaling effects, while amplified M 4 tidal amplitudes (0.09 m, ∼27%) and advanced its phases by reducing bottom friction, in the inner bay. Consequently, the ebb dominance was dampened indicated by reduced absolute value of elevation skewness (∼20%) in the bay. The tides and tidal asymmetry were impacted by the locations, areas and slopes of the tidal flats through changing tidal prism, shoaling effect and bottom friction, and consequently impacted tidal duration asymmetry in the bay. Tides and tidal asymmetry were more sensitive to the tidal flat at the head of the bay than the side bank. Reduced/increased tidal flat slopes around the Tie inlet dampened the ebb dominance. Tidal flat had a role in dissipating the M 4 tide rather than generating it, while the advection only play a secondary role in generating the M 4 tide. The full-length tidal flats reclamation would trigger the reverse of ebb to flood dominance in the bay. This study would be applicable for similar narrow bays worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underwater topography can be imaged using remote sensing methods. Numerous studies have been conducted to understand the imaging mechanism of shallow water topography. However, current-topography interaction constitutes the weakest link in the remote sensing imaging mechanism of underwater topography. In addition, few studies focused on different topography patterns. Current velocity is highly correlated with bathymetry, and velocity gradient is used as an indicator of sea surface roughness. In this research, we analyzed the distribution characteristics of current velocity and velocity gradient in different cases using a 3-dimensional (3-D) hydrodynamic model to discuss the current-topography interaction part of the remote sensing imaging mechanism, especially the modulation by current parallel or normal to the underwater topography, both positive and negative. Results showed remarkable agreement between 3-D current analysis and surface velocity analysis. Parallel and normal currents had different responses to different topography types. The distribution of surface current gradient showed opposite features over negative and positive topography in parallel and normal current fields. This can be used to distinguish negative topography from positive topography with different current directions to a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal circulation and transport of sediment derived from the Huanghe and Changjiang Rivers in the Bohai, Yellow, and East China Seas (BYECS) over the past 48 years (1958–2005) were simulated and analyzed using the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere–Wave–Sediment Transport modeling system. Model skill assessments against in situ wave and hydrographical observations indicate the model simulation can reasonably well reproduce the hydrodynamic environment of the BYECS. Model-simulated regions of high fine sediment accumulation rate correlate well with the observed regions, which are known as “muddy patches.” Bottom stress analysis further indicates that the formation of muddy patches near river mouths is largely due to their proximity to the sediment source. Muddy patches formed in regions farther away from river mouths are results of local weak bottom stress and associated circulation pattern. Simulated seabed sediment distribution reveals that most of the Huanghe-derived sediment stays inside the Bohai Sea, whereas the Changjiang-derived sediment can spread into both the Yellow and East China Seas. Strong seasonal variations exist in the river-derived sediment transport with stronger (weaker) offshore sediment transport occurring in the winter (summer). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observational analysis has revealed an apparent immobility of giant sand waves on the Taiwan Banks, while sand waves on the eastern Taiwan Banks show distinct dynamics influenced by the underlying larger-scale sand ridge bedforms. In this study, the effects of these sand ridge bedforms on sand wave migration and the local hydrodynamic environment were investigated using bathymetric and hydrodynamic datasets from 2016 and 2018. Upon separating the NNW-SSE sand ridge crest, the opposing sand wave migration and complementary sediment loss/gain on either side of the sand ridge are interpreted as convergence processes that serve to maintain the shape of the sand ridge. Analysis of the hydrodynamics revealed that, during the flood phase, the northward directed flow on the western side of the ridge crest was enhanced due to rapid shoaling. This caused the development of a flow shadow zone on the eastern side of the ridge crest, where the flow was rotated and weakened. During a tidal cycle, the dominance of the flood current on the western side of the ridge resulted in northward migration of sand waves. Conversely, due to the weakened flood current on the eastern side of the ridge, sand waves migrated southward in response to the stronger ebb current. This study thus provides insights into bedform dynamics in complex morphological settings and the maintenance mechanism of morphodynamic bedform systems. • Two-year repetitive bathymetric data and associated hydrodynamic data are used. • Sand wave north- and southward migrations are revealed in two sides of sand ridge. • Distinct activities of sand waves are strongly linked to underlying sand ridge. • Sediment loss and gain are found to occur west and east of sand ridge area. • A convergence process is proposed for the sand ridge bedform to maintain its shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]