Links between saltwater intrusion and subtidal circulation in the Changjiang Estuary: A model-guided study

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the links between saltwater intrusion and subtidal circulation in the Changjiang Estuary based on a 3D numerical model. We restricted our study mainly to the three major outlets of the estuary: the South Passage, the North Passage, and the North Channel. Subtidal transport is landward in the South Passage and NNW- or NW-ward on the shoals, whereas it is mainly seaward in the North Passage and North Channel. Such a residual characteristic is caused by the interaction between tide and shallow water depth. Decomposing analysis indicated that Stokes transport is the major mechanism causing this particular residual transport pattern. Under its influence, the South Passage is the most saline outlet and the North Channel is the major route discharging the Changjiang runoff. Results of a tracer experiment indicated that active water mass exchange occurs from the South Passage to the North Passage and finally to the North Channel. Thus, the salinity in each outlet is determined not only by the tidal-averaged diversion ratio around the bifurcation of the South and North Channels but also by the subtidal circulation in the waterways and on the shoals. The northerly wind produces a horizontal circulation around the river mouth, which flows into the estuary in the North Channel and out of the estuary in the South Channel and South Passage. This circulation increases the salinity in the North Channel and decreases it in the South Passage. Recent engineering projects have intensified the landward residual in the South Passage, thereby increasing the salinity in the South Passage and decreasing the salinity in the North Channel.