Sediment dynamic changes induced by the presence of a dyke in a Scirpus mariqueter saltmarsh

Abstract

Artificial coastal dykes have been widely built to prevent erosion, or to accelerate sedimentation processes in saltmarshes. To investigate the sediment dynamic changes induced by construction of dykes, three observation stations were set around a dyke within an expanding Scirpus mariqueter saltmarsh, in southern Hangzhou Bay. The hydrodynamics of the study area was dominated by tidal currents. The presence of dyke, in combination with the adjacent tidal creek, altered the hydrodynamic boundary conditions, thereby affecting the flow field. When the tidal flows approaching the dyke, the speed was accelerated at the head of the dyke and then decreased at the rear, due to the narrowing effect of the dyke head. Turbulence intensity around the dyke showed a similar pattern to that of the tidal flows. The net sediment input behind the dyke is approximately 2.3 times of that at the dyke head, illustrating sediment deposition in the back region of the dyke. As a result, flows entrained the sediments and then deposited behind the dyke to cause a local accretion to promote saltmarsh vegetation succession. The construction of dykes should be taken into account for future coastal wetland management. • In situ sediment dynamic observation was conducted around a dyke in saltmarsh. • Dyke altered tidal flows and caused sediment transport towards the rear region. • Construction of the dyke drove vegetation succession in the saltmarsh.