Sediment dynamics in an offshore tidal channel in the southern Yellow Sea

Abstract

The geomorphology of the southern Yellow Sea (SYS) is characterized by offshore radial sand ridges (RSR). An offshore tidal channel (KSY Channel) is located perpendicular to the coast, comprised of a main and a tributary channel separated by a submarine sand ridge (KSY Sand Ridge) extending seaward. In order to investigate the interactions among water flow, sediment transport, and topography, current velocity and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) were observed at 11 anchor stations along KSY Channel in RSR during a spring tide cycle. High resolution bottom topography was also surveyed. Residual currents and tidally averaged suspended sediment fluxes were calculated and analyzed by using the decomposition method. Results suggested that the water currents became stronger landward but with asymmetrical current speed and temporal duration of flood and ebb tides. Residual currents showed landward water transport in the nearshore channel and a clockwise circulation around the KSY Sand Ridge. Tidally-averaged SSC also increased landward along the channel. The main mechanisms controlling SSC variations were resuspension and horizontal advection, with spatial and temporal variations in the channel, which also contributed to sediment redistribution between channels and sand ridges. Residual flow transport and the tidal pumping effect dominated the suspended sediment flux in the KSY Channel. The KSY Sand Ridge had a potential southward migration due to the interaction between water flow, sediment transport, and topography.