Study on the Influence of Salt Marsh Vegetation on Tidal Current and Sediment Transport in Intertidal Zone

Abstract

Due to the sensitivity of the environment and immoderate human activities, the coastal zone in China is facing resource conflicts and environmental pressures. Salt marsh vegetation is regarded as an important measure for coastal ecological restoration. Therefore, it is of practical significance to study the influence of salt marsh vegetation on hydro-sediment dynamics. Based on the measured topography and tidal sediment data, a generalized model of salt marsh vegetation is established to study its effects on the dynamics of nearshore water and sediment. The results show that salt marsh vegetation has prominent effect of attenuating flow velocity and promoting sedimentation, and the ability differs depending on vegetation. Salt marsh vegetation can promote the development of tidal channels to shore, causing intensified erosion in the deep trough. The expansion of the vegetation area will allow the tidal channels to extend small branches to shore and connect with the vegetation front.