ID:
publications-1648
Type:
PEER REVIEWED ARTICLE
Year:
2017
Authors:
Zhan Hu , Peng Yao , Daphne van der Wal , Tjeerd J. Bouma
Title:
Patterns and drivers of daily bed-level dynamics on two tidal flats with contrasting wave exposure
Venue/Journal:
DOI:
10.1038/s41598-017-07515-y
Research type:
Simulation & Modeling
Water System:
Uncategorized
Technical Focus:
Abstract:
AbstractShort-term bed-level dynamics has been identified as one of the main factors affecting biota establishment or retreat on tidal flats. However, due to a lack of proper instruments and intensive labour involved, the pattern and drivers of daily bed-level dynamics are largely unexplored in a spatiotemporal context. In this study, 12 newly-developed automatic bed-level sensors were deployed for nearly 15 months on two tidal flats with contrasting wave exposure, proving an unique dataset of daily bed-level changes and hydrodynamic forcing. By analysing the data, we show that (1) a general steepening trend exists on both tidal flats, even with contrasting wave exposure and different bed sediment grain size; (2) daily morphodynamics level increases towards the sea; (3) tidal forcing sets the general morphological evolution pattern at both sites; (4) wave forcing induces short-term bed-level fluctuations at the wave-exposed site, but similar effect is not seen at the sheltered site with smaller waves; (5) storms provoke aggravated erosion, but the impact is conditioned by tidal levels. This study provides insights in the pattern and drivers of daily intertidal bed-level dynamics, thereby setting a template for future high-resolution field monitoring programmes and inviting in-depth morphodynamic modelling for improved understanding and predictive capability.
Link with Projects:
607131
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