Work

Response of sediment dynamics and morphological evolution to extreme storms in the mudflat of Yellow Sea

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Storm events can trigger intense tidal currents and waves, leading to significant changes in the morphology of mudflat. However, the response of mudflat morphology to storm events has not been fully explored due to the lack of field observations. Based on the Delft3D model, a three-dimensional coupled numerical model of tidal current-wave-sediment-topography was developed to simulate the response of mudflat morphology to storm events and explore the impact of storms with different paths and intensities on the evolution of mudflat. The developed model was first validated against the observational data during a storm event. The results reveal that mudflat exhibit interlaced areas of erosion and accretion, with accretion predominantly occurring in the supratidal zone and erosion mainly happening in the intertidal and subtidal zone. By comparing the morphology of mudflat before and after the storm, it is found that alongshore currents are the primary factor influencing sediment transport. The changes in the mudflat morphology are closely related to the intensity and path of typhoons. However, the overall pattern of erosion and accretion remains consistent, characterized by low mudflat erosion, alongshore sediment transport and high mudflat accretion. The radial sand ridge has an obstructive effect on the transport of eroded sediments under storms of different intensities and paths. Due to the barrier effect of the radial sand ridge, the transport direction of sediments from the south and north is changed, resulting in asymmetric erosion and accretion. The coupled model developed in this study could become a powerful tool for predicting future mudflat morphological changes and provide a scientific basis for understanding the response mechanisms of sediment transport under global changes and a good reference support for the formulation of coastal management policies.

Source: Journal of Hydrology Regional Studies

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrh.2025.102580