Sediment dynamics in shallow water under wave-current interaction: a case study of Haiyang Beach

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Sediment dynamics in shallow water under wave-current interaction: a case study of Haiyang Beach
Authors: Yue Yu, Hongan Sun, Xingmin Liu, Lulu Qiao, Yongzhi Wang
Source: Frontiers in Marine Science, Vol 12 (2025)
Publisher Information: Frontiers Media S.A., 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Science
LCC:General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution
Subject Terms: intertidal zone, wave-current interaction, wave orbital motion, sediment dynamics, sediment resuspension, Science, General. Including nature conservation, geographical distribution, QH1-199.5
Description: As a critical interface in coastal systems, the intertidal zone presents complex sediment dynamics, yet the precise mechanisms governing resuspension and transport under combined wave-current interactions are not fully resolved. Utilize a comprehensive observation system that incorporates both acoustic and optical equipment, we captured concurrent hydrodynamic and sediment data across a full tidal cycle. By applying wave-turbulence decomposition, we successfully isolated the distinct contributions of various forcing mechanisms. Our results unequivocally demonstrate that turbulence is the primary driver of sediment resuspension, superseding the effects of direct wave orbital motion and mean current shear, as confirmed through both regression and wavelet analyses. Moreover, we distinguish between local and net processes: while resuspension is a locally forced phenomenon, net sediment transport is governed by the mean flow. During our observations, the net cross-shore transport was persistently offshore, driven by the combination of ebb tidal currents and wave-induced undertow. Ultimately, these findings challenge the paradigm of wave-dominated sediment processes on tidal flats, underscoring the pivotal role of turbulence in modulating sediment dynamics and offering a more refined perspective on the local sediment budget.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2296-7745
Relation: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1702016/full; https://doaj.org/toc/2296-7745
DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1702016
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/ed5640e1963747fbb20f7017e12269fa
Accession Number: edsdoj.5640e1963747fbb20f7017e12269fa
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
Description
Abstract:As a critical interface in coastal systems, the intertidal zone presents complex sediment dynamics, yet the precise mechanisms governing resuspension and transport under combined wave-current interactions are not fully resolved. Utilize a comprehensive observation system that incorporates both acoustic and optical equipment, we captured concurrent hydrodynamic and sediment data across a full tidal cycle. By applying wave-turbulence decomposition, we successfully isolated the distinct contributions of various forcing mechanisms. Our results unequivocally demonstrate that turbulence is the primary driver of sediment resuspension, superseding the effects of direct wave orbital motion and mean current shear, as confirmed through both regression and wavelet analyses. Moreover, we distinguish between local and net processes: while resuspension is a locally forced phenomenon, net sediment transport is governed by the mean flow. During our observations, the net cross-shore transport was persistently offshore, driven by the combination of ebb tidal currents and wave-induced undertow. Ultimately, these findings challenge the paradigm of wave-dominated sediment processes on tidal flats, underscoring the pivotal role of turbulence in modulating sediment dynamics and offering a more refined perspective on the local sediment budget.
ISSN:22967745
DOI:10.3389/fmars.2025.1702016