Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Numerical simulation on seasonal transport variations and mechanisms of suspended sediment discharged from the Yellow River to the Bohai Sea

  • Published:
Journal of Geographical Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Based on sediment and discharge flux data for the Yellow River, realistic forcing fields and bathymetry of the Bohai Sea, a suspended sediment transport module is driven by a wave-current coupled model to research seasonal variations and mechanisms of suspended load transport to the Bohai Sea. It could be concluded that surface sediment concentration indicates a distinct spatial distribution characteristic that varies seasonally in the Bohai Sea. Sediment concentration is rather high near the Yellow River estuary, seasonal variations of which are controlled by quantity of sediment from the Yellow River, suspended sediment concentration reaches its maximum during summer and fall. Furthermore, sediment concentration decreases rapidly in other seas far from the Yellow River estuary and maintains a very low level in the center of the Bohai Sea, and is dominated by seasonal variations of climatology wind field in the Bohai Sea. Only a small amount of sediments imported from the Yellow River are delivered northwestward to the southern coast of the Bohai Bay. Majority of sediments are transported southeastward to the Laizhou Bay, where sediments are continuously delivered into the center of the Bohai Sea in a northeastward direction, and part of them are transported eastward alongshore through the Bohai Strait. 69% of sediments from the Yellow River are deposited near the river delta, 31% conveyed seaward, within which, 4% exported to the northern Yellow Sea through the Bohai Strait. Wind wave is the most essential contributor to seasonal variations of sediment concentration in the Bohai Sea, and the contribution of tidal currents is also significant in shallow waters when wind speed is low.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alexander C R, Demaster D J, Nittrouer C A, 1991. Sediment accumulation in a modern continental shelf setting: The Yellow Sea. Marine Geology, 98: 51–72.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blumberg A F, 2002. A primer for ECOMSED. Mahwah NJ: Hydro Qual Inc., 1–194.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burban P Y, Xu Y, McNeil J et al., 1990. Settling speeds of flocs in fresh and sea waters. Journal of Geophysical Research, 95(C10): 18213–18220.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cao Zude, 1993. Numerical simulation of sediment suspension induced by waves and transportation by tidal current. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 15(1): 107–118. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng Y J, Cheng J G, 2000. Analysis of the current field in the new Yellow River entrance sea area. Coastal Engineering, 19(4): 5–11. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Davies A M, Xing J, Huthnance J M et al., 2002. Models of near-bed dynamics and sediment movement at the Iberian margin. Progress in Oceanography, 52: 373–397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dong N H, 1997. Distribution and diffusion of deposited sediments in Qingshuigou Channel of the Yellow River. Journal of Oceanography of Huanghai & Bohai Seas, 15(2): 33–37. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Grant W D, Madsen O S, 1979. Combined wave and current interaction with a rough bottom. Journal of Geophysical Research, 84(C4): 1797–1808.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gu Y H, Xiu R C, 1996. On the current and storm flow in the Bohai Sea and their role in transporting deposited silt of the Yellow River. Journal of Oceanography of Huanghai & Bohai Seas, 14(1): 1–6. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu Chunhong, Ji Zuwen, Wang Tao, 1994. Characteristics of ocean dynamics and sediment diffusion in the Yellow River estuary. Journal of Sediment Research, 4: 1–10. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang W S, Mayer B, 1997. A study on the transportation of suspended particulate matter from Yellow River by using a 3D particle model. Journal of Ocean University of Qingdao, 27(4): 439–445.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang W S, Pohlmann T, Sun J et al., 2004. SPM transport in the Bohai Sea: Field experiments and numerical modelling. Journal of Marine Systems, 44: 175–188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang W S, Pohlmann T, Sundermann J et al., 2000. A modelling study of SPM transport in the Bohai Sea. Journal of Marine Systems, 24: 175–200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang Wensheng, Su Jian, Yang Hua et al., 2002. The relationship between SPM concentration and hydrodynamic condition in the Bohai Sea. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 24(suppl.): 212–217. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang Wensheng, Sun Wenxin, 2000. 3D suspended particulate matter transportation model in the Bohai Sea I: Introduction of the model. Oceanologia et Limnologia Sinica, 31(6): 682–688. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang Wensheng, Sun Wenxin, 2001. 3D suspended particulate matter transportation model in the Bohai Sea II: Simulation results. Oceanologia et Limnologia Sinica, 32(1): 94–100. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Fengye, Gao Shu, Jia Jianjun et al., 2002. Contemporary deposition rates of fine-grained sediment in the Bohai and Yellow seas. Oceanologia et Limnologia Sinica, 33(4): 364–369. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Fengye, Shi Yulan, 1995. Accumulation rates of sediment and sedimentary environment in the south Bohai Sea. Journal of Oceanography of Huanghai & Bohai Seas, 13(2): 33–37. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Gusheng, Dong Chao, Wang Hailong, 2006. Numerical simulations on transportation of SPM introduced from the Yellow River to the Bohai Sea. China Ocean Engineering, 20(1): 133–146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Guosheng, Wang Hailong, 2009. Cortrolling experiments for dynamic mechanisms of suspended transport of SPM introduced from the Yellow River to the Bohai Sea. Geographical Research, 28(3): 571–582. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Guosheng, Wang Hailong, Dong Chao, 2005a. Numerical simulations on transportation and deposition of SPM introduced from the Yellow River to the Bohai Sea. Acta Geographica Sinica, 60(5): 707–716. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Guosheng, Wang Hailong, Li Bailiang, 2005b. A model study on the seasonal variability of the Lagrangian circulations in the Bohai Sea. Geographical Research, 24(3): 359–370. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Guosheng, Wang Hailong, Li Bailiang, 2005c. A model study on seasonal spatial-temporal variability of the Lagrangian residual circulation in the Bohai Sea. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 15(3): 273–285.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacIntyre S, Lick W, Tsai C H, 1990. Variability of entrainment of cohesive sediments in freshwater. Biogeochemistry, 9: 187–209.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin, J M, Zhang J, Shi M C et al., 1993. Actual flux of the Huanghe (Yellow River) sediment to the western Pacific Ocean. Netherlands Journal of Sea Research, 31: 243–254.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Milliman J D, Li F, Zhao Y Y et al., 1986. Suspended matter regime in the Yellow Sea. Progress in Oceanography, 17: 215–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nittrouer C A, Wright L D, 1994. Transport of particles across continental shelves. Reviews of Geophysics, 32: 85–113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park Y A, Khim B M, 1990. Clay minerals of the recent fine-grained sediment on the Korean continental shelves. Continental Shelf Research, 10: 1179–1191.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qian Y Y, Ye Q C, Zhou W H, 1993. Discharge and Sediment Variation and River Bed Development of the Yellow River. Beijing: China Architecture & Building Press, 1–230. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Qin Yunshan et al., 1985. Geology of the Bohai Sea. Beijing: Science Press, 13–76. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Qin Yunshan, Li Fan, 1982. Study on suspended matters in Bohai Sea. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 4(2): 191–200. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Qin Yunshan, Li Fan, 1986. The influence of Yellow River sediment into the sea on sedimentation in Bohai and Huanghai Sea. Studia Marina Sinica, 27: 124–134. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Van-Rijn L C, 1984. Sediment transport, part II: suspended load transport. ASCE J. Hydr. Engr., 110(11): 1613–1638.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Guizhi, Gao Shu, 2002. Characteristics of Yellow-Bohai Sea water exchange and suspended sediment: Their effects on sedimentation in the Bohai Strait. Marine Science Bulletin, 21(1): 43–48. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang Hailong, Li Guosheng, 2009. Numerical simulation on seasonal transportation of suspended sediment from Huanghe (Yellow) River to Bohai Sea. Oceanologia et Limnologia Sinica, 40(2): 129–137. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang Ying, Zhang Yongzhan, 1998. Human activities, break-off water discharge of the Yellow River and the impacts on coastal environment. Journal of Nanjing University (Natural Sciences), 34(3): 257–271. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu Guiqiu, Xia Dongxing, Wang Wenhai, 1994. The relationships between the sediment distribution of present Yellow River’s entrance to the sea and the ocean dynamic factors. Coastal Engineering, 13(1): 24–30. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu Yongsheng, Wang Zhaoyin, 2002. Effect of Bohai Sea dynamics on sediment transport discharged from the Yellow River. Journal of Oceanography of Huanghai & Bohai Seas, 20(2): 22–30. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yanagi T, Inoue K, 1995. A numerical experiment on the sedimentation processes in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. Journal of Oceanography, 51(5): 537–552.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao Baoren, Zhuang Guowen, Cao Deming, 1995. Circulation, tidal residual currents and their effects on the sedimentations in the Bohai Sea. Oceanologia et Limnologia Sinica, 26(5): 466–473. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Geographic Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China

    Guosheng Li & Heping Liao

  2. Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China

    Guosheng Li

  3. Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute, Guangzhou, 510663, China

    Hailong Wang

Authors
  1. Guosheng Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hailong Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Heping Liao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Heping Liao.

Additional information

Foundation: National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.40771030; No.40571020

Author: Li Guosheng (1963–), Ph.D and Professor, specialized in remote sensing and GIS.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Li, G., Wang, H. & Liao, H. Numerical simulation on seasonal transport variations and mechanisms of suspended sediment discharged from the Yellow River to the Bohai Sea. J. Geogr. Sci. 20, 923–937 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-010-0821-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-010-0821-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation