Side-scan sonar as a tool for mapping spatial variations in sediment type

Studies with increasing sample densities over a common area demonstrate that the distribution of estuarine sediment types varies on several scales. The variations and accompanying steep gradients in the characteristics of the sediments may lead to different interpretations of the dynamics of estuarine depositional processes depending on the scale examined. Field work in parts of Chesapeake-Bay and the York River Estuary, Virginia indicates that the spatially continuous data on the nature of the bottom surface available with side-scan sonography offers a means of assessing the continuity of sediment type.     

河口潮滩地貌和沉积物对人类工程的响应特征

河口潮滩受径潮流的共同作用,在自然环境与人类活动的影响下处于不断的动态调整中,其中大型人类工程往往对其短期地貌变化和沉积物特征产生巨大影响。2013年底至2014年5月,长江口崇明东滩北部开展大规模互花米草治理工程,本文基于地面三维激光扫描技术、植被点云数据滤除算法、沉积物取样以及室内粒度分析等手段,对比了工程前后潮滩地貌与沉积物特征。研究发现:（1）完工后研究区域靠海及南侧区域出现明显冲刷,北侧虽出现淤积,但整个区域平均冲刷幅度仍达4 cm;（2）工程前研究区域沉积物平均中值粒径为29 μm,工程完工后沉积物平均中值粒径则增大到38 μm;（3）工程完工后沉积物靠海及南侧区域明显粗化,北侧沉积物则变细。结果表明,围垦工程会造成邻近潮滩大幅冲刷以及表层沉积物粗化,但潮滩不同区域地貌和沉积物特征对工程的响应仍存在空间差异性。研究揭示尽管河口潮滩长期演变过程受流域来沙条件影响,但围垦工程等局部影响因素会短期内显著改变潮滩动力地貌过程。     

黄河口二维潮波泥沙有限元数学模型及应用(Ⅰ)——模型及其验证

分析了建立黄河河口泥沙有限元模型的必要性,并结合黄河河口实际情况,建立了黄河河口二维潮流和泥沙数学模型。从数学模型模拟计算得到的潮位、流速和冲淤验证结果可以看出,由模型模拟的潮汐和潮流的等海洋动力特性以及泥沙冲淤和海底变形都与实测资料一致,表明建立的河口泥沙二维有限元数学模型可进行黄河河口的潮汐、潮流和泥沙运动及海底冲淤演变的模拟与预测。     

Vertical Distribution of Momentum Exchange Coefficient and Sediment Concentration in Estuarine and Coastal Waters

Vertical structures of momentum exchange coefficient and sediment concentration are the keys in the research on estuarine and coastal suspended sediment transport. Based on the parabolic mixing length distribution pattern,the distribution pattern of vertical momentum exchange coefficient which is suitable for estuarine and coastal waters is constructed. A comparison with steady flow and measured momentum exchange coefficient during one tidal cycle in the Menai Strait of England shows that the result of this...     

Sediment grain size measurements are affected by site-specific sediment characteristics and analysis methods: implications for environmental monitoring

Sediment grain size, and specifically changes in the percent mud content (i.e. the fraction <63?µm) over time is often used as an indicator of estuarine environmental health. Using sediment samples from three distinct estuarine systems, we determined that different analytical methods (laser diffraction and wet sieving) gave significantly different results in terms of percent mud content. These differences are also ecologically meaningful when considering the influence of mud on estuarine macrofauna. We propose an approach to measuring sediment grain size termed Environmentally Available Sediment (EAS), which advocates for the measurement of the sediment that biota are directly exposed to. For the purposes of environmental monitoring, it is also essential to monitor sediment grain size in a repeatable way which is likely to be achieved using consistent (or no) pre-treatment and the use of a measurement technique that is unlikely to change over time, e.g. wet sieving.     

应用数值模拟方法探讨河口最大浑浊带若干机理

利用平面二维潮流方程结合悬沙输运方程模拟了河口最大浑浊带现象。并且对河口边界进行进一步概化 ,比较了恒定流与非恒定流、稳定源与非稳定源、矩形河口与线性河口等不同条件下河口悬沙浓度的平面分布特点。结果表明河口地形边界和非恒定潮流作用对河口最大浑浊带的悬沙富集有重要贡献。     

径流量和海平面变化对河口最大浑浊带的影响

应用改进的ECOM模式,耦合泥沙输运方程,研究径流量和海平面变化对河口最大浑浊带的影响.河口最大浑浊带位于滞流点处,底层上下游余流均向该处输运泥沙,造成该处泥沙汇合,而由流场辐合产生的上升流又使该处的泥沙不易落淤.由于盐水入侵带来的高盐水位于北岸的底层,其斜压效应使底层的横向环流由北向南流动,把底层高浓度的泥沙向南岸平流,使得最大浑浊带位于南岸.研究河口最大浑浊带现象必须使用三维泥沙输运模式.在径流量增大的情况下,与控制试验相比底层向陆的密度流减弱,滞流点下移,导致最大浑浊带也下移;因上游来沙量增加,在最大浑浊带中心和河口拦门沙处悬浮泥沙浓度趋于增加.在径流量减少的情况下,最大浑浊带的变化趋势与径流量增大情况的结果相反.在海平面上升的情况下,拦门沙区域底层向陆的密度流趋于增强,滞流点上移,最大浑浊带也相应向上游移动;最大浑浊带中心处泥沙浓度趋于增大,但口门拦门沙处泥沙浓度趋于减小.径流量和海平面变化对最大浑浊带影响明显.     

中国河口研究五十年: 回顾与展望

提要过去50年中国的河口研究取得了巨大的成就。在理论研究方面,一个显著的特征是动力、沉积和地貌研究相结合,取得了一系列的成果,如河口冲淡水、河口锋、最大浑浊带、泥沙运动、拦门沙的形成、河口不连续现象、河口发育等。在应用方面,如钱塘江河口和长江河口等有许多成功的范例。然而,河口是复杂的,随着人类活动和人工控制的增强,当前河口研究面临着许多新的挑战,人类活动已成为第三驱动力,河口的自然适应与人工控制协调问题将是河口未来理论研究和应用实践的重要问题。     

Sediment depth and habitat as predictors of the diversity and composition of sediment bacterial communities in an inter‐tidal estuarine environment

Saltmarshes, seagrass meadows and mudflats are key habitats in estuarine ecosystems. Despite being involved in key ecological processes, the influence of different estuarine habitats on sediment bacterial communities remains understudied. Few studies have analysed and compared the bacterial communities of more than one estuarine habitat at different depths. Here, we investigated to what extent different habitats (mudflats; mono‐specific plots of seagrass [Zostera noltei] and two saltmarsh plants [Juncus maritimus and Spartina maritima]) and sampling depth (0, 5, 10 cm) influence variation in sediment bacterial composition. Our results showed significant differences in the abundance of selected higher taxa amongst habitats and depths. Surface sediment was characterized by bacteria assigned to the Acidimicrobiia, Flavobacteriia, Thiotrichales, Alteromonadales and Rhodobacterales, whereas in deeper sediment Deltaproteobacteria and Anaerolineae were dominant. Juncus sediment, in turn, presented the most distinct bacterial community, with Myxococcales abundant in this habitat. Sampling depth and habitat proved significant predictors of variation in sediment bacterial composition. The compositional dissimilarities amongst habitats and depths suggest functional divergence and complementarity, thus enhancing ecosystem functioning and health. Given the compositionally distinct communities found in different habitats and depths, our study corroborates the importance of conserving a diverse array of estuarine habitats.     

珠江口河流输沙、河口沉积与粒度信息之间的联系

河口三角洲地区泥沙供应充分，是现代沉积速率较高的区域。快速沉积的泥沙包含高分辨率的环境信息。采用放射性同位素测年方法研究了珠江口伶仃洋大铲湾海域6个柱样的现代沉积速率，以2mm的间隔分析了其中2个柱样上部的粒度，并对其平均粒径和珠江流域的年输沙量进行了快速傅里叶变换，以期获取河流泥沙供应、河口沉积速率和沉积物垂向粒度变化的对应关系。结果表明，大铲湾海域的沉积速率为1～3cm／a，受动力条件和泥沙供应条件的影响显著。2个柱样的平均粒径的最显著重现周期与珠江年输沙量的周期性有较好的对应关系，并可能反映了季节的、年的和多年的沉积速率信息。对于每年沉积厚度在厘米级的环境，以毫米级的高分辨率进行粒度分析，有可能揭示出沉积物供应的季节变化和年际变化。本研究亦可为其他河口的相关工作提供借鉴。     

鸭绿江河口最大浑浊带水动力特征对叶绿素分布的影响

在河口最大浑浊带有独特的生态动力过程。利用鸭绿江河口最大浑浊带上下游两个定点站和大面站的流速、叶绿素和浊度数据,在分析最大浑浊带形成的基础上探讨了悬沙浓度与叶绿素浓度分布的对应关系及最大浑浊带水动力特征对叶绿素分布的影响。分析结果表明,定点站大小潮涨落潮时均出现悬沙浓度与叶绿素a浓度的高值分布中心,该中心主要出现在底部,且高叶绿素a浓度与高悬沙浓度中心相对应。通过对最大浑浊带形成机制的分析发现,强烈的底部泥沙再悬浮是鸭绿江河口最大浑浊带形成的主要原因。最大浑浊带内悬沙浓度与叶绿素a浓度的相关关系均为底层大于表层,大潮高于小潮;高叶绿素a浓度与高悬沙浓度时刻有很好的对应关系,在一定程度上表明水动力特征对叶绿素a浓度在时间和空间上的分布有重要影响。初步分析认为鸭绿江河口最大浑浊带内的高叶绿素a浓度主要是由再悬浮作用使底部沉积物中的底栖藻类和沉积物一起聚集在水体的底部造成的,但是该结论还有待结合其他相关研究进一步检验。     

黄河三角洲清水沟河口区近期冲淤演变特征

黄河三角洲清水沟流路1996年汛前实施清8改汊工程后,河口区的冲淤发生了变化。据1996年10月至2005年9月清水沟滨海区固定断面测深资料的分析表明:新河口区总体上出现淤积,老河口区在总体上发生侵蚀。通过区域泥沙净冲淤量与入海沙量相关分析计算表明:新河口区的淤积速率与入海沙量呈正相关,老河口区的侵蚀速率与入海沙量互不相关。其原因在于:前者位于河流入海口,被海洋动力蚀失的泥沙能得到河流输沙的充足补给,属河流动力为主的河控型海岸;后者远离河流入海口,被海洋动力蚀失的泥沙得不到河流输沙的补给,属海洋动力为主的海控型海岸。     

The processes of dynamic sedimentation in the Changjiang Estuary

The characteristics of the mouth bar and subaqueous delta, and the water masses and water systems in the Changjiang Estuary and nearby coastal waters are examined. The hydrodynamics of the estuarine plume, and the fronts and turbidity systems are described with reference to their distribution and movement. Physical, chemical, biological and geological barrier effects of the estuarine mouth bar are evaluated. Through examination of the sediment distribution, sedimentation rate and depositional sequence, the sediment exchanges and evolution of the estuarine mouth bar and subaqueous delta are described.     

长江口大型工程对河口生境破碎化影响的初步研究

通过对工程海域26个站位的调查采样,研究分析了长江口深水航道治理一期工程对河口生境破碎化的影响。结果表明,工程已对长江河口区局部海域水体和底栖生境破碎化产生了明显影响,而对工程海域小尺度海洋水团、底栖生境和渔业资源生境的破碎化影响最大,造成局部小尺度海洋水团改变,部分渔业资源种类洄游通道、产卵场、肥育场、渔场生境破碎化。建议建立长江口生态特别保护区,加强对河口大型工程综合影响研究与生态修复,加强河口生态系统管理与执法力度,为长江口沿岸城市社会经济的可持续健康发展提供良好的海洋生态环境基础。     

Grain size trend and hydrodynamic condition of tirumalairajan River estuary,east coast of India

The estuary can be considered as environments characterized by high productivity and uncommensurable ecological value. However, marine ecosystems are also subjected to high human pressures that increase their vulnerability. The aim of this work is to analyze grain size trend of sediment due to the action of the main hydrodynamic condition. The spatial distribution patterns of sediments were monitored according to season. The grain-size trend of surficial sediments revealed a dominant sediment transport trend towards the eastern and south eastern part of study area. This study shows that there is an agreement among sediments path ways, hydrodynamic condition and the sediment spatial distribution in the estuarine environment. The agitation by waves is an important sorting mechanism in the study area. The findings are based on the grain size trend and also corroborated by short term observations of the estuarine sediment dynamics and transport during the monsoon, postmonsoon, summer and premonson seasons in Tirumalairajan River estuary.     

Discontinuous hindcast simulations of estuarine bathymetric change: A case study from Suisun Bay,California

Simulations of estuarine bathymetric change over decadal timescales require methods for idealization and reduction of forcing data and boundary conditions. Continuous simulations are hampered by computational and data limitations and results are rarely evaluated with observed bathymetric change data. Bathymetric change data for Suisun Bay, California span the 1867–1990 period with five bathymetric surveys during that period. The four periods of bathymetric change were modeled using a coupled hydrodynamic-sediment transport model operated at the tidal-timescale. The efficacy of idealization techniques was investigated by discontinuously simulating the four periods. The 1867–1887 period, used for calibration of wave energy and sediment parameters, was modeled with an average error of 37% while the remaining periods were modeled with error ranging from 23% to 121%. Variation in post-calibration performance is attributed to temporally variable sediment parameters and lack of bathymetric and configuration data for portions of Suisun Bay and the Delta. Modifying seaward sediment delivery and bed composition resulted in large performance increases for post-calibration periods suggesting that continuous simulation with constant parameters is unrealistic. Idealization techniques which accelerate morphological change should therefore be used with caution in estuaries where parameters may change on sub-decadal timescales. This study highlights the utility and shortcomings of estuarine geomorphic models for estimating past changes in forcing mechanisms such as sediment supply and bed composition. The results further stress the inherent difficulty of simulating estuarine changes over decadal timescales due to changes in configuration, benthic composition, and anthropogenic forcing such as dredging and channelization.     

基于波-流耦合模型的珠江口悬浮泥沙数值模拟

为研究珠江口悬浮泥沙输运动力机制,本文发展了一套三维波、流、泥沙耦合数值模型。模型结果与观测数据吻合较好,统计显示模型获得良好的评分分值。利用数值模拟研究了不同强迫（径流,波浪和风）对珠江口中悬浮泥沙的影响。模型结果表明,河口重力环流对珠江口最大浑浊带的发展起着重要作用,特别是在小潮期间。另外,径流的增加可导致泥沙向海输运。底部的悬浮泥沙浓度随着波浪底部轨迹速度和波高的增大而增加。由于西滩水深较浅,波浪对西滩悬浮泥沙的影响大于东槽。西南风引起的波浪对悬沙的影响大于东北风引起的波浪的影响,而东北风致流对悬沙的影响略大于对西南风致流的影响。在其他条件相同情况下,稳定的西南风比稳定的东北风更有利于伶仃洋悬浮泥沙浓度的增加;在稳定的西南风下,伶仃洋平均悬浮泥沙浓度约为稳定东北风下的1.1倍。     

黄河口及渤海中南部沉积特征变化及其环境动力分析

渤海中南部沉积类型及其分布受海底地形、水动力条件和物质来源影响 ,具有明显的分区多样性。而黄河巨大的输沙量进入渤海南部 ,其运移和扩散对这一地区沉积物的分布产生很大的影响。本文通过对不同时期底质情况的对比 ,说明研究区海底沉积的分布格局受到黄河河口不断向海延伸的影响在最近十几年中发生了很大的变化。而河口区的底质分布还受到最近几年黄河断流 ,水沙来量减少的深刻影响。     

48年来黄河入海水沙过程及其对流域人类活动的响应

黄河下游入海水沙现今出现急剧减少的趋势.水沙的季节性变化影响着年内的径流量、输沙量的分配情况.这种变化的影响因素有自然因素和人为因素两方面,而后者占主要地位.水沙的锐减对河口生态环境的变化有着负面影响.黄河干流已建成的大中型水库尤其是龙羊峡水库对入海水沙起着负面作用.     

Seasonal and spatial variation in the denitrifying activity in estuarine and lagoonal sediments

We have elucidated the seasonal and spatial variation in the potential denitrifying activity in estuarine and coastal lagoonal sediments in Lakes Shinji and Nakaumi, Japan. The denitrifying activity increased from summer through autumn and was positively correlated with the temperature of the overlying water at all sites except one, where the bottom was always more reductive than at the other sites and there was no NO₃ ⁻ as a substrate for denitrification from spring to autumn. Moreover, the relationship between the denitrifying activity and the distance from the sea showed different trends in estuarine and lagoonal sediments. These spatial differences indicate that different factors regulate the denitrification in estuarine and lagoonal sediments. Denitrifying activity in estuarine sediment was regulated by the discharge of freshwater containing NO₃ ⁻ or organic matter, while in the lagoonal sediments the occurrence of nitrification via the intrusion of oxic seawater into the reductive sediment appears to be a key requirement for the process of denitrification. Therefore, the denitrifying activity in the lagoonal sediment appears to be greater near the sea. Water intrusion is one of the key factors controlling denitrification in coastal marine ecosystems by affecting the supply of substrate available for denitrification.