Characteristics and generation mechanism of turbidity maximum in the Changjiang Estuary

Sediment convergence and resuspension are the two major mechanisms in forming turbidity maximum (TM) in the Changjiang Estuary. Sediment convergence is mainly controlled by the interaction between runoff and tidal current, the mixing of freshwater and salt water, the former forming tidal TM, whereas the latter forming brackish TM. The TM in the Changjiang Estuary is characterized by a combination of tidal TM and brackish TM, which varies temporally and spatially.