Vertical sediment distribution mechanism in tidal flats -A case study in Zhoushan Archipelago

Tidal flats connect terrestrial and oceanic environments, and play an important role in the evolution of coastal ecosystems and geomorphology. Taking tidal flat on Zhairuoshan Island (ZRS) as an example, we studied the dynamic characteristics of suspended sediment concentration (SSC), sediment resuspension, and transportation in tidal flats. The field data of the waves, currents, and sediments were obtained from the tidal flat on the east of ZRS Island. The results show that current-induced bed shear stress is dominant. Under the combined action of waves, tides, and currents, SSC has two main periods (12.2 h, 6.2 h, 60−80%) and three minor periods (23.5 h, 8.2 h, and 5.1 h, 20−40%). Advection transport is dominant, at approximately 2–3 times the sediment resuspension, and the net sediment flux is onshore. Turbulent intermittent events play an important role in sediment resuspension, and their probability is affected by velocity. The vertical instantaneous transport of sediment depends on wave height. The vertical profile of SSC shows that, at high current velocity, the sedimentation formula that considers flocculation better fits the vertical profile of suspended sediment using the Rouse formula. The settling velocity of a single particle fits better at low current velocities, indicating that the flocculation of sediment is weak at low velocities. This study improves our understanding on near-bottom sediment characteristics and controlling mechanism in tidal flat in muddy coasts. •Suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in the tidal flat of Zhairuoshan Island is dominated by advection, followed by resuspension.•Intermittent turbulence is important for sediment resuspension, affected by wave and velocity.•Settling velocity with considering flocculation better fits the near-bottom sediment vertical profile at high velocity.•Harmonic analysis of SSC reveals the contribution of tides, waves, and turbulence events.