Hydrodynamics in the tidal flat in semi-enclosed Xiangshan Bay

Tidal flats provide a foundation for biological diversity and marine economy. Xiangshan Bay is a semi-enclosed bay that shelters large areas of tidal flats, and is known for its aquaculture. In this study, field trips were conducted in late autumn to measure the water level, current, water temperature, tidal flat temperature, and turbidity data of the tidal flat in the bay during Typhoon Lingling. The field data were well calibrated and used to investigate the hydrodynamics, temperature, and turbidity of the tidal flat. The results showed that the spring-neap tidal cycles at the sea surface level were well captured at both stations. The maximum tidal range was 5.5 m and 1.5 m during spring and neap tides, respectively. The tidal flat was occasionally exposed to air occasionally (30 min). The current velocity (