Seasonal cycle of sedimentary process on mesotidal flats in the semienclosed Muan Bay, southern west coast of Korea: culminating summertime erosion

Accumulation of surficial tidal mud was observed in Muan Bay, Korea, to examine seasonal sedimentary cycles typical of semienclosed bays in contrast with open coast in the southeastern Yellow Sea. One-year monitoring of accumulation rates on the tidal flats indicates that patterns of deposition/erosion can be diverse according to both physiographic setting and seasons. During winter, tidal flats undergo slight deposition to moderate erosion depending on localities. In summer, however, the tidal flats are all consistently subject to stronger erosion. Meteorological data suggest that the erosional effect on the tidal flat might come from heavy rainfall during flooding seasons and possibly typhoon. The enduring rainfall could cause the exposed surface of the tidal flat to be sufficiently weakened for tidal currents alone to strip surficial mud off.