Properties of suspended sediment concentrations in the Yellow River delta based on observation

Suspended sediment dynamics in the Yellow River delta were analyzed using a time series approach, revealing significant interactions among wave, current, and sediment variables, with waves primarily shaping episodic sediment concentration changes.

Abstract

Sediment suspended in the Yellow River delta provides significant physical, geological, and biogeochemical information. A time series of waves, currents, turbidities, temperatures, and tide levels were measured over a 134-d period using a submarine deployed tripod. A static model (multiple linear regression) and a dynamic model (superposed saw-tooth model) were constructed to express the interactions among wave height, current velocity, and suspended sediment concentration. The results documented a high suspended sediment concentration in this area with a mean of 2.24 g/L. A superposed saw-tooth model of suspended sediment concentration disturbed by waves and currents was developed. The shear stress results explained how episodic waves were responsible for the big saw-tooth shape and how currents accounted for the small saw-tooth shape.

Keywords

In situ observation, superposed saw-tooth model, suspended sediment concentration, waves and currents, Yellow River subaqueous delta

Recommended citation: Zhu, C., Liu, X., Shan, H., Zhang, H., Shen, Z., Zhang, B., & Jia, Y. (2018). Properties of suspended sediment concentrations in the Yellow River delta based on observation. Marine Georesources & Geotechnology, 36(1), 139-149 http://doi.org/10.1080/1064119X.2017.1328715