Preliminary study on the distribution of nutrients, organic matter, trace metals in sea surface microlayer in Xiamen Bay and Jiulong Estuary

The enrichment of nutrients (Noa-, Noa-, PO43-), suspended particles, organic matter (POC, PON,DOC) , and trace metals (Cu, Ni, Cd) was determined in the sea surface microlayer of Xiamen Bay and Jiulong Estuary. The mean enrichment factors ([Xi]microlayer/[Xi ]15cm in depth) mostly ranged between 1 . 0 and 2. 0. The dissolved forms were the major forms of the components measured, the enrichment of dissolved organic matter and suspended particles could lead to the changes in the total amount and speciation of nutrients and trace metals. No correlation was observed between sample concentrations, speciation, enrichment factors and sample locations. However, some evidence shows that these parameters are correlated with sea state, indicating the complexity and dynamic nature of the sea surface microlayer.

Seasonal dynamics of meiofaunal distribution in the Dagu River Estuary, Jiaozhou Bay, China

Sediment samples were collected in the intertidal zone of the Dagu River Estuary, Jiaozhou Bay, China in April,July and October 2010 and February 2011 for examining seasonal dynamics of meiofaunal distribution and their relationship with environmental variables. A total of ten meiofaunal taxa were identified, including free-living marine nematodes, benthic copepods, polychaetes, oligochaetes, bivalves, ostracods, cnidarians, turbellarians,tardigrades and other animals. Free-living marine nematodes were the most dominant group in both abundance and biomass. The abundances of marine nematodes were higher in winter and spring than those in summer and autumn. Most of the meiofauna distributed in the 0–2 cm sediment layer. The abundance of meiofauna in hightidal zone was lower than those in low-tidal and mid-tidal zones. Results of correlation analysis showed that Chlorophyll a was the most important factor to influence the seasonal dynamics of the abundance, biomass of meiofauna and abundances of nematodes and copepods. CLUSTER analysis divided the meiofaunal assemblages into three groups and BIOENV results indicated that salinity, concentration of organic matter, sediment sorting coefficient and sediment median diameter were the main environmental factors influencing the meiofaunal assemblages.

Distributions of surficial sediments and its response to dynamic actions in the Xiamen Bay sea area, China

Sediment distribution is important for morphodynamic evolution and shoreline changes in coastal zones and estuaries. In the study, the data of 230 surface sediment samples collected from the Xiamen Bay sea area in September 2008 are used to investigate the spatial distribution and sediment transport pathway. The grain size distribution of surficial sediments in the Xiamen Bay area is shown distinctly in this study. In addition, the Grain Size Transport Analysis model is used for conveying trend analysis of the sediment in this area, particularly for determining the sediment movement trend. The results indicate that eight sediment types are present for samples, with clayey silt comprising the highest percentage in the study area at 65.22%. Moreover, in the different subareas, the characteristics of grain size parameters are obviously different owing to different sediment sources and hydrodynamic conditions. Furthermore, runoff, tides, and waves are the main forces dominating sediment dynamics on the seabed and tidal flats, and the sediment movement trend is closely related to hydrodynamic conditions.

Coupling hydrodynamic models with GIS for storm surge simulation： application to the Yangtze Estuary and the Hangzhou Bay, China

Storm surge is one of the most serious oceanic disasters. Accurate and timely numerical prediction is one of the primary measures for disaster control. Traditional storm surge models lack of accuracy and time effects. To overcome the disadvantages, in this paper, an analytical cyclone model was first added into the Finite-Volume Coastal Ocean Model （FVCOM） consisting of high resolution, flooding and drying capabilities for 3D storm surge modeling. Then, we integrated MarineTools Pro into a geographic information system （GIS） to supplement the storm surge model. This provided end users with a friendly modeling platform and easy access to geographically referenced data that was required for the model input and output. A temporal GIS tracking analysis module was developed to create a visual path from storm surge numerical results. It was able to track the movement of a storm in space and time. MarineTools Pro＇ capabilities could assist the comprehensive understanding of complex storm events in data visualization, spatial query, and analysis of simulative results in an objective and accurate manner. The tools developed in this study further supported the idea that the coupled system could enhance productivity by providing an efficient operating environ- ment for accurate inversion or storm surge prediction. Finally, this coupled system was used to reconstruct the storm surge generated by Typhoon Agnes （No. 8114） and simulated typhoon induced-wind field and water elevations of Yangtze Estuary and Hangzhou Bay. The simulated results show good correlation with actual surveyed data. The simple operating interface of the coupled system is very convenient for users, who want to learn the usage of the storm surge model, especially for first-time users, which can save their modeling time greatly.

Geoacoustic model and acoustic reflection properties of fluid mud layer in Changjiang Estuary and Hangzhou Bay

A generalized geoacoustic model of fluid mud layer in Chanaiiang Estuary and Hangzhou Bay has been derived from a large amount of in-situ measurements of bulk density (p) profiles of the lay6rs and of lab measurements of acoustic velocities (c) and attenuation coefficients (o) of the fluid mud samples with different values of p for four frequencies of 100 kHz, 150 kHz, 500 kHz, 1500 kHz. The main features of the geoacoustic model can be expressed as follows: from the upper boundary, the bulk density of the fiuid mud increases linearly with depth z, however there is a gradient change (knee) when p is about 12.5 kN/m', then p increases linearly to a value about 15.0 kN/m'. After p more than 15.0, the fluid mud layer quickly transform into an ooze layer. In the fluid mud layer, the acoustic velocity c can be regarded as constant since its variation with z less than 1.5%, and a minimum vaue of c ekists when p is about 13.5 kN/m'. The variations of β with p and with frequency f are linear. Based on the geo-acoustic model and the ray theory, simulations of sound refiection from the fluid mud layers have been made, and some significallt results obtained, from which the bulk density profiles of fluld mud layers can be derived inversely.