The study reveals strong seasonal patterns in Pearl River-derived sediment transport: calm summers favor deposition via buoyant plumes, while winter winds and waves enhance resuspension and southwestward transport into the Beibu Gulf. Tides drive estuarine export, waves dominate coastal resuspension, and shelf circulation promotes summer eastward spread. Settling velocity, spin-up duration, and seasonal changes in critical shear stress also affect sediment retention and transport pathways.