Articles | Volume 21, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-2041-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/os-21-2041-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
18 Sep 2025
Research article |
| 18 Sep 2025
| 18 Sep 2025
Physical drivers and parameter sensitivities of pearl river-derived sediment dispersal on the Northern South China Sea Shelf: a modeling study
Guang Zhang
School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai, 519082, China
Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China
Suan Hu
School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai, 519082, China
Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China
Xiaolong Yu
School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai, 519082, China
Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China
Heng Zhang
School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai, 519082, China
Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China
School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Zhuhai, 519082, China
Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China
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Short summary
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.
The study reveals strong seasonal patterns in Pearl River-derived sediment transport: calm...
