Effect of large scale tidal flat reclamation on hydrodynamic circulation in jiangsu coastal areas

A process-based 3D hydrodynamic model was developed to study the changes in hydrodynamic circulation in Jiangsu coastal areas due to a large scale tidal flat reclamation planning project. The engineering sedimentation method was used to calculate the possible sediment siltation intensity in the vicinal sea area of reclamation project. It found that: the location of tide-free point of M2 tidal constituents moved about 3km from the present place to northeastward. The propagation velocity of tidal wave from Sheyang estuary to Jianggang is accelerated and tidal range is enlarged. After the completion of the first and second stage’s reclamations, the peak velocity and unit tidal discharge in Xiyang tidal inlet increased about 20% and 5%~10%, respectively. But there were little changes in other tidal inlets due to beach reclamation near these tidal inlets. After the completion of the third stage’s reclamation, both the peak velocity and unit tidal discharge in Xiyang tidal inlet further increased over 20%, however, decreased in Xiaomiaohong tidal inlet about 20% and 10%, respectively due to drastic reduction in tidal inlet width. The annual siltation intensity was about 30~50 cm/a near the tidal flat reclamation project.