Seasonal, neap-spring variation of sediment concentration in the joint area between Yangtze Estuary and Hangzhou Bay

An analysis of variations in suspended sediment concentration (SSC) over one year is presented for the joint area between the Yangtze Estuary and the Hangzhou Bay. Results suggest that daily SSC presents periodic variations, which correspond with seasonal and neap-spring tidal cycle. SSCs are higher during the winter season and during spring tides when compared with summer and neap-tide conditions. Furthermore, data indicate that wave and tidal currents are the two dominant factors affecting SSC. Although the Yangtze River discharges abundant sediments to the study area, it does not directly affect concentration variations. But the changing path of the Yangtze River plume plays a certain role in the seasonal variations of SSC. Finally, the calculation of bottom stresses suggests that SSC is a function of both wave and tide-induced resuspension.