A modelling study of SPM transport in the Bohai Sea

A 3-D SPM transport model is applied to the Bohai Sea in China. The model i ncludes: (1) the movement of the SPM in the water body, (2) the movement of the sediment fine fraction in the sea bottom and (3) the deposition and er osion processes at the seabed. The model is of Lagrangian type, i.e., the t racer method is used. The influence of the SPM on the hydrodynamic condition is studied here beca use the Yellow River releases huge amount of SPM into the Bohai Sea, Thus, the usual model configuration is modified by taking into account the densit y change due to the SPM. The results show that the effect of the SPM can no t be neglected near the river mouth area where the SPM concentration gradie nt is very high. With the SPM considered the SPM is disposed over a wider a rea. Based on the modified model a one-year simulation is performed for the year 1982. The results are compared with the CZCS satellite data at the same ti me. The results of the monthly averaged SPM concentrations in the Bohai Sea are compared between the seasons. They agree reasonably with observations. The exchange of SPM and water through the Bohai Strait is also studied. Th e results show that most of SPM from the Yellow River stays in the Bohai Se a. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.