Seasonal changes in coastal dynamics and morphological behavior of the central and southern Changjiang River delta

Seasonal changes in sea level, tidal range, wind, riverine discharges, near shore SSC (suspended sediment concentration) and bed-level of intertidal fl at at 4 different sites were shown. In addition, the statistical relationsh ips between the dynamics and the behavior of the sediment surface were exam ined. The average intertidal elevation seems negatively correlated to sea l evel while positively correlated to nearshore SSC. The effect of wind on se asonal cycle of average intertidal elevation is not evident although wind i s an important factor governing short-term erosion/accretion events. The in fluence of riverine discharges on seasonal cycle of deltaic intertidal flat s is masked by other factors. It is concluded that seasonality on mudflats is more complicated than on beaches.