Numerical simulation of the influence of biofilm on the dynamic geomorphological evolution of tidal flats

Liang Mengjiao; Zhou Yi; Zhang Heyue; Li Huan; Kang Yanyan; Wang Dawei; Zhou Zeng

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Liang Mengjiao，Zhou Yi，Zhang Heyue, et al. Numerical simulation of the influence of biofilm on the dynamic geomorphological evolution of tidal flats[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2024, 46(x)：1–14

Citation:

Liang Mengjiao，Zhou Yi，Zhang Heyue, et al. Numerical simulation of the influence of biofilm on the dynamic geomorphological evolution of tidal flats[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2024, 46(x)：1–14

Citation:

Liang Mengjiao，Zhou Yi，Zhang Heyue, et al. Numerical simulation of the influence of biofilm on the dynamic geomorphological evolution of tidal flats[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2024, 46(x)：1–14

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Numerical simulation of the influence of biofilm on the dynamic geomorphological evolution of tidal flats

1.
The National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention (Hohai University), Nanjing 210098, China
2.
Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coast Ocean Resources Development and Environment Security (Hohai University), Nanjing 210024, China
3.
College Of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
4.
College Of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China

Received Date: 2023-01-01
Available Online: 2024-03-29

Abstract

Abstract

Tidal flats maintain a complex ecosystem, while its formation is driven by multi-factor interaction, including hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and biological processes. In particular, investigating tidal flat biological processes and elucidating their biological-physical effects are current research hotspots and challenges in the field of marine science. This study focused on intertidal biofilms, constructed a two-dimensional biomorphodynamic model which coupled biofilms with hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and bed level change, to explore the role of biofilms in sediment transport and geomorphological evolution. The biomorphodynamic model was validated using literature data, indicating that the constructed model can simulate the growth pattern and interannual variation of biofilms well. Model results show that tidal creeks with biofilm attachment are more fully extended towards the landward side, showing a branching distribution when hydrodynamics are weak, and biofilms were distributed on both sides of the intertidal zone. Through quantitative analysis of tidal creek morphology, it is found that the presence of biofilms promoted an increase in the number of tidal creek and their development in the vertical direction, while limiting the increase in their width. Compared to tidal flats without the influence of biofilms, the average depth of tidal creeks increases, the total area decreases, the total length increases, the average width decreases, and the overall volume increases. The research outcome of this study deepens the understanding of the role of biofilms on tidal flat evolution and provides a scientific basis for coastal zone protection and ecological restoration projects.
- Intertidal biofilms,
- Numerical simulation,
- Geomorphological evolution,
- Tidal creeks system.

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References(50)

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