Maximum tidal range analysis of radial sand ridges in the southern Yellow Sea

Abstract

Radial Sand Ridges sea area is significantly affected by tidal action. Around this area, tidal range is commonly higher and the historical record can reach 9.28m in Xiaoyangkou station. Within two years from 2010 to 2012, four new tide stations were built in the core region of Radial Sand Ridges. In October 17, 2012, the maximum tidal range of 9.39m was observed by the Xintiaoyugang station in the south of Tiaozini. It has set a new record. For further analysis of the hydrologic characteristics, a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model, based on the measured tide level data, was applied to simulate the spring-neap cycles of tidal level changes. And then, the quantitative analysis of the spatial distribution of the tidal range in RSR region was carried out in this study. The result showed that the tidal range isoclines fanned out from inshore to offshore with Tiaozini as the central apex. The maximum tidal range occurred in the south of Tiaozini area because of the unique tide system “movable standing tidal wave.” A quantitative spatial distribution of maximum tidal range and an updated record of 9.39m are the main innovations of this study.