2016 Vol. 35, No. 1
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2016, 35(1): .
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2016, 35(1): .
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2016, 35(1): 1-10.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0790-4
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Based on modifications of the observed background parabolic current in upper layer of the northeastern South China Sea (SCS), the effects of eight kinds of background currents on the characteristics and energy conversion of internal solitary waves (ISWs) are investigated by an Internal Gravity Wave (IGW) model. It is found that, although the background current has little effect on the number of the generated ISWs, it reduces the resulted phase speed of ISW. When the background parabolic current appears with its lower boundary near or above the main thermocline, the ISW amplitude and the depth of the isopycnal undergoing maximum displacement increase; when the background parabolic current curvature is reduced, the ISW amplitude and the ratio of baroclinic to barotropic energy reduce, whilst the phase speed of ISW, the baroclinic energy, and the ratio of baroclinic kinetic energy (KE) to available potential energy (APE) increase; when the lower boundary of background parabolic current extends down to the seabed and the background current curvature is reduced, the ISW amplitude and phase speed decrease, whilst the barotropic kinetic energy, the baroclinic energy and the ratio of KE to APE increase. At a whole depth, when the lower background current curvature is reduced and the upper current curvature is increased, the ISW amplitude, and phase speed, the ratio of baroclinic to barotropic energy, the baroclinic energy, and the ratio of KE to APE all increase.
Based on modifications of the observed background parabolic current in upper layer of the northeastern South China Sea (SCS), the effects of eight kinds of background currents on the characteristics and energy conversion of internal solitary waves (ISWs) are investigated by an Internal Gravity Wave (IGW) model. It is found that, although the background current has little effect on the number of the generated ISWs, it reduces the resulted phase speed of ISW. When the background parabolic current appears with its lower boundary near or above the main thermocline, the ISW amplitude and the depth of the isopycnal undergoing maximum displacement increase; when the background parabolic current curvature is reduced, the ISW amplitude and the ratio of baroclinic to barotropic energy reduce, whilst the phase speed of ISW, the baroclinic energy, and the ratio of baroclinic kinetic energy (KE) to available potential energy (APE) increase; when the lower boundary of background parabolic current extends down to the seabed and the background current curvature is reduced, the ISW amplitude and phase speed decrease, whilst the barotropic kinetic energy, the baroclinic energy and the ratio of KE to APE increase. At a whole depth, when the lower background current curvature is reduced and the upper current curvature is increased, the ISW amplitude, and phase speed, the ratio of baroclinic to barotropic energy, the baroclinic energy, and the ratio of KE to APE all increase.
2016, 35(1): 11-20.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0791-3
Abstract:
In this study, we develop a variable-grid global ocean general circulation model (OGCM) with a fine grid (1/6)° covering the area from 20°S-50°N and from 99°-150°E, and use the model to investigate the isopycnal surface circulation in the South China Sea (SCS). The simulated results show four layer structures in vertical: the surface and subsurface circulation of the SCS are characterized by the monsoon driven circulation, with basin-scaled cyclonic gyre in winter and anti-cyclonic gyre in summer. The intermediate layer circulation is opposite to the upper layer, showing anti-cyclonic gyre in winter but cyclonic gyre in summer. The circulation in the deep layer is much weaker in spring and summer, with the maximum velocity speed below 0.6 cm/s. In fall and winter, the SCS deep layer circulation shows strong east boundary current along the west coast of Philippine with the velocity speed at 1.5 m/s, which flows southward in fall and northward in winter. The results have also revealed a fourlayer vertical structure of water exchange through the Luzon Strait. The dynamics of the intermediate and deep circulation are attributed to the monsoon driving and the Luzon Strait transport forcing.
In this study, we develop a variable-grid global ocean general circulation model (OGCM) with a fine grid (1/6)° covering the area from 20°S-50°N and from 99°-150°E, and use the model to investigate the isopycnal surface circulation in the South China Sea (SCS). The simulated results show four layer structures in vertical: the surface and subsurface circulation of the SCS are characterized by the monsoon driven circulation, with basin-scaled cyclonic gyre in winter and anti-cyclonic gyre in summer. The intermediate layer circulation is opposite to the upper layer, showing anti-cyclonic gyre in winter but cyclonic gyre in summer. The circulation in the deep layer is much weaker in spring and summer, with the maximum velocity speed below 0.6 cm/s. In fall and winter, the SCS deep layer circulation shows strong east boundary current along the west coast of Philippine with the velocity speed at 1.5 m/s, which flows southward in fall and northward in winter. The results have also revealed a fourlayer vertical structure of water exchange through the Luzon Strait. The dynamics of the intermediate and deep circulation are attributed to the monsoon driving and the Luzon Strait transport forcing.
2016, 35(1): 21-29.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0792-2
Abstract:
In the present study, an existing three-dimensional finite volume computational ocean model (FVCOM) was refined and configured including an algorithm for computing the power density and mean power density at Qiongzhou Strait of China. The refined model was validated with the measured tidal levels and tidal currents at different gauging stations. The model results are in reasonable agreement with the measured data. Based on the modeling results, we assess the resource of the tidal stream energy in the Qiongzhou Strait and discuss the temporal and the spatial distribution of the tidal current energy there. The conclusion is extracted: the higher power density occurs in the middle area of the strait, and lower at both sides. Characteristics of power density such as the maximum possibility speed, maximum power density during the spring tide period and the neap tide period, have the similar distribution. The southeast part and central area of the strait are of rich tidal current energy, where the maximum possibility speed can reach to 4.6 m/s, and the maximum power density of the spring tide period and the neap tide period can reach 5 996 and 467 W/m2 separately in the surface layer The annual mean power density can reach 819 W/m2. Statistical length of accumulative time of the velocity exceeding 0.7 m/s is about 4 717 h at local point during a year. The total theoretical tidal current energy resource is approximately 189.55 MW and the available exploited energy on present technology condition is 249, 20.2 and 263 GW/a separately by using the methods FLUX, FARM and GC in the Qiongzhou Strait.
In the present study, an existing three-dimensional finite volume computational ocean model (FVCOM) was refined and configured including an algorithm for computing the power density and mean power density at Qiongzhou Strait of China. The refined model was validated with the measured tidal levels and tidal currents at different gauging stations. The model results are in reasonable agreement with the measured data. Based on the modeling results, we assess the resource of the tidal stream energy in the Qiongzhou Strait and discuss the temporal and the spatial distribution of the tidal current energy there. The conclusion is extracted: the higher power density occurs in the middle area of the strait, and lower at both sides. Characteristics of power density such as the maximum possibility speed, maximum power density during the spring tide period and the neap tide period, have the similar distribution. The southeast part and central area of the strait are of rich tidal current energy, where the maximum possibility speed can reach to 4.6 m/s, and the maximum power density of the spring tide period and the neap tide period can reach 5 996 and 467 W/m2 separately in the surface layer The annual mean power density can reach 819 W/m2. Statistical length of accumulative time of the velocity exceeding 0.7 m/s is about 4 717 h at local point during a year. The total theoretical tidal current energy resource is approximately 189.55 MW and the available exploited energy on present technology condition is 249, 20.2 and 263 GW/a separately by using the methods FLUX, FARM and GC in the Qiongzhou Strait.
2016, 35(1): 30-37.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0793-1
Abstract:
Temperature (T) and salinity (S) profiles from conductivity-temperature-depth data collected during the Northern South China Sea Open Cruise from August 16 to September 13, 2008 are assimilated using Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF). An adaptive observational error strategy is used to prevent filter from diverging. In the meantime, aiming at the limited improvement in some sites caused by the T and S biases in the model, a T-S constraint scheme is adopted to improve the assimilation performance, where T and S are separately updated at these locations. Validation is performed by comparing assimilated outputs with independent in situ data (satellite remote sensing sea level anomaly (SLA), the OSCAR velocity product and shipboard ADCP). The results show that the new EnKF assimilation scheme can significantly reduce the root mean square error (RMSE) of oceanic T and S compared with the control run and traditional EnKF. The system can also improve the simulation of circulations and SLA.
Temperature (T) and salinity (S) profiles from conductivity-temperature-depth data collected during the Northern South China Sea Open Cruise from August 16 to September 13, 2008 are assimilated using Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF). An adaptive observational error strategy is used to prevent filter from diverging. In the meantime, aiming at the limited improvement in some sites caused by the T and S biases in the model, a T-S constraint scheme is adopted to improve the assimilation performance, where T and S are separately updated at these locations. Validation is performed by comparing assimilated outputs with independent in situ data (satellite remote sensing sea level anomaly (SLA), the OSCAR velocity product and shipboard ADCP). The results show that the new EnKF assimilation scheme can significantly reduce the root mean square error (RMSE) of oceanic T and S compared with the control run and traditional EnKF. The system can also improve the simulation of circulations and SLA.
2016, 35(1): 38-45.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0794-0
Abstract:
The annual subduction rate in the South Indian Ocean was calculated by analyzing Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) outputs in the period of 1950-2008. The subduction rate census for potential density classes showed a peak corresponding to Indian Ocean subtropical mode water (IOSTMW) in the southwestern part of the South Indian Ocean subtropical gyre. The deeper mixed layer depth, the sharper mixed-layer fronts and the associated relatively faster circulation in the present climatology resulted in a larger lateral induction, which primarily dominants the IOSTMW subduction rate, while with only minor contribution from vertical pumping. Without loss of generality, through careful analysis of the water characteristics in the layer of minimum vertical temperature gradient (LMVTG), the authors suggest that the IOSTMW was identified as a thermostad, with a lateral minimum of low potential vorticity (PV, less than 200×10-12 m-1·s-1) and a low dT/dz (less than 1.5°C/(100 m)). The IOSTMW within the South Indian Ocean subtropical gyre distributed in the region approximately from 25° to 50° E and from 30° to 39°S. Additionally, the average characteristics (temperature, salinity, potential density) of the mode water were estimated about (16.38 ± 0.29)°C, (35.46 ± 0.04), (26.02 ± 0.04) σθ over the past 60 years.
The annual subduction rate in the South Indian Ocean was calculated by analyzing Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) outputs in the period of 1950-2008. The subduction rate census for potential density classes showed a peak corresponding to Indian Ocean subtropical mode water (IOSTMW) in the southwestern part of the South Indian Ocean subtropical gyre. The deeper mixed layer depth, the sharper mixed-layer fronts and the associated relatively faster circulation in the present climatology resulted in a larger lateral induction, which primarily dominants the IOSTMW subduction rate, while with only minor contribution from vertical pumping. Without loss of generality, through careful analysis of the water characteristics in the layer of minimum vertical temperature gradient (LMVTG), the authors suggest that the IOSTMW was identified as a thermostad, with a lateral minimum of low potential vorticity (PV, less than 200×10-12 m-1·s-1) and a low dT/dz (less than 1.5°C/(100 m)). The IOSTMW within the South Indian Ocean subtropical gyre distributed in the region approximately from 25° to 50° E and from 30° to 39°S. Additionally, the average characteristics (temperature, salinity, potential density) of the mode water were estimated about (16.38 ± 0.29)°C, (35.46 ± 0.04), (26.02 ± 0.04) σθ over the past 60 years.
2016, 35(1): 46-52.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0795-z
Abstract:
Diapycnal mixing (DM) in the upper 600 m of the Pacific Ocean was estimated based on the huge amount of the observations from Global Temperature-Salinity Profile Programme (GTSPP), using the strain version of the finescale parameterization. It is found that DM in each season exhibits similar distribution pattern, but differs in details. The intensification of DM is related to bottom roughness, surface near-inertial energy, and proximity to the equator. The intensified DM caused by rough topography shows in the profiles near the Mendocino fracture zone in the northeast Pacific, and the heightened DM caused by wind-generated near-inertial energy appears in the westerly region of the Southern Ocean. As compared to previous estimates, the DM estimate in this work has better spatial coverage and finer resolution, and more importantly it contains the seasonal variability. Furthermore, the resulting DM dataset is gridded, rendering it suitable for modeling applications.
Diapycnal mixing (DM) in the upper 600 m of the Pacific Ocean was estimated based on the huge amount of the observations from Global Temperature-Salinity Profile Programme (GTSPP), using the strain version of the finescale parameterization. It is found that DM in each season exhibits similar distribution pattern, but differs in details. The intensification of DM is related to bottom roughness, surface near-inertial energy, and proximity to the equator. The intensified DM caused by rough topography shows in the profiles near the Mendocino fracture zone in the northeast Pacific, and the heightened DM caused by wind-generated near-inertial energy appears in the westerly region of the Southern Ocean. As compared to previous estimates, the DM estimate in this work has better spatial coverage and finer resolution, and more importantly it contains the seasonal variability. Furthermore, the resulting DM dataset is gridded, rendering it suitable for modeling applications.
2016, 35(1): 53-59.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0796-y
Abstract:
Many interesting characteristics of sea ice drift depend on the atmospheric drag coefficient (Ca) and oceanic drag coefficient (Cw). Parameterizations of drag coefficients rather than constant values provide us a way to look insight into the dependence of these characteristics on sea ice conditions. In the present study, the parameterized ice drag coefficients are included into a free-drift sea ice dynamic model, and the wind factor α and the deflection angle θ between sea ice drift and wind velocity as well as the ratio of Ca to Cw are studied to investigate their dependence on the impact factors such as local drag coefficients, floe and ridge geometry. The results reveal that in an idealized steady ocean, Ca/Cw increases obviously with the increasing ice concentration for small ice floes in the marginal ice zone, while it remains at a steady level (0.2-0.25) for large floes in the central ice zone. The wind factor α increases rapidly at first and approaches a steady level of 0.018 when A is greater than 20%. And the deflection angle θ drops rapidly from an initial value of approximate 80° and decreases slowly as A is greater than 20% without a steady level like α. The values of these parameters agree well with the previously reported observations in Arctic. The ridging intensity is an important parameter to determine the dominant contribution of the ratio of skin friction drag coefficient (Cs'/Cs) and the ratio of ridge form drag coefficient (Cr'/Cr) to the value of Ca/Cw, α, and θ, because of the dominance of ridge form drag for large ridging intensity and skin friction for small ridging intensity among the total drag forces. Parameterization of sea ice drag coefficients has the potential to be embedded into ice dynamic models to better account for the variability of sea ice in the transient Arctic Ocean.
Many interesting characteristics of sea ice drift depend on the atmospheric drag coefficient (Ca) and oceanic drag coefficient (Cw). Parameterizations of drag coefficients rather than constant values provide us a way to look insight into the dependence of these characteristics on sea ice conditions. In the present study, the parameterized ice drag coefficients are included into a free-drift sea ice dynamic model, and the wind factor α and the deflection angle θ between sea ice drift and wind velocity as well as the ratio of Ca to Cw are studied to investigate their dependence on the impact factors such as local drag coefficients, floe and ridge geometry. The results reveal that in an idealized steady ocean, Ca/Cw increases obviously with the increasing ice concentration for small ice floes in the marginal ice zone, while it remains at a steady level (0.2-0.25) for large floes in the central ice zone. The wind factor α increases rapidly at first and approaches a steady level of 0.018 when A is greater than 20%. And the deflection angle θ drops rapidly from an initial value of approximate 80° and decreases slowly as A is greater than 20% without a steady level like α. The values of these parameters agree well with the previously reported observations in Arctic. The ridging intensity is an important parameter to determine the dominant contribution of the ratio of skin friction drag coefficient (Cs'/Cs) and the ratio of ridge form drag coefficient (Cr'/Cr) to the value of Ca/Cw, α, and θ, because of the dominance of ridge form drag for large ridging intensity and skin friction for small ridging intensity among the total drag forces. Parameterization of sea ice drag coefficients has the potential to be embedded into ice dynamic models to better account for the variability of sea ice in the transient Arctic Ocean.
2016, 35(1): 60-66.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0797-x
Abstract:
This paper presents a bathymetry inversion method using single-frame fine-resolution optical remote sensing imagery based on ocean-wave refraction and shallow-water wave theory. First, the relationship among water depth, wavelength and wave radian frequency in shallow water was deduced based on shallow-water wave theory. Considering the complex wave distribution in the optical remote sensing imagery, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and spatial profile measurements were applied for measuring the wavelengths. Then, the wave radian frequency was calculated by analyzing the long-distance fluctuation in the wavelength, which solved a key problem in obtaining the wave radian frequency in a single-frame image. A case study was conducted for Sanya Bay of Hainan Island, China. Single-frame fine-resolution optical remote sensing imagery from QuickBird satellite was used to invert the bathymetry without external input parameters. The result of the digital elevation model (DEM) was evaluated against a sea chart with a scale of 1:25 000. The root-mean-square error of the inverted bathymetry was 1.07 m, and the relative error was 16.2%. Therefore, the proposed method has the advantages including no requirement for true depths and environmental parameters, and is feasible for mapping the bathymetry of shallow coastal water.
This paper presents a bathymetry inversion method using single-frame fine-resolution optical remote sensing imagery based on ocean-wave refraction and shallow-water wave theory. First, the relationship among water depth, wavelength and wave radian frequency in shallow water was deduced based on shallow-water wave theory. Considering the complex wave distribution in the optical remote sensing imagery, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and spatial profile measurements were applied for measuring the wavelengths. Then, the wave radian frequency was calculated by analyzing the long-distance fluctuation in the wavelength, which solved a key problem in obtaining the wave radian frequency in a single-frame image. A case study was conducted for Sanya Bay of Hainan Island, China. Single-frame fine-resolution optical remote sensing imagery from QuickBird satellite was used to invert the bathymetry without external input parameters. The result of the digital elevation model (DEM) was evaluated against a sea chart with a scale of 1:25 000. The root-mean-square error of the inverted bathymetry was 1.07 m, and the relative error was 16.2%. Therefore, the proposed method has the advantages including no requirement for true depths and environmental parameters, and is feasible for mapping the bathymetry of shallow coastal water.
2016, 35(1): 67-78.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0798-9
Abstract:
To evaluate the ocean surface wind vector and the sea surface temperature obtained from WindSat, we compare these quantities over the time period from January 2004 to December 2013 with moored buoy measurements. The mean bias between the WindSat wind speed and the buoy wind speed is low for the low frequency wind speed product (WSPD_LF), ranging from -0.07 to 0.08 m/s in different selected areas. The overall RMS error is 0.98 m/s for WSPD_LF, ranging from 0.82 to 1.16 m/s in different selected regions. The wind speed retrieval result in the tropical Ocean is better than that of the coastal and offshore waters of the United States. In addition, the wind speed retrieval accuracy of WSPD_LF is better than that of the medium frequency wind speed product. The crosstalk analysis indicates that the WindSat wind speed retrieval contains some cross influences from the other geophysical parameters, such as sea surface temperature, water vapor and cloud liquid water. The mean bias between the WindSat wind direction and the buoy wind direction ranges from -0.46° to 1.19° in different selected regions. The overall RMS error is 19.59° when the wind speed is greater than 6 m/s. Measurements of the tropical ocean region have a better accuracy than those of the US west and east coasts. Very good agreement is obtained between sea surface temperatures of WindSat and buoy measurements in the tropical Pacific Ocean; the overall RMS error is only 0.36°C, and the retrieval accuracy of the low latitudes is better than that of the middle and high latitudes.
To evaluate the ocean surface wind vector and the sea surface temperature obtained from WindSat, we compare these quantities over the time period from January 2004 to December 2013 with moored buoy measurements. The mean bias between the WindSat wind speed and the buoy wind speed is low for the low frequency wind speed product (WSPD_LF), ranging from -0.07 to 0.08 m/s in different selected areas. The overall RMS error is 0.98 m/s for WSPD_LF, ranging from 0.82 to 1.16 m/s in different selected regions. The wind speed retrieval result in the tropical Ocean is better than that of the coastal and offshore waters of the United States. In addition, the wind speed retrieval accuracy of WSPD_LF is better than that of the medium frequency wind speed product. The crosstalk analysis indicates that the WindSat wind speed retrieval contains some cross influences from the other geophysical parameters, such as sea surface temperature, water vapor and cloud liquid water. The mean bias between the WindSat wind direction and the buoy wind direction ranges from -0.46° to 1.19° in different selected regions. The overall RMS error is 19.59° when the wind speed is greater than 6 m/s. Measurements of the tropical ocean region have a better accuracy than those of the US west and east coasts. Very good agreement is obtained between sea surface temperatures of WindSat and buoy measurements in the tropical Pacific Ocean; the overall RMS error is only 0.36°C, and the retrieval accuracy of the low latitudes is better than that of the middle and high latitudes.
2016, 35(1): 79-85.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0789-x
Abstract:
The Huanghe River Delta is one of the world's large rivers, the Huanghe River Delta paleoenvironmental evolution in the Huanghe River has been a hot issue since the Last Glacial. Based on the core time series established by combining AMS 14C dating of Core DYZK1 sediments in submerged of Huanghe River Delta and acoustic sequence on sub-bottom profile, phytolith analyses are carried out on 96 sediment samples. The grain size parameters, magnetic susceptibility are combined with the vertical changes of biostratum to reconstruct the paleo-sedimentary and climatic conditions in the Huanghe River Delta. The study results show that there is a significant vertical change law in the index parameters, and that sedimentary environment of Huanghe River Delta experienced an evolutionary process of fluvial facies-sealand transition facies-tidal flat facies-neritic faciesdelta facies since 26.0 ka B. P.. The phytolith analyses results are as following. Firstly, The phytoliths are divided into lanceolate, smooth-elongated, spiny-elongated, rondel, long rectangular, bulliform and other types. In different sedimental environment, the phytolith content changes regularly, indicating that the phytolith assembles in the same sedimentary environment has a certain degree of stability. Secondly, The lanceolate, smooth-elongated and spiny-elongated categories of phytoliths have greater contents in the tidal flat facies and delta deposition, while have a smaller contents in the neritic facies and fluvial facies environment. Thirdly, Through comparative analysis of variation coefficient, the content of major phytolith categories in the sediment has a greater change amplitude in the sealand transition facies and fluvial facies deposition, while being more stable in the tidalflat facies and delta facies deposition.
The Huanghe River Delta is one of the world's large rivers, the Huanghe River Delta paleoenvironmental evolution in the Huanghe River has been a hot issue since the Last Glacial. Based on the core time series established by combining AMS 14C dating of Core DYZK1 sediments in submerged of Huanghe River Delta and acoustic sequence on sub-bottom profile, phytolith analyses are carried out on 96 sediment samples. The grain size parameters, magnetic susceptibility are combined with the vertical changes of biostratum to reconstruct the paleo-sedimentary and climatic conditions in the Huanghe River Delta. The study results show that there is a significant vertical change law in the index parameters, and that sedimentary environment of Huanghe River Delta experienced an evolutionary process of fluvial facies-sealand transition facies-tidal flat facies-neritic faciesdelta facies since 26.0 ka B. P.. The phytolith analyses results are as following. Firstly, The phytoliths are divided into lanceolate, smooth-elongated, spiny-elongated, rondel, long rectangular, bulliform and other types. In different sedimental environment, the phytolith content changes regularly, indicating that the phytolith assembles in the same sedimentary environment has a certain degree of stability. Secondly, The lanceolate, smooth-elongated and spiny-elongated categories of phytoliths have greater contents in the tidal flat facies and delta deposition, while have a smaller contents in the neritic facies and fluvial facies environment. Thirdly, Through comparative analysis of variation coefficient, the content of major phytolith categories in the sediment has a greater change amplitude in the sealand transition facies and fluvial facies deposition, while being more stable in the tidalflat facies and delta facies deposition.
2016, 35(1): 86-95.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0799-8
Abstract:
The deep-water area of the northern South China Sea, which has active and complicated tectonics, is rich in natural gas and gas hydrate. While the tectonic characteristics is different obviously between the east and the west because of the special tectonic position and tectonic evolution process. In terms of submarine geomorphology, the eastern shelf-slope structure in Pearl River Mouth Basin is characterized by having wide sub-basins and narrow intervening highs, whereas the western (Qiongdongnan Basin) structure is characterized by narrow subbasins and wide uplift. As to the structural features, the deep-water sags in the east are all structurally halfgrabens, controlled by a series of south-dipping normal faults. While the west sags are mainly characterised by graben structures with faulting in both the south and north. With regards to the tectonic evolution, the east began neotectonic activity when the post-rifting stage had completed at the end of the Middle Miocene. In the Baiyun Sag, tectonic activity became strong and was characterised by rapid subsidence and obvious faulting. Whereas in the west, neotectonic activity began at the end of the Late Miocene with rapid deposition and weak fault activity.
The deep-water area of the northern South China Sea, which has active and complicated tectonics, is rich in natural gas and gas hydrate. While the tectonic characteristics is different obviously between the east and the west because of the special tectonic position and tectonic evolution process. In terms of submarine geomorphology, the eastern shelf-slope structure in Pearl River Mouth Basin is characterized by having wide sub-basins and narrow intervening highs, whereas the western (Qiongdongnan Basin) structure is characterized by narrow subbasins and wide uplift. As to the structural features, the deep-water sags in the east are all structurally halfgrabens, controlled by a series of south-dipping normal faults. While the west sags are mainly characterised by graben structures with faulting in both the south and north. With regards to the tectonic evolution, the east began neotectonic activity when the post-rifting stage had completed at the end of the Middle Miocene. In the Baiyun Sag, tectonic activity became strong and was characterised by rapid subsidence and obvious faulting. Whereas in the west, neotectonic activity began at the end of the Late Miocene with rapid deposition and weak fault activity.
2016, 35(1): 96-105.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0800-6
Abstract:
Since the wind wave model Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) cannot effectively simulate the wave fields near the lateral boundaries, the change characteristics and the distortion ranges of calculated wave factors including wave heights, periods, directions, and lengths near the lateral boundaries of calculation domain are carefully studied in the case of different water depths and wind speeds respectively. The calculation results show that the effects of the variety of water depth and wind speed on the modeled different wave factors near the lateral boundaries are different. In the case of a certain wind speed, the greater the water depth is, the greater the distortion range is. In the case of a certain water depth, the distortion ranges defined by the relative errors of wave heights, periods, and lengths are different from those defined by the absolute errors of the corresponding wave factors. Moreover, the distortion ranges defined by the relative errors decrease with the increase of wind speed; whereas the distortion ranges defined by the absolute errors change a little with the variety of wind speed. The distortion range of wave direction decreases with the increase of wind speed. The calculated wave factors near the lateral boundaries with the SWAN model in the actual physical areas, such as Lake Taihu and Lake Dianshan considered in this study, are indeed distorted if the calculation domains are not enlarged on the basis of actual physical areas. Therefore, when SWAN is employed to calculate the wind wave fields near the shorelines of sea or inland lakes, the appropriate approaches must be adopted to reduce the calculation errors.
Since the wind wave model Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN) cannot effectively simulate the wave fields near the lateral boundaries, the change characteristics and the distortion ranges of calculated wave factors including wave heights, periods, directions, and lengths near the lateral boundaries of calculation domain are carefully studied in the case of different water depths and wind speeds respectively. The calculation results show that the effects of the variety of water depth and wind speed on the modeled different wave factors near the lateral boundaries are different. In the case of a certain wind speed, the greater the water depth is, the greater the distortion range is. In the case of a certain water depth, the distortion ranges defined by the relative errors of wave heights, periods, and lengths are different from those defined by the absolute errors of the corresponding wave factors. Moreover, the distortion ranges defined by the relative errors decrease with the increase of wind speed; whereas the distortion ranges defined by the absolute errors change a little with the variety of wind speed. The distortion range of wave direction decreases with the increase of wind speed. The calculated wave factors near the lateral boundaries with the SWAN model in the actual physical areas, such as Lake Taihu and Lake Dianshan considered in this study, are indeed distorted if the calculation domains are not enlarged on the basis of actual physical areas. Therefore, when SWAN is employed to calculate the wind wave fields near the shorelines of sea or inland lakes, the appropriate approaches must be adopted to reduce the calculation errors.
2016, 35(1): 106-113.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0801-5
Abstract:
Dumping area capacity is mainly affected by the hydrodynamic process (tidal sediment, storm surge and wave, etc.) as well as the size and depth of dumping area. Based on three-dimensional ocean circulation model known as FVCOM (Finite Volume Coast and Ocean Model) and the stochastic dynamic statistical analysis model, taking advantage of dumping ground topography evolution and dumping quantity, the author aims to discuss the influence of hydrodynamic processes and dumping activity so as to built a new model of ocean dumping area capacity. With the data of depth and dumped amount in the dumping area, the changes of bottom topographic which caused by tidal current under the natural condition based on the FVCOM hydrodynamic and sediment module, the author strive to analyze the statistical relation of the changes for dumping amount, tidal current and bottom topographic. Through real data to fit revision coefficient values, which will be regarded as topographic changes reference value affected by wave and storm surges. Thus taking this evaluation as the long-term changes in the dumping capacity. In the premise of setting up the threshold of bottom topographic changes, the dumping area capacity is calculated. Take Yangtze Estuary No. 1 dumping area as an example, As the water depth reduces by 0.5 m annually, the dumping area capacity is about 6.7 million m3/a, the model results are in reasonable agreement with the actual amount. Then the model is validated in Luoyuan Bay dumping area, Shengsishangchuan Mountain dumping area, Dongding dumping area, Dongshan dumping area, and Wenzhou Port dumping area, it is turns out the results are similar to that of the actual observations.
Dumping area capacity is mainly affected by the hydrodynamic process (tidal sediment, storm surge and wave, etc.) as well as the size and depth of dumping area. Based on three-dimensional ocean circulation model known as FVCOM (Finite Volume Coast and Ocean Model) and the stochastic dynamic statistical analysis model, taking advantage of dumping ground topography evolution and dumping quantity, the author aims to discuss the influence of hydrodynamic processes and dumping activity so as to built a new model of ocean dumping area capacity. With the data of depth and dumped amount in the dumping area, the changes of bottom topographic which caused by tidal current under the natural condition based on the FVCOM hydrodynamic and sediment module, the author strive to analyze the statistical relation of the changes for dumping amount, tidal current and bottom topographic. Through real data to fit revision coefficient values, which will be regarded as topographic changes reference value affected by wave and storm surges. Thus taking this evaluation as the long-term changes in the dumping capacity. In the premise of setting up the threshold of bottom topographic changes, the dumping area capacity is calculated. Take Yangtze Estuary No. 1 dumping area as an example, As the water depth reduces by 0.5 m annually, the dumping area capacity is about 6.7 million m3/a, the model results are in reasonable agreement with the actual amount. Then the model is validated in Luoyuan Bay dumping area, Shengsishangchuan Mountain dumping area, Dongding dumping area, Dongshan dumping area, and Wenzhou Port dumping area, it is turns out the results are similar to that of the actual observations.
2016, 35(1): 114-117.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0802-4
Abstract:
Using remote sensing technology for water quality evaluation is an inevitable trend in marine environmental monitoring. However, fewer categories of water quality parameters can be monitored by remote sensing technology than the 35 specified in GB3097-1997 Marine Water Quality Standard. Therefore, we considered which parameters must be selected by remote sensing and how to model for water quality evaluation using the finite parameters. In this paper, focused on Leizhou Peninsula nearshore waters, we found N, P, COD, PH and DO to be the dominant parameters of water quality by analyzing measured data. Then, mathematical statistics was used to determine that the relationship among the five parameters was COD >DO >P >N >pH. Finally, five-parameter, fourparameter and three-parameter water quality evaluation models were established and compared. The results showed that COD, DO, P and N were the necessary parameters for remote sensing evaluation of the Leizhou Peninsula nearshore water quality, and the optimal comprehensive water quality evaluation model was the fourparameter model. This work may serve as a reference for monitoring the quality of other marine waters by remote sensing.
Using remote sensing technology for water quality evaluation is an inevitable trend in marine environmental monitoring. However, fewer categories of water quality parameters can be monitored by remote sensing technology than the 35 specified in GB3097-1997 Marine Water Quality Standard. Therefore, we considered which parameters must be selected by remote sensing and how to model for water quality evaluation using the finite parameters. In this paper, focused on Leizhou Peninsula nearshore waters, we found N, P, COD, PH and DO to be the dominant parameters of water quality by analyzing measured data. Then, mathematical statistics was used to determine that the relationship among the five parameters was COD >DO >P >N >pH. Finally, five-parameter, fourparameter and three-parameter water quality evaluation models were established and compared. The results showed that COD, DO, P and N were the necessary parameters for remote sensing evaluation of the Leizhou Peninsula nearshore water quality, and the optimal comprehensive water quality evaluation model was the fourparameter model. This work may serve as a reference for monitoring the quality of other marine waters by remote sensing.
2016, 35(1): 118-124.
doi: 10.1007/s13131-016-0803-3
Abstract:
Using the occurrence characteristics of bubble plumes in the South China Sea as a reference, this paper continues to study the seismic responses produced by bubble plumes in the cold seepage active region. To make the plume modelling scheme more reasonable, we modified the original modelling scheme and reconstructed a plume water body model based on the variation of its radius as bubbles rise in seawater. The plume seismic records of shot gathers were obtained by forward simulation. The seismic records of single shot show obvious characteristics of a scattering wave field and the periodic characteristics of the model. Seismic records of shot gathers were processed using prestack depth migration. The boundary of its imaging section has a good convergence effect. The migration sections can be imaged distinctly with higher accuracy. The aforementioned studies once again laid a foundation for the further study of the seismic responses produced by plumes. They also gradually probed a more suitable seismic data processing method for plumes and provided a theoretical guidance for the identification of plumes.
Using the occurrence characteristics of bubble plumes in the South China Sea as a reference, this paper continues to study the seismic responses produced by bubble plumes in the cold seepage active region. To make the plume modelling scheme more reasonable, we modified the original modelling scheme and reconstructed a plume water body model based on the variation of its radius as bubbles rise in seawater. The plume seismic records of shot gathers were obtained by forward simulation. The seismic records of single shot show obvious characteristics of a scattering wave field and the periodic characteristics of the model. Seismic records of shot gathers were processed using prestack depth migration. The boundary of its imaging section has a good convergence effect. The migration sections can be imaged distinctly with higher accuracy. The aforementioned studies once again laid a foundation for the further study of the seismic responses produced by plumes. They also gradually probed a more suitable seismic data processing method for plumes and provided a theoretical guidance for the identification of plumes.
