VERTICAL CHANGES IN SUSPENDED SEDIMENT CONCENTRATION IN THE LIANYUNGANG NEARSHORE AREA

Synchronically measured were tidal current,suspended sediment concentration and salinity at 15 stations in the Lianyungang nearshore area for 6 vertical layers during the spring and mesotidal cycle. Temporal and spatial changes in suspended sediment concentration were studied,and the variation in suspended sediment concentration in the tidal cycle,impact factors and the re-suspended sediment fluxes calculated. The results show that the spatial distribution of suspended sediment concentration in the Lianyungang nearshore area is in line with the general distribution pattern of suspended sediments.The peak concentration of suspended sediment appears at a certain depth above the sea-bottom during high and low tide with strong tidal current.The frequency of peak concentration of suspended sediment is low nearshore, but the intensity is greater;whereas the frequency of peak concentration of suspended sediment is high offshore, but the intensity is lower.Tidal resuspension is the main reason of those peaks.The changes of the vertical distribution of suspended sediment concentration could be grouped into 4types.Tidal current and water depth are the main controlling factors.