The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Observations of Sediment Pore Pressure Responses Induced by Internal Solitary Waves in the Northern South China Sea
ID:494 Oral Presentation

2027-01-15 14:30 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 76 - Internal Waves and Ocean Mixing

Abstract
Internal solitary waves (ISWs) are ubiquitous in the stratified ocean and can induce significant seabed pressure disturbances during propagation, leading to pore pressure responses within marine sediments and subsequent pore fluid seepage. However, direct in situ observations of ISW-induced pore pressure responses in deep-sea environments have been lacking, leaving the physical mechanisms largely speculative. Here we present the first long-term, high-frequency in situ pore pressure observations conducted on the Dongsha Slope of the northern South China Sea at a water depth of 740 m, as part of the Internal Wave–Benthic Boundary Layer Experiment (IWBBLE). Our results reveal that large-amplitude depression-type ISWs generate distinct negative pore pressure responses, with a maximum amplitude of approximately 0.69 kPa. The pore pressure responses exhibit transient characteristics without significant accumulation, and a clear hysteresis is observed relative to the seafloor pressure disturbances, with the negative pore pressure peak shifting toward the upwelling side of the ISW. The estimated penetration depth of pore pressure response is approximately 0.5 m below the seafloor during the observation period, and may extend to within 1.5 m for an extreme-amplitude ISW of 173 m. The induced vertical pore pressure gradients drive pore fluid seepage beneath the pressure disturbance peak, with maximum seepage velocities approaching 6 × 10⁻³ cm s⁻¹ at 1 m depth. The seepage paths are nearly vertical beneath the pressure peak and gradually transition to horizontal along the flanks. These findings demonstrate that ISWs drive significant pore fluid circulation across the sediment–water interface, promoting upward migration of dissolved solutes and fine particles. This study provides crucial observational evidence for understanding seabed dynamic responses to ISWs and their implications for sediment resuspension, material transport, and biogeochemical cycling on continental margins.
Speaker
Tian Chen Ocean University of China

Author
Tian Chen Ocean University of China

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

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    • Apr 30

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    • Jun 30

      2026

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      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

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    • Sep 15

      2026

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    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027