The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Seasonal Variability in the Transition of Nonlinear Internal Waves and Sediment Resuspension on the Continental Shelf of the South China Sea
ID:498 Oral Presentation

2027-01-15 13:45 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 76 - Internal Waves and Ocean Mixing

Abstract
Large-amplitude nonlinear internal waves (NLIWs) are prevalent in the South China Sea (SCS), causing significant energy dissipation and sediment resuspension on the continental shelf. However, the seasonal variations and sediment dynamics of NLIWs, driven by the SCS’s complex multiscale processes, remain poorly understood. Using year-round mooring observations, this study investigates the seasonal spatiotemporal variations, instability structures, and sediment resuspension of NLIWs. Three distinct NLIW types are identified: Type-A and type-B NLIWs originate from consecutive ebb and flood phases under diurnal-dominant barotropic tides near the Luzon Strait, while type-C NLIWs arise from flood phase under semidiurnal-dominant tides. Within single type-A wave clusters, their daily arrival interval varies markedly: It initially shortens (<24 h) before lengthening (≈26 h), while that of type-B and type-C NLIWs remain relatively stable and phase locked to the barotropic tide. These variations are governed by nonlinear dynamics and are reproduced by an across-basin simulation. The occurrence and amplitude of NLIWs at the mooring site exhibit intraseasonal and seasonal variabilities, driven by meridional wave front displacements that are primarily regulated by mesoscale eddies and Kuroshio intrusions. As NLIWs shoal, vortical structures form at their trailing edges, reflecting nonlinear evolution and sustaining sediment resuspension that scales linearly with wave amplitude. Specifically, large-amplitude type-A waves, accompanied by pronounced trailing vortices, induce more turbid (0.4 mg L−1) and longer-lasting (70 min) resuspension than type-B and type-C NLIWs, which generate weaker (0.3 mg L−1) and shorter (20–30 min) resuspension. These findings enhance our understanding of the spatiotemporal transitions and sediment dynamics of NLIWs.
Speaker
Yanwei Zhang State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China

Author
Yanwei Zhang State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027