Author(s): Zeng Zhou

Linked Author(s): Zeng Zhou

Keywords: Morphodynamic modeling; Parallel tidal channels; Tidal flats

Abstract: Tidal channel systems arising from morphodynamic interactions exhibit a suite of diverse morphological configurations. A prevalent type is represented by linear dendritic channels formed by single-thread streams aligned roughly parallel or subparallel to each other in the cross-shore direction. We conducted an analysis of more than 200 parallel tidal channels from different locations worldwide and found that the angle between individual parallel branches and the parent stream, from which they develop, largely falls within the range of 80-100º. We employed numerical modeling to shed light on the underlying mechanisms governing their formation, revealing that alongshore uniformity in bed topography and the strength of tidal currents condition the alignment of parallel channels. Straight and shore-normal parallel branches tend to form where the bed profile changes sharply around the mean sea level, while linearly sloping profiles lead to oblique parallel branches.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/iahr-hic2483430201-426

Year: 2024