Suspended sediment transport mechanism in Laizhou Bay

Based on the measured data and information about tidal current velocity, suspended sediment concentration (SSC), and surface sediments in the Laizhou Bay, the effects of tidal current, residual current, tidal bottom stress, and bottom sediment type on SSC variation were analyzed. The mechanism of suspended sediment transport is also addressed by using material flux analysis. The results show that: ① The sea area of study was controlled by semidiurnal tides and characterized by rectilinear current and the SSC exhibited cyclic tidal change, with the near-bottom SSC being significantly correlated with tidal current velocity and with tidal bottom stress during the flood and ebb stages, which indicates strong re-suspension; ② The type of bottom sediment is closely related with SSC value, and fine-grained material is more prone to suspension; and ③ Slack water transport and tidal pumping effects are the main dynamic factors contributing to suspended sediment transport in the Laizhou Bay area.