A study on the relationship between surface sedimentary facies and topograpy in tidal flats

Abstract

Tidal channel networks have been considered as an important key in the evolution of tidal flats. Especially, the tidal channel network is recognized as an important factor influencing the morphodynamics of the tidal flat and the surface sedimentary facies. The development of the tidal channel controls the sediment exchange between the salt marsh and the tidal flat, and the sediment and hydraulic transitions between the salt marsh and the tidal zone. Therefore, the tidal channel network is very important for the coastal management and the estimation of the change in a tidal flat caused by the natural effect and the artificial development of salt marshes. In this paper, we tried the quantitative estimation of the relation between surface sedimentary facies and tidal topography such as tidal channel network and DEM. The study was carried out in the tidal flat located in the west coast of Korea (Ganghwa-do, Geunso-Bay, Hwang-do). As a result, we can conclude that the tidal channels and creeks are well developed in the mud flat area showing a complex pattern of tidal channel network with high density compared with those in the mixed or sand flat area. Also, mud area has higher value of DEM than muxed or sand flat area.