Analysis on topography and exposure duration of siheung tidal flat using remote sensing techniques

Abstract

In order to investigate the topography and exposure duration of the Siheung tidal flat, tidal ranges and DEM constructed by remote sensing techniques were analyzed. A cross-sectional diagram of the intertidal area reveals that it is relatively flat in the upper zone and then abruptly plunges into the bottom of the main channel where elevations increase in an upstream direction. The waterline during the Highest Low Water (HLW) is drawn back to the bottom of the channel at the middle part of the tidal flat and is formed along the slant of the channel during the Lowest High Water (LHW). The intertidal zone is located between -410 cm and 510 cm in terms of elevation and its total area is 0.65 km2. An area between the Highest High Water (HHW) and Lowest High Water (LHW), occupying about 80% of the total area, occupies 0.52 km2 of total area and accounts for 56% of the exposure duration. The boundary of wetland protection area in the Siheung tidal flat did not exactly coincide with the intertidal regime and differs by more than 15%. This study, which precisely analyzed the tidal flat area, tidal environment, and topography, would be useful in making a conservation plan and in learning how to use a wetland protection area in a sustainable manner.