Numerical Simulation of Fortnightly Modulations of the Convergence Zone by Residual Volume Transport in a Macrotidal Estuary

This study examines the fortnightly modulation of convergence zone by residual volume transport of main channel using a numerical model in the tidally dominated Han River estuary (HRE), South Korea. The numerical model, EFDC (Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code), was simulated for 124 days, from May to August 2009, and used observed freshwater discharge for major rivers of HRE. The residual volume transport discharged into the HRE from the Yeomha channel and Seokmo channel had a ratio of 44:56 over thirty days under normal freshwater conditions. The model results show that a temporal variation of the residual volume transport (Lagrangian transport = Eulerian transport+Stokes transport) is formed near the Yeongjong Bridge with spring-neap variability, and net transport is outflowed to the west through the channel between Ganghwa and Yeongjong. Due to magnitude change of the residual volume transport by fortnightly (spring-neap) modulation, convergence zone (junction location of residual volume transport) show upward and downward spatial variation. We found that the convergence zone moves downstream during the spring period because of; 1) strong net downward barotropic flow by increased sea level difference between upstream and downstream during the spring tide; 2) decreased baroclinic flow towards the upstream of the main channel, caused by intensified tidal mixing during the spring period; and 3) increased outflow through the tidal flat channel between Ganghwa and Yeongjong during the spring period.