Effect of tidal flat on seawater temperature variation in the southwest coast of Korea

The seawater temperature observed near macrotidal flats demonstrates distinguished semidiurnal variations. The range of seawater temperature variations was approximately 2-4 degrees C during a clear day in spring. The seawater temperature increased during flood tides but decreased during ebb tides in spring and summer, while the opposite occurred in autumn and winter. A model was developed to evaluate the effect of the tidal flat on changes in the seawater temperature. The seawater temperature, calculated using this model, was verified with observed seawater temperatures. The heat of seawater in shallow zones changed more than 581 J m(-3) s(-1) (0.5 degrees C h(-1)) because of heat content exchange with the tidal flat, regardless of season. The maximum heat gain (835 W m(-2)) of seawater from the tidal flat and heat loss (588W m(-2)) of seawater from the tidal flat occurred in June 2004, whereas the minimum heat gain (554 W m(-2)) from the tidal flat occurred in March 2004 and heat loss (316W m(-2)) to the tidal flat occurred in February 2004.