{"title":"Changes in free-living zooxanthellae abundance during summer in a temperate Japanese coastal sea (Takashima, Japan)","authors":"Hiroyuki Takasu , Takanobu Yamaguchi , Maiko Ito , Kotaro Miyahara , Rintaro Kiyama , Manabu Fukumura , Shuzo Komura","doi":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105577","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105577","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Free-living or exogenous zooxanthellae play a crucial role in coral survival; however, their ecological dynamics remain largely unexplored. This study focused on tracking the abundance of free-living zooxanthellae (Clades A to F) in seawater around the temperate coastal sea (Takashima, Japan) from summer to early autumn using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In addition, we examined the influence of temperature, light conditions (photosynthetic photon flux density [PPFD]), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), and coral health on the abundance of zooxanthellae. Our findings revealed an increase in the abundance of free-living zooxanthellae from late summer to early autumn, irrespective of clade. A significant negative correlation was observed between the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene copy number, amplified using a universal primer, and coral health scores. Conversely, there was a positive correlation between the rRNA gene copy number and seawater temperature. The relationship between PPFD and DIN was not significantly correlated with rRNA gene copy number. Notably, the rRNA gene copy number, amplified using the Clade C primer, was the most abundant and exhibited a significant positive correlation with seawater temperature, whereas it was negatively correlated with coral health scores. The increase in the abundance of free-living zooxanthellae, particularly Clade C, in seawater was facilitated by rising seawater temperatures and the release of zooxanthellae cells from host corals, with the latter likely being the predominant factor. To our knowledge, this is the first study to monitor temporal changes in the abundance of free-living zooxanthellae in seawater.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50618,"journal":{"name":"Continental Shelf Research","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105577"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Insights into effects of salinity stress on the body-size spectrum of periphytic protozoan fauna in marine ecosystems","authors":"Awais Ali , Xiaoxiao Zhong , Guangjian Xu , Henglong Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105575","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105575","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To evaluate the impacts of salinity stress on the community functioning of marine ecosystems, a 1-month bioassay was performed using periphytic protozoan fauna as the test organism community within a gradient of salinity 9, 19, 29 (control), 39, and 49 PSU. The samples of the test organism assemblage were collected from an intertidal zone of the Yellow Sea, northern China. In terms of both the frequency of occurrences and the probability density, the body-size spectrum of the test protozoan fauna was clearly shifted with the test scale of salinity variability. The significant changes occurred in the body-size distinctness measures, which followed a unique trend among salinity gradients. Furthermore, the body-size spectrum showed a significant departure from an expected pattern at 9 PSU. Therefore, it is suggested that the body-size spectrum of periphytic protozoan fauna may be used as a useful tool for evaluating the effects of salinity stress on community functioning in marine environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50618,"journal":{"name":"Continental Shelf Research","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105575"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiangbin Ran , Yingxiao Li , Xiaosong Zhong , Xiaotian Liu , Hao Wang
{"title":"Interaction and variability of silicon and carbon associated with particulate matter in the Changjiang and Yellow Rivers","authors":"Xiangbin Ran , Yingxiao Li , Xiaosong Zhong , Xiaotian Liu , Hao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105574","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105574","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The interrelated biogeochemical cycles of silicon and carbon (Si-C) are essential for the effective functioning of aquatic ecosystems. However, there exists a notable gap in methodological research addressing the quantitative transport dynamics of Si-C within riverine systems. This study examines the spatiotemporal variations, sources, and export mechanisms of Si-C in the Changjiang and Yellow Rivers. Our results reveal that biogenic silica (BSi) concentrations are significantly affected by dam operations, while dissolved silicate (DSi) concentrations exhibit a modest downstream decline. Moreover, BSi associated with suspended particulate matter (SPM) shows an inverse relationship with SPM concentration. Particulate organic carbon (POC) in the Changjiang River predominantly originates from terrestrial C3 plants, whereas in the Yellow River, there is a greater contribution from C4 plants. Variations in the stoichiometric ratios of POC to nitrogen (C/N<sub>bulk</sub>) and BSi suggest that carbon degradation during river transport is more pronounced than in estuarine environments. Additionally, the δ<sup>13</sup>C of bulk POC (δ<sup>13</sup>C<sub>bulk</sub>) in the river exhibits greater sensitivity to environmental changes compared to the δ<sup>13</sup>C associated with BSi (δ<sup>13</sup>C<sub>BSi</sub>). We propose a normalization-based methodology to assess the potential decay rates of POC and organic carbon associated with BSi within river systems. Carbon is more readily mineralized from particulate matter than from that associated with silicon, and the coupled Si-C dynamics can be employed to explore their differential behaviors and the role of silicon in carbon preservation. This study provides valuable insights into Si-C dynamics in river-estuary systems, particularly under the increasing influence of anthropogenic activities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50618,"journal":{"name":"Continental Shelf Research","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105574"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145096250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Shift in the phytoplankton composition associated with reversal in east India coastal currents in the Bay of Bengal","authors":"R. Sreevidhya, V.V.S.S. Sarma","doi":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105566","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105566","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The alteration of phytoplankton composition due to variations in physical mixing, salinity, nutrient concentrations and their stoichiometric ratios would impact the overall ecosystem, affect the food web and influence the carbon cycle. The seasonal reversal in the East Indian Coastal Currents (EICC) significantly modifies stratification, physical mixing and nutrient levels in the coastal waters. To examine the impact of reversal in EICC on nutrient stoichiometry and phytoplankton composition, coastal waters were measured at a monthly time scale in the inshore and offshore regions of the Bay of Bengal for one year. The EICC flows northward between February and September, bringing saline waters along the coast, associated with winds from the south-west direction, promotes coastal upwelling. Elevated concentrations of nutrients (nitrate, phosphate and silicate) and phytoplankton biomass were observed associated with coastal upwelling dominated by fucoxanthin (Bacillariophyceae), and chlorophyll-b (Chl-b; green algae). CHEMTAX analysis suggests that diatoms contributed significantly (60–70 %) during the upwelling period, with up to 90 % of the contribution coming from microplankton in both coastal and offshore regions. The EICC reverses its flow towards the south between October and January, bringing low saline, nutrient-poor waters along the coast, resulting in a decrease in Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a). During this period, the coastal waters were dominated by zeaxanthin (cyanobacteria). Despite nutrients not being limiting, picoplankton dominance during this period is caused by the transport of cyanobacteria from the river to the coastal region due to their abundance in the river water. The CHEMTAX analysis suggested that diatoms, prochlorophytes, and cyanobacteria contributed significantly in the inshore region, whereas chlorophytes and cyanobacteria contributed to the offshore region. Picoplankton (>50 %) contributed significantly, followed by micro (30 %) and nanoplankton (∼20 %). Fucoxanthin and Chl-b displayed a significant linear relationship with salinity, whereas zeaxanthin displayed an inverse relationship with salinity. The fraction of microplankton linearly correlated with salinity, whereas nano- and picoplankton inversely correlated. This study highlights the effect of temporal variabilities in salinity associated with reversing the EICC modified the phytoplankton composition, and it may have a significant impact on the coastal ecosystem. Understanding intra- and interannual variability in the EICC and associated salinity changes may allow for the prediction of phytoplankton composition in the coastal Bay of Bengal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50618,"journal":{"name":"Continental Shelf Research","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105566"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145158153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhenyan Zhang, Dan Su, Shuwen Xue, Jiaxuan Zhang, Jie Wang
{"title":"Association between selenium levels and the distribution of mangrove forests in the brackish water exchange zone of the Pearl river estuary","authors":"Zhenyan Zhang, Dan Su, Shuwen Xue, Jiaxuan Zhang, Jie Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105573","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105573","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mangroves are vital coastal wetland system widely distributed in tropical and subtropical intertidal zones around 30° latitude. In most coastal ecosystems, plant growth is generally inhibited by salinity. However, mangroves thrive in brackish coastal areas. Previous studies have shown that mangrove distribution is strongly influenced by seawater, likely due to its chemical composition and role in global biogeochemical cycles. Seasonal variations in salinity and selenium (Se) levels in coastal regions exhibit similar patterns, and low doses of supplemental Se can protect plants against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative damage. This study focused on the Pearl River Estuary to examine the relationship among Se content, salinity, and mangrove distribution. Clear seasonal fluctuations in Se levels were observed in the estuary. Se concentrations in the estuary were significantly higher than the average level due to runoff. Dissolved inorganic selenium (DISe) decreased with increasing distance from the estuary. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between mangrove distribution and Se content (<em>p</em> < 0.05), whereas no significant relationship with salinity was found. Furthermore, Se application enhanced mangrove tolerance to salt stress-induced oxidative damage by strengthening antioxidant defense systems. These findings provide valuable insights for the conservation and management of mangrove ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50618,"journal":{"name":"Continental Shelf Research","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105573"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bin Ji , Huarui Li , Haozhe Zhang , Wenwen Li , Qingjia Meng
{"title":"Carbon fluxes in estuarine wetlands based on a material flow perspective","authors":"Bin Ji , Huarui Li , Haozhe Zhang , Wenwen Li , Qingjia Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105571","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105571","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Estuarine wetland is important component of continental shelf and blue carbon system. The regulation and enhancement of the carbon pool in estuarine wetlands are contingent upon a clear understanding of the carbon cycle. Given that dynamic material flow is a landmark feature of estuarine wetlands, interpreting this process from a vertical and horizontal material flow perspective may offer a potential breakthrough. However, the impacts of the material exchange in estuaries on the key processes of carbon exchange in estuarine wetlands and the mechanism of carbon sink formation are not well understood. To accurately assess and predict the dynamic capacity of carbon pools in estuarine wetlands, this review summarizes the vertical carbon flux processes in estuarine wetlands, which are believed to be dominated by plant and soil material transport, as well as the horizontal carbon flux processes influenced by hydrological conditions. In addition, we discuss the impacts of carbon and nutrient fluxes from submarine groundwater discharge (SGD), which accompany estuarine wetlands, on the systematic carbon cycling. Finally, we offer a series of recommendations to bridge existing knowledge gaps and contribute to the broader scientific discourse on the carbon cycle in estuarine wetlands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50618,"journal":{"name":"Continental Shelf Research","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105571"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145096247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Igor David da Costa , Ana Cristina Teixeira Bonecker , Leonardo Lopes Costa , Juliano Silva Lima , Ilana Rosental Zalmon
{"title":"Ecological role and productive potential of a ∼30 years artificial reef - Southeastern Brazil","authors":"Igor David da Costa , Ana Cristina Teixeira Bonecker , Leonardo Lopes Costa , Juliano Silva Lima , Ilana Rosental Zalmon","doi":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105572","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105572","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Artificial Reefs (ARs) increase the heterogeneity of areas that previously had homogeneous unconsolidated substrate, favoring the survival of juvenile fish by providing more anti-predation refuges. The efficacy of ARs to increase the abundance of fish and decrease the impacts of fisheries depends on their functionality as either attractors or producers of fish biomass. The present study sought to elucidate on the potential production role of a reef complex installed on the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro in 1996 besides the well-known attraction potential. Specifically, we aimed to compare the structure and composition of the ichthyoplankton community along a distance gradient from the ARs (0–1000 m). A total of 1941 ichthyoplankton specimens were sampled on dry and rainy seasons, including 13 families, 8 genera, and 11 species. During the rainy season, higher abundance of fish larvae was collected near the ARs, while in the dry season, ichthyoplankton was concentrated at greater distances from the reef complex. In both periods, fish eggs were mostly collected <100 m from the ARs. Newly hatched larvae predominated at 1000 m distance, mainly during the rainy season. The number of larvae in the pre-flexion stage was predominant at 0 m, mainly during the rainy season. The presence of eggs and the predominance of pre-flexion larvae in areas closer to the reef modules indicate that this reef is an important spawning site for various fish species. The results reinforce spatial distribution characteristics of fish larvae in the ARs area, also suggesting that these structures initially acted as fish attractors but are now functioning as biomass producers for some species, including commercial ones. The ARs, being no-fishing zones, can be an effective tool both for fisheries management and biodiversity conservation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50618,"journal":{"name":"Continental Shelf Research","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105572"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145059911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Alkalinity increase in the Baltic Sea: An episode or the development of a new steady state?","authors":"Bernd Schneider","doi":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105569","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105569","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The alkalinity (A<sub>T</sub>) of the brackish water in the Baltic Sea is the product of an oceanic contribution and a contribution comprising inputs from rivers and internal sources. This non-oceanic fraction (A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup>) can be quantified by subtracting the salinity dependent oceanic A<sub>T</sub> from the measured A<sub>T</sub> and dividing the result by the freshwater fraction.</div><div><span><math><mrow><msubsup><mi>A</mi><mi>T</mi><mrow><mi>f</mi><mi>r</mi><mi>e</mi><mi>s</mi><mi>h</mi></mrow></msubsup><mo>=</mo><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><msub><mi>A</mi><mi>T</mi></msub><mo>−</mo><msubsup><mi>A</mi><mi>T</mi><mrow><mi>o</mi><mi>c</mi></mrow></msubsup><mo>∗</mo><mfrac><mi>S</mi><msup><mi>S</mi><mrow><mi>o</mi><mi>c</mi></mrow></msup></mfrac></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow><mo>/</mo><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><mn>1</mn><mo>−</mo><mfrac><mi>S</mi><msup><mi>S</mi><mrow><mi>o</mi><mi>c</mi></mrow></msup></mfrac></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow></mrow></math></span>, where S<sup>oc</sup> is the salinity and A<sub>T</sub><sup>oc</sup> the A<sub>T</sub> of inflowing ocean water. A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup> is thus the concentration of A<sub>T</sub> in the freshwater fraction of the Baltic Sea. The use of A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup> facilitates a simplified and transparent statistical treatment of A<sub>T</sub> data and straightforward budget calculations. Furthermore, trends in A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup> directly reflect changes in A<sub>T</sub> inputs by river water and/or internal sources.</div><div>The monthly surface water A<sub>T</sub> data (Swedish National Monitoring Programme, SMHI) during 1995–2024 at a station in the transition to the North Atlantic and at two stations in the Baltic Proper did not reveal a continuous A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup> trend, but were characterized by an interim A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup> increase during 2004–2016/17. In the central Baltic Proper the A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup> increase rate was 7.4 (μmol/kg)/yr which corresponded to 5.8 (μmol/kg)/yr for A<sub>T</sub> at a salinity of 7.1. The limited amount of A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup> data after the termination of the interim trend did not allow conclusions about the cause for the trend which could be a temporarily limited A<sub>T</sub> input event or the increase of an existing permanent A<sub>T</sub> source. In the latter case the interim trend of A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup> represents the transition towards a new steady state at an elevated A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup> level.</div><div>A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup> data for the Gulf of Bothnia for the period 2009–2024 were characterised by a distinct minimum in the middle of the measurement period, without evidence of an overall trend. Our study shows that this A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup> pattern in the gulf was due to the variations in A<sub>T</sub><sup>fresh</sup> inputs resulting from water exchange with the Baltic Proper, which mainly controlled the abundance and trends of A<su","PeriodicalId":50618,"journal":{"name":"Continental Shelf Research","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105569"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145096246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiajia Dai , Jinming Song , Lilian Wen , Jun Ma , Huamao Yuan , Xuegang Li , Liqin Duan , Qidong Wang
{"title":"Sulfonamides as emerging contaminants in China's marginal seas: Distribution, Usage, and Residues","authors":"Jiajia Dai , Jinming Song , Lilian Wen , Jun Ma , Huamao Yuan , Xuegang Li , Liqin Duan , Qidong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105570","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105570","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sulfonamides (SAs), widely used in human and veterinary medicine, enter the environment through metabolism and accumulate in marine ecosystems, affecting both marine ecosystems and human health. However, there is a lack of systematic research in China regarding the relationship between the usage inputs of SAs and their marine fate. This study presented a comprehensive analysis of data regarding SAs in the marginal seas of China and the usage of SAs from 2009 to 2020 what we can collect, focusing on the distribution and fate of SAs in China's marginal seas. Results supported by restrictive data indicated 22 types of SAs in seawater and 17 in sediments, with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim being the two primary SAs. Total SAs concentration in seawater ranged from 0.12 ng/L to 309.71 ng/L, while in sediments it ranged from 0.07 ng/g to 360.4 ng/g, with the Bohai Sea being the most severely polluted marine area by SAs in China. SAs residues varied significantly by year, ranging from 3 tons to 242 tons in the Bohai Sea and from 7 tons to 316 tons in the Yellow Sea. It is noteworthy that the residues of SAs in both the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea have markedly decreased in recent years, reflecting reduced pollution levels likely attributed to factors such as reduced usage of SAs due to national regulatory measures. This study holds significant scientific value for systematically understanding the status of SAs in China's marginal seas, as well as for formulating strategies for the use, emission, and pollution management of emerging contaminants including SAs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50618,"journal":{"name":"Continental Shelf Research","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105570"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145059912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sajjad Feizabadi , Sarah M. Brannum , Masoud Ghodsian , Mohammad Nabi Allahdadi , Nazanin Chaichitehrani
{"title":"Evaluating the hydrodynamic and transport responses to storm surge barriers in a partially mixed Estuary: A case study of the Hudson–Raritan estuary","authors":"Sajjad Feizabadi , Sarah M. Brannum , Masoud Ghodsian , Mohammad Nabi Allahdadi , Nazanin Chaichitehrani","doi":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105567","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.csr.2025.105567","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Storm surge barriers (SSB), as engineering measures within broader coastal risk mitigation strategies, have been implemented or proposed in estuaries around the world. During non-storm periods, some parts of barriers restrict cross-flow area which alters water exchange and estuarine hydrodynamics. This study investigates the effects of permanent barrier infrastructure on the hydrodynamics of the Hudson-Raritan Estuary (HRE), a partially mixed estuary characterized by a complex geometry that includes bays connected by tidal straits and multiple tidal inlets. Our research employs a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model (EFDC) to focus on five distinct scenarios developed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), exploring aspects of these systems that have not been examined previously. The implementation of SSBs leads to increased salinity content, intrusion, and stratification in tributaries and a decrease on the landward side of the barrier, particularly when key pathways for water exchange are obstructed. Depending on the specific configurations of the SSBs, salinity variations in different regions range from an increase of 12 % to a decrease of 10 %. Results indicate a reduction in both semi-diurnal and diurnal tidal signals across the HRE, significantly affecting the energy partitioning. For instance, an SSB at the Lower Bay entrance reduces the semi-diurnal component of the total energy budget from 73 % in the base case to 46 %, while increasing the subtidal component's contribution from 23 % to 50 %. Additionally, SSBs alter the residual currents, induce eddy formations, and amplify currents across both surface and bottom layers. The response of residence times to SSB configurations varies spatially across the domain; on average, residence time in the HRE rises between 13 % and 67 % across the different SSB configuration scenarios compared to the base case, which has a spatially averaged residence time of approximately 15.9 days. The impact of SSBs on estuarine hydrodynamics strongly depends on their specific location and configuration. This study provides a framework for understanding the potential impacts of any proposed surge barrier systems and enhances our comprehension of their ecological and environmental effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50618,"journal":{"name":"Continental Shelf Research","volume":"295 ","pages":"Article 105567"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}