Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-106
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-106
31 Jan 2024
 | 31 Jan 2024

Exploring Accumulation Dynamics in the Pearl River Estuary from Lagrangian Perspective

Mingyu Li, Stocchino Alessandro, Zhongya Cai, and Tingting Zu

Abstract. Utilizing Lagrangian methods and Markov Chains, we examined the water accumulation dynamics in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), which are essential for understanding estuarine mass distribution and ecosystem management. Influenced by plume fronts and velocity convergence, we observed significant bottom-layer accumulations in the western estuary and Hong Kong waters during summer, while accumulation region shifts to upper estuary and Macau waters in winter. Generally, there is notable correlation between the horizontal velocity divergence (∇hVh) and the accumulation probability, where local negative hVh fosters the accumulation. However, the net accumulation depends on the cumulative effects of convergence along the trajectories, not just its Eulerian pattern. The plume fronts also obstructed the particles transport and played an important role in the accumulation. Combined with trajectories, subregions with distinct accumulation patterns and interconnection among them were identified. During summer, western estuary and Macau waters with substantial net negative hVh and strong front were major accumulation targets, which attracted particles from the whole estuary. Conversely, the eastern estuary and Hong Kong waters exhibit significant westward motions, influencing the western side. In winter, particles were more likely to accumulate in their original regions. The upper estuary becomes a major accumulation area due to the obstructive density front, while Hong Kong waters show a tendency to diverge throughout the estuary. Sensitivity experiments illustrated that tides mainly promoted the accumulation in the western and upper estuary regions during winter and in Macau and HK waters during summer. Additionally, larger river discharges were conducive to the seaside transport in the upper and western estuary during summer and in the HK regions during winter.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

26 Jul 2024
Exploring water accumulation dynamics in the Pearl River estuary from a Lagrangian perspective
Mingyu Li, Alessandro Stocchino, Zhongya Cai, and Tingting Zu
Ocean Sci., 20, 931–944, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-931-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-931-2024, 2024
Short summary
Mingyu Li, Stocchino Alessandro, Zhongya Cai, and Tingting Zu

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-106', Anonymous Referee #1, 24 Feb 2024
    • RC2: 'Reply on RC1', Anonymous Referee #1, 25 Feb 2024
      • AC3: 'Reply on RC2', Mingyu Li, 26 Apr 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Mingyu Li, 24 Apr 2024
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-106', Anonymous Referee #2, 01 Mar 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC3', Mingyu Li, 24 Apr 2024

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-106', Anonymous Referee #1, 24 Feb 2024
    • RC2: 'Reply on RC1', Anonymous Referee #1, 25 Feb 2024
      • AC3: 'Reply on RC2', Mingyu Li, 26 Apr 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Mingyu Li, 24 Apr 2024
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-106', Anonymous Referee #2, 01 Mar 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC3', Mingyu Li, 24 Apr 2024

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
AR by Mingyu Li on behalf of the Authors (26 Apr 2024)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (07 May 2024) by Anne Marie Treguier
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (21 May 2024)
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (27 May 2024)
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (27 May 2024) by Anne Marie Treguier
AR by Mingyu Li on behalf of the Authors (05 Jun 2024)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish subject to technical corrections (08 Jun 2024) by Anne Marie Treguier
AR by Mingyu Li on behalf of the Authors (11 Jun 2024)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

26 Jul 2024
Exploring water accumulation dynamics in the Pearl River estuary from a Lagrangian perspective
Mingyu Li, Alessandro Stocchino, Zhongya Cai, and Tingting Zu
Ocean Sci., 20, 931–944, https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-931-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/os-20-931-2024, 2024
Short summary
Mingyu Li, Stocchino Alessandro, Zhongya Cai, and Tingting Zu
Mingyu Li, Stocchino Alessandro, Zhongya Cai, and Tingting Zu

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Short summary
In this study, we explored how water gathers in a coastal estuary, a key factor affecting its environmental health and ecosystem. We revealed significant bottom accumulations influenced by plume fronts and velocity convergence, with notable seasonal variability. By combining insights with trajectories, we identified subregions with distinct accumulation patterns and interconnections among them. Investigation also highlights the substantial impact of tides and river discharges on these dynamics.