Cross-shore parallel tidal channel systems formed by alongshore currents.
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 38830844.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-024-49176-2 and PMC identifier 11148050.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Parallel tidal channel systems, characterized by commonly cross-shore orientation and regular spacing, represent a distinct class of tidal channel networks in coastal environments worldwide. Intriguingly, these cross-shore oriented channel systems can develop in environments dominated by alongshore tidal currents, for which the mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we combine remote sensing imagery analysis and morphodynamic simulations to demonstrate that the deflection of alongshore tidal currents at transitions in bed elevation determines the characteristic orientation of the parallel tidal channels. Numerical results reveal that sharp changes in bed elevation lead to nearly 90-degree intersection angles, while smoother transitions in bed profiles result in less perpendicular channel alignments. These findings shed light on the potential manipulation of tidal channel patterns in coastal wetlands, thus equipping coastal managers with a broader range of strategies for the sustainable management of these vital ecosystems in the face of climate change and sea level rise.