Role of the Coriolis force in the evolution of the Huanghe River estuarine sand spit

Li Yan; Zhan Chao; Li Zilu; Du Zhengping; Dong Ping; Wang Qing

doi:10.12284/hyxb20250135

Volume 47 Issue 12

Dec. 2025

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Li Yan，Zhan Chao，Li Zilu, et al. Role of the Coriolis force in the evolution of the Huanghe River estuarine sand spit[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(12)：48–59 doi: 10.12284/hyxb20250135

Citation:

Li Yan，Zhan Chao，Li Zilu, et al. Role of the Coriolis force in the evolution of the Huanghe River estuarine sand spit[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(12)：48–59 doi: 10.12284/hyxb20250135

Citation:

Li Yan，Zhan Chao，Li Zilu, et al. Role of the Coriolis force in the evolution of the Huanghe River estuarine sand spit[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(12)：48–59 doi: 10.12284/hyxb20250135

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Role of the Coriolis force in the evolution of the Huanghe River estuarine sand spit

doi: 10.12284/hyxb20250135

Li Yan^{1, 2
,},
Zhan Chao^{1, 2},
Li Zilu^{1, 2},
Du Zhengping^{1, 2},
Dong Ping^{1, 2},
Wang Qing^{1, 2
,
,}

1.
Shandong Key Laboratory of Estuary and Coast & Nuclear Environment, Yantai 264025, China
2.
College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China

Received Date: 2025-11-09
Rev Recd Date: 2025-12-29

Available Online: 2026-01-12

Publish Date: 2025-12-31

Abstract

Abstract

Since the artificial diversion of the Huanghe River into the Bohai Sea via the northern channel in 1996, the estuary sand spit has exhibited a distinct northward migration trend. Current research on estuarine evolution primarily focuses on the interplay between fluvial water-sediment inputs and marine hydrodynamic forces, while a systematic understanding of the role of the Coriolis force as a persistent driver remains lacking. Through hydrodynamic numerical modeling, this study investigates the influence of the Earth’s Coriolis force on tidal current structures and sediment transport patterns in the nearshore region of the Huanghe River Delta by comparing scenarios with and without Coriolis effects. The simulation shows that the Coriolis force drives the nearshore tidal current to move in a reciprocating manner, and forms a closed elliptical high velocity area (velocity > 0.8 m/s) outside the estuary. At the same time, the M₂ tidal amphidromic point is formed near the No.5 pile on the north side of the estuary, and the sediment diffusion range on the north side of the mouth is significantly larger than that without Coriolis force. In the absence of Coriolis force, the nearshore tidal current is mainly radial reciprocating motion, and there is no closed high velocity area outside the estuary. The amphidromic tide point around the No.5 pile also disappears, and the longitudinal diffusion range of estuarine sediment to the open sea is larger. These findings indicate that the Coriolis force enhances lateral sediment transport by intensifying the transverse movement of flood and ebb currents. The formation of the M₂ amphidromic point, acting as a “low potential energy zone”, increases the potential energy gradient between the estuary and the amphidromic point, thereby strengthening northward sediment transport during ebb tides. Furthermore, the increased indentation of the northern bayline weakens local tidal dynamics, promoting additional sediment deposition in this area. The synergistic effects of these mechanisms collectively drive the northward evolutionary process of the Huanghe River estuary sand spit.
- Huanghe River Delta,
- Coriolis effect,
- sand spit evolution,
- sediment discharge diffusion,
- Delft 3D

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References(44)

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