Abstract:
Shenhu Bay submarine ancient forest is a rare natural relic in China. In order to alleviate the risk of continuous erosion and damage of ancient tree stumps, and to optimize the conservation design, this study simulated the coupling effect of wind, wave and current utlizing Mike21 tidal model and wave model, and determined the hydrodynamic characteristics of the intertidal zone of Shenhu Bay submarine ancient forest relics nature reserve. Simulation results indicate that the intertidal zone’s hydrodynamics are influenced by a counterclockwise flow in the southern Shenhu Bay. A southeast coastal current enters from the north during rising tides, balancing with a reciprocating flow to dominate the area. Wave-induced stress accelerates and complicates the flow, with velocities ranging from less than 0.01 m/s to a maximum of 1.00 m/s. The interaction between tidal currents and waves in the intertidal zone is crucial. Significant wave breaking, alternating alongshore and reciprocating flows, and a dynamic north-south hydrodynamic gradient with varying flow directions and strong wave actions are vital for preserving ancient forest relics.