Wind Effect on the Saltwater Intrusion in the Yangtze Estuary

Tao, Z.; Chu, A.; Chen, Y.; Lu, S., and Wang, B., 2020. Wind effect on the saltwater intrusion in the Yangtze Estuary. In: Hu, C. and Cai, M. (eds.), Geo-informatics and Oceanography. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 105, pp. 42–46. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Events of freshwater shortage occur in Shanghai under strong wind conditions in the dry season, although coastal freshwater reservoirs Chenhang, Qingcaosha, and Dongfengxisha have been constructed in the Yangtze Estuary (YE) as a freshwater supply. In this paper, the wind effect on salt intrusion in the YE was investigated based on a validated numerical model. The flux decomposition method was applied to separate salt transport mechanisms. The results show that mechanisms of Lagrangian and tidal pumping dominate in salt transport. Wind direction determines the wind-induced circulation in the YE and influences the salt transport. The Deep Draft Channel Project also plays an important role in the salt transport. The relationship between wind speed and the salinity excessive area rate shows the S-curve characteristic.