Analysis of tidal-induced connectivity among coastal regions in the Bohai Sea using the complex network theory

• Published in: Estuarine, coastal and shelf science Vol. 260; p. 107506
• Main Authors: Yu, Jinzhen, Zhang, Xueqing, Feng, Yilei, Jiang, Wensheng, Deng, Fangjing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 05.10.2021
• Subjects: Bohai Sea; Coastal regions; Connectivity; Lagrangian flow network; Coastal regions; Connectivity; Lagrangian flow network; Bohai Sea
• ISSN: 0272-7714; 1096-0015
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecss.2021.107506

Lagrangian flow network (LFN) with tidal forcing is calculated to unfold the connecting timescale and path among the coastal regions in a weakly nonlinear semi-enclosed sea, called the Bohai Sea (BS), China. By applying the Dijkstra's algorithm, the coastal regions are connected using the minimum connecting time, and the corresponding paths are also revealed. Timescale among the BS coastal regions is mostly less than two years. The connecting time between coastal regions of three bays are asymmetrical due to the hydrodynamic characteristics (e.g., the connecting time of Laizhou Bay coastal regions to Liaodong Bay is the longest, averaging 520 days, averaged connecting time from Liaodong Bay to Laizhou Bay is 458 days; and Bohai Bay needs shorter time to connect the other two bays). There are three crucial pathways and a substantial sub-region to connect coastal regions around the BS (i.e. the pathway across the middle of Liaodong Bay; the pathway across the central basin; the pathway along the Bohai Strait; and the Yellow River Estuary area). Based on the entire BS network, these pathways and sub-region are essential for the construction the LFN in the BS. LFN can serve as a powerful instrument to explore the connectivity and regional exchange of the semi-enclosed sea. Connectivity analysis could provide hydrodynamic reference to support the regional management and systematic planning in the BS. [Display omitted] •The Lagrangian flow network (LFN) are used to calculated the connectivity among the coastal regions in the Bohai Sea.•The connecting timescale is sensitive to the initial condition of particle release but the connect path is stable.•Key path analysis is consistent with the betweenness and proves that LFN system is supported by the ocean dynamics.