Site-Specific Net Suspended Sediment Flux and Turbidity–TSM Coupling in a UNESCO Tidal Flat on the Western Coast of Korea: High-Resolution Vertical Observations

A UNESCO-listed tidal flat on Korea's west coast exhibits a strong linear relationship (R² = 0.94) between turbidity and total suspended matter, validating optical sensors for real-time sediment monitoring in dynamic macrotidal environments. High-resolution observations over a 13-hour period revealed a net seaward suspended sediment flux of approximately 5503 kg·m⁻¹, with ebb-dominant residual currents indicating localized sediment transport patterns. While this single-station study provides a baseline for digital twin modeling and coastal management, its findings should be interpreted as time-specific rather than representative of the entire bay. The research contributes to the preservation and monitoring of Gomso Bay, part of the globally significant 'Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats' UNESCO site.

Lee, J.-H., Jung, H. S., Kim, K., Jang, Y., Lee, D., & Ryu, J.-H. (2025). Site-Specific Net Suspended Sediment Flux and Turbidity–TSM Coupling in a UNESCO Tidal Flat on the Western Coast of Korea: High-Resolution Vertical Observations. Water, 17(23), 3361. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17233361