Abstract

Intertidal Wetlands (IW) are generally seen as susceptible to storm effects. Although considerable focus has been directed towards the impact of hurricane or typhoon landfall on regional deposition and soil erosion in tidal wetland areas there is limited understanding regarding the influence of distant storms or typhoons on these ecosystems, as well as the overall effects of such storms on hydrodynamics, transport of sediments, and seabed security. This study examines the potential impact of thirteen typhoons that struck the western part of the Pacific in the summer-autumn of 2018 on an IW in the River. The research observed the effect of eight hurricanes for half of their lifespan when they were between 460 and 2500 km distant, the closest distance recorded for each typhoon relative to the valley. These distant typhoons resulted in 2-6 5-fold maximum rises in fluid dynamics and suspended debris concentration. Significant net erosion of mudflats and deposition of marshes were recorded. The research ascertained that hurricanes can significantly impact intertidal marshes, even those occurring hundreds of kilometers distant. These results enhance comprehension of the extent to which storms and typhoons impact intertidal ecosystems and augment the understanding essential for managing the coast.

Keywords: Wetland, Hydrodynamics, Biodiversity, Sediment movement