dataset related to this project

Bay-shelf water exchange is critical to coastal systems as it promotes self-purification or pollution dilution of the systems. In this study, the effects of wave-current interactions on bay-shelf water exchange was explored in a micromesotidal system- the Daya Bay in the southern China. The waves can enlarge the shear-induced seaward transport and reduce the residual-current-induced landward transport, which benefits the water exchange; however, the tides work oppositely and slow the waves induced water exchange. Five the wave-current interactions were compared and it was found that the depth-dependent wave radiation stress contributes most to the water exchange, followed by wave dissipation as a source term in the turbulence kinetic energy equation, and mean current advection and refraction of wave energy (CARWE). The vertical transfer of wave-generated pressure transfer to the mean momentum equation (also known as the form drag), and the combined wave-current bottom stress (CWCBS) play minor roles in the water exchange. The water exchange is faster under southerly wind than that under northerly wind; and the synoptic event like storms will accelerate the water exchange. The CARWE terms are dominated in both the seasonal variation and the synoptic variation of the wave-current interactions as they can significantly change the distribution of significant wave height. The wave radiation stress changes the water exchange mainly through altering the flow velocity, but the wave dissipation on turbulence through altering the vertical mixing. The form drag and the CWCBS have little impact on water exchange as well as its variations.