Long time-series remote sensing analysis of the periodic cycle evolution of the inlets and ebb-tidal delta of Xincun Lagoon, Hainan Island, China

• Published in: ISPRS journal of photogrammetry and remote sensing 2020-07, Vol.165, p.67-85
• Main Authors: Zhang, Huaguo, Li, Dongling, Wang, Juan, Zhou, Hongquan, Guan, Weibing, Lou, Xiulin, Cao, Wenting, Shi, Aiqin, Chen, Peng, Fan, Kaiguo, Ren, Lin, Zheng, Gang, Li, Yan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coastal lagoon; Ebb-tide delta; Inlet migration; Long time series remote sensing; Shoal sandbar; Tidal channel
• ISSN: 0924-2716; 1872-8235
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2020.05.006

•Remote sensing data from 1962–2018 were used to analyze coastal lagoon–tidal inlet.•Four shoal-sandbar breaching and tidal-inlet migration events were observed.•A conceptual model for cyclic periodic evolution of ebb-tidal deltas was proposed.•The crucial factors of long-term and short-term in their evolution were discussed.•Remote sensing can be used for early warning of the evolution of ebb-tidal deltas. Coastal lagoon–tidal inlet systems occur worldwide, and each has its own unique evolution characteristics in relation to its geographical location, sediment characteristics, and tidal current and ocean wave conditions. However, insufficient observation data means that it is often difficult to fully understand the long-term and short-term evolution of ebb-tidal deltas, and it is even more difficult to monitor and warn against their evolution. This study uses long time-series remote sensing data for the period 1962–2018 to investigate the evolution of an ebb-tidal delta in Xincun Lagoon, Hainan Island, China. Four shoal-sandbar breaching and tidal-inlet migration events were observed, and the corresponding periodic variation characteristics of the ebb-tidal delta were documented. A conceptual model for the periodic evolution of ebb-tidal deltas was also proposed. The results showed that the long-period (15–20 years) evolution was controlled by the effects of seabed friction and tidal-scale lagoon resonance, while the changes in the length of the east sand-spit could be used as a significant early warning indicator for shoal-sandbar breaching and tidal-inlet migration events. In addition, both types of event were jointly triggered by typhoon storm-surges and the accompanying heavy rainfall, strong winds, and strong waves. Thus, the periodic evolution process of the ebb-tidal delta in Xincun Lagoon was determined to be a systematic process that is either controlled or influenced by a series of interconnecting factors. Moreover, we concluded that it is both feasible and valuable to establish a monitoring and early warning framework of ebb-tidal deltas through the use of time-series remote sensing images. The results of this study can improve the existing understanding of the processes and driving factors of periodic shoal-sandbar breaching and tidal-inlet migration, and can also increase safety nourishment for coastal lagoon–tidal inlet systems.