Detailed seafloor geomorphology of the western region of the North Yellow Sea, China: The result of Holocene erosional and depositional processes sculpting the offshore continental shelf

Xiaoyu Liu; Yilan Chen; Chenguang Liu; Qiuhua Tang; Yanhong Wang; Shan Gao

doi:10.1007/s13131-022-2060-y

Volume 41 Issue 12

Dec. 2022

Turn off MathJax

Article Contents

Article Navigation > Acta Oceanologica Sinica > 2022 > 41(12): 38-47

Xiaoyu Liu, Yilan Chen, Chenguang Liu, Qiuhua Tang, Yanhong Wang, Shan Gao. Detailed seafloor geomorphology of the western region of the North Yellow Sea, China: The result of Holocene erosional and depositional processes sculpting the offshore continental shelf[J]. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 2022, 41(12): 38-47. doi: 10.1007/s13131-022-2060-y

Citation:

Xiaoyu Liu, Yilan Chen, Chenguang Liu, Qiuhua Tang, Yanhong Wang, Shan Gao. Detailed seafloor geomorphology of the western region of the North Yellow Sea, China: The result of Holocene erosional and depositional processes sculpting the offshore continental shelf[J]. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 2022, 41(12): 38-47. doi: 10.1007/s13131-022-2060-y

Citation:

Xiaoyu Liu, Yilan Chen, Chenguang Liu, Qiuhua Tang, Yanhong Wang, Shan Gao. Detailed seafloor geomorphology of the western region of the North Yellow Sea, China: The result of Holocene erosional and depositional processes sculpting the offshore continental shelf[J]. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 2022, 41(12): 38-47. doi: 10.1007/s13131-022-2060-y

PDF( 4150 KB)

Detailed seafloor geomorphology of the western region of the North Yellow Sea, China: The result of Holocene erosional and depositional processes sculpting the offshore continental shelf

doi: 10.1007/s13131-022-2060-y

Xiaoyu Liu^{1, 2},
Yilan Chen^{1, 2
,
,},
Chenguang Liu¹,
Qiuhua Tang^{1, 2},
Yanhong Wang^{1, 2},
Shan Gao^{1, 2}

1.
First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266100, China
2.
Key Laboratory of Oceanic Surveying and Mapping, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266590, China

Funds: The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 41506069 and 41876111; the Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Marine Surveying and Mapping of the Ministry of Natural Resources under contract No. 2021B01.

More Information

Corresponding author: E-mail: chenyilan@fio.org.cn
Received Date: 2022-02-23
Accepted Date: 2022-06-04

Available Online: 2022-08-17

Publish Date: 2022-12-30

Abstract

Abstract

High-resolution multi-beam/single-beam bathymetric data and seismic profiling data from the latest surveys are used to map and interpret the detailed seafloor geomorphology of the western region of the North Yellow Sea (NYS), China. The mapping area covers 156 410 km², and incorporates a flat shelf plain, subaqueous accumulation shoals, tidal scouring troughs, and tidal sand ridge groups. Offshore areas with water depths less than 50 m in the western region of the NYS are mainly covered by thick, loose sediments, forming wide spread accumulation geomorphological features; these include the Liaodong Peninsula subaqueous accumulation system containing shoals and rugged scouring troughs, and the large mud wedge of the Shandong Peninsula. In the central part of the NYS, there is a relatively flat residual shelf plain with coarser sediment deposits. This flat shelf plain has a water depth larger than 50 m and a thin layer of sediment, on which there is a large pockmark field caused by seafloor seepage. These geomorphological structures indicate that modern sedimentary processes are the main driving force controlling the sculpture of the current seafloor surface landform. Extensive strong tidal current systems and abundant sediment sources provide the critical external forces and essential conditions for the formation of seafloor geomorphology. The tectonic basement controls the macroscopic morphological shape of the NYS, but is reflected very little in the seafloor geomorphic elements. Our results provide a detailed seafloor geomorphological map of the western region of the NYS, an area that has not previously mapped and also provide a scientific framework for further research into offshore seafloor geomorphology, shelf sedimentary processes, and submarine engineering construction in this region.
- seafloor geomorphology,
- North Yellow Sea,
- geomorphic map,
- mud wedge,
- accumulative shoal

FullText(HTML)

References(41)

References

Alexander C R, DeMaster D J, Nittrouer C A. 1991. Sediment accumulation in a modern epicontinental-shelf setting: the Yellow Sea. Marine Geology, 98(1): 51–72. doi: 10.1016/0025-3227(91)90035-3

Butenko J, Milliman J D, Ye Yincan. 1985. Geomorphology, shallow structure, and geological hazards in the East China Sea. Continental Shelf Research, 4(1–2): 121–141

Cai Feng, Cao Chao, Zhou Xinghua, et al. 2013. Submarine Topography and Morphology of Offshore China Sea (in Chinese). Beijing: China Ocean Press

Chen Xiaohui. 2014. Sedimentary stratigraphic structure and provenance environmental evolution in the North Yellow Sea during the late Quaternary (in Chinese)[dissertation]. Qingdao: The Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Chen Xiaohui, Li Rihui, Xu Xiaoda. 2011. Shallow seismic records and late Pleistocene Stratigraphy of the North Yellow Sea. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 31(3): 17–22

Chen Xiaohui, Li Tiegang, Zhang Xunhua, et al. 2013. A Holocene Yalu River-derivered fine-grained deposit in the southeast coastal area of the Liaodong Peninsula. Chinese Journal of Oceanology and Limnology, 31(3): 636–647. doi: 10.1007/s00343-013-2087-1

Chen Shanshan, Sun Qiliang, Lu Kai, et al. 2017. Anomalous depressions in the northern Yellow Sea Basin: evidences for their evolution processes. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 84: 179–194. doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.03.030

Cheng Peng, Gao Shu. 2000. Net sediment transport patterns over the northwestern Yellow Sea, based upon grain size trend analysis. Oceanlogia Et Limnologia Sinica, 6(31): 604–615

Chough S K, Lee H J, Yoon S H. 2000. Yellow Sea. In: Chough S K, Lee H J, Yoon S H, eds. Marine Geology of Korean Seas. 2nd ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 47–144

Geng Xiushan. 1981. The geomorphological features and forming factors of submarine relief in the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea. Acta Geographica Sinica, 36(4): 423–434

Gensac E, Martinez J M, Vantrepotte V, et al. 2016. Seasonal and inter-annual dynamics of suspended sediment at the mouth of the Amazon River: The role of continental and oceanic forcing, and implications for coastal geomorphology and mud bank formation. Continental Shelf Research, 118: 49–62. doi: 10.1016/j.csr.2016.02.009

Giuliana p, Stenfan B, Daniel J F, et al. 2017. An intergrated view of the methane system in the pockamrks at Vestnesa Ridge, 79°N. Marine Geology, 390: 282–300. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2017.06.006

Judd A G, Hovland M. 2007. Seabed Fluid Flow, the Impact on Geogogy, Biology, and the Marine Environment. London: Cambridge University Press

Lee H J, Chough S K. 1989. Sediment distribution, dispersal and budget in the Yellow Sea. Marine Geology, 87(2–4): 195–205

Li Rihui, Chen Xiaohui, Wang Zhongbo. 2020. Regional Geology of the North Yellow Sea (in Chinese). Beijing: China Ocean Press

Li Yan, Li Anchun, Huang Peng, et al. 2014. Clay minerals in surface sediment of the North Yellow Sea and their implication to provenance and transportation. Continental Shelf Research, 90: 33–40. doi: 10.1016/j.csr.2014.01.020

Li Wenyong, Li Dongxu, Xia Bin, et al. 2006. Characteristics of structural evolution in North Yellow Sea Basin. Geoscience, 20(2): 268–276

Li Wenyong, Zeng Xianghui, Wang Xinguo, et al. 2009. Analysis of structural kinematics of North Yellow Sea Basin. Earth Science Frontiers, 16(4): 74–86

Lin Meihua. 1989. The sybmarine geomorphological zones and geomorphological types in the Huanghai Sea. Marine Sciences, 11(6): 7–15

Liu Xiaoyu, Feng Xiuli, Sun Yongfu, et al. 2019. Acoustic and biological characteristics of seafloor depressions in the North Yellow Sea Basin of China: active fluid seepage in shallow water seafloor. Marine Geology, 414: 34–46. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2019.05.002

Liu Zhongchen, Liu Baohua, Huang Zhenzong, et al. 2005. Seafloor Topography and Geomorphology of Offshore China Sea and Its Adjacent Areas (in Chinese). Beijing: China Ocean Press

Liu J P, Milliman J D, Gao Shu. 2002. The Shandong mud wedge and post-glacial sediment accumulation in the Yellow Sea. Geo-Marine Letters, 21(4): 212–218

Liu J P, Milliman J D, Gao Shu, et al. 2004. Holocene development of the Yellow River’s subaqueous delta, North Yellow Sea. Marine Geology, 209(1–4): 45–67

Liu Jian, Saito Y, Kong Xianghuai, et al. 2009. Geochemical characteristics of sediment as indicators of post-glacial environmental changes off the Shandong Peninsula in the Yellow Sea. Continental Shelf Research, 29(7): 846–855. doi: 10.1016/j.csr.2009.01.002

Liu Jian, Saito Y, Wang Hong, et al. 2007. Sedimentary evolution of the Holocene subaqueous clinoform off the Shandong Peninsula in the Yellow Sea. Marine Geology, 236(3–4): 165–187

Miao Fengmin, Li Guangtian, Fu Wenxia, et al. 1995. Preliminary study of the sedimentary environments in the sea area around Changshan Islands of the North Yellow Sea. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 15(1): 131–141

Milliman J D, Syvitski J P M. 1992. Geomorphic/tectonic control of sediment discharge to the ocean: the importance of small mountainous rivers. The Journal of Geology, 100(5): 525–544. doi: 10.1086/629606

Nichol S L, Heap A D, Daniell J. 2011. High resolution geomorphic map of a submerged marginal plateau, northern Lord Howe Rise, east Australian margin. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography, 58(7–8): 889–898

Nittrouer C A, Kuehl S A, Figueiredo A G, et al. 1996. The geological record preserved by Amazon shelf sedimentation. Continental Shelf Research, 16(5–6): 817–841

Qi Jun, Li Fengye, Song Jinming, et al. 2004. Sedimentation rate and flux of the North Yellow Sea. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 24(2): 9–14

Qiao Shuqing, Shi Xuefa, Wang Guoqing, et al. 2017. Sediment accumulation and budget in the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea and East China Sea. Marine Geology, 390: 270–281. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2017.06.004

Qin Yunshan. 1989. Geology of the Yellow Sea (in Chinese). Beijing: China Ocean Press, 289

Shen Zhongyan, Gao Jinyao, Yang Chunguo, et al. 2013. Characteristics of the Neogene-Quaternary faults in the North Yellow Sea Basin and the Inheritance to the Paleogene faults. Earth Science-Journal of China University of Geosciences, 38(S1): 53–60

Su Jilan,Yuan Yeli. 2005. China Offshore Hydrology. Beijing: China Ocean Press, 1–192

Wang Wei, Li Anchun, Xu Fangjian, et al. 2009. Distribution of surface sediments and sedimentary environment in the North Yellow Sea. Oceanologia et Limnologia Sinica, 40(5): 525–531

Wang Bing, Zhang Xin, Luan Zhendong, et al. 2018. Seabed domes with circular depressions in the North Yellow Sea. Journal of Oceanology and Limnology, 36(6): 2154–2165. doi: 10.1007/s00343-019-7173-6

Xiao Yuzhong, Miao Fengmin. 1995. Characteristics and source of the surface sediments from the offshore water of the Changsan Archipelago. Journal of Oceanography of Huanghai & Bohai Seas, 13(1): 24–30

Xu Dongyu, Liu Xiqing, Zhang Xunhua, et al. 1997. China Offshore Geology. Beijing: Geological Publishing House, 312

Yang Zuosheng, Liu J P. 2007. A unique Yellow River-derived distal subaqueous delta in the Yellow Sea. Marine Geology, 240(1–4): 169–176

Zhang Shuwen, Wang Qingye, Lü Youyu, et al. 2008. Observation of the seasonal evolution of the Yellow Sea cold water mass in 1996–1998. Continental Shelf Research, 28(3): 442–457. doi: 10.1016/j.csr.2007.10.002

Zheng Guangying. 1991. Quaternary Geology of the Yellow Sea (in Chinese). Beijing: Science Press

Relative Articles

Supplements(0)

Cited By

Proportional views