Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE  A

Accepted manuscript available online (unedited version)


Morphodynamics and controlling mechanisms of subaqueous crescentic dunes in the western offshore region of Hainan Island


Author(s):  Hang SUN1, 2, 3, Qi ZHANG2, Botao XIE2, Bo MIAO4, 5, Lizhong WANG1, Guoxin LI6, Yufei LI7, Qin GAO8

Affiliation(s):  1Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China 2Engineering Research and Design Institute, CNOOC Research Institute, Beijing 100028, China 3Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Offshore Civil Engineering and Materials, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China 4Institute of Coastal Systems - Analysis and Modeling, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht 21502, Germany 5Institute of Oceanography, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability, University of Hamburg, Hamburg 20148, Germany 6CNOOC China Ltd., Tianjin Branch, Tianjin 300450, China 7China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL), Tianjin 300459, China 8Advanced Nantong Institute of Southeast University, Nantong 226010, China

Corresponding email(s):  Lizhong WANG, wanglz@zju.edu.cn

Key Words:  Subaqueous dunes; Tidal current dynamics; Suspended sediment; Growth scale; Water depth control; Dynamic evolution


Share this article to: More <<< Previous Paper|

Hang SUN1,2,3, Qi ZHANG2, Botao XIE2, Bo MIAO4,5, Lizhong WANG1, Guoxin LI6, Yufei LI7, Qin GAO8. Morphodynamics and controlling mechanisms of subaqueous crescentic dunes in the western offshore region of Hainan Island[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science A,in press.Frontiers of Information Technology & Electronic Engineering,in press.https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.A2500641

@article{title="Morphodynamics and controlling mechanisms of subaqueous crescentic dunes in the western offshore region of Hainan Island",
author="Hang SUN1,2,3, Qi ZHANG2, Botao XIE2, Bo MIAO4,5, Lizhong WANG1, Guoxin LI6, Yufei LI7, Qin GAO8",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science A",
year="in press",
publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
doi="https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.A2500641"
}

%0 Journal Article
%T Morphodynamics and controlling mechanisms of subaqueous crescentic dunes in the western offshore region of Hainan Island
%A Hang SUN1
%A
2
%A
3
%A Qi ZHANG2
%A Botao XIE2
%A Bo MIAO4
%A
5
%A Lizhong WANG1
%A Guoxin LI6
%A Yufei LI7
%A Qin GAO8
%J Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE A
%P
%@ 1673-565X
%D in press
%I Zhejiang University Press & Springer
doi="https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.A2500641"

TY - JOUR
T1 - Morphodynamics and controlling mechanisms of subaqueous crescentic dunes in the western offshore region of Hainan Island
A1 - Hang SUN1
A1 -
2
A1 -
3
A1 - Qi ZHANG2
A1 - Botao XIE2
A1 - Bo MIAO4
A1 -
5
A1 - Lizhong WANG1
A1 - Guoxin LI6
A1 - Yufei LI7
A1 - Qin GAO8
J0 - Journal of Zhejiang University Science A
SP -
EP -
%@ 1673-565X
Y1 - in press
PB - Zhejiang University Press & Springer
ER -
doi="https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.A2500641"


Abstract: 
Subaqueous dunes hold significant research value in sedimentary geomorphology and marine engineering. Based on two phases of multibeam bathymetric surveys conducted in the western offshore region of Hainan Island, this study systematically examines the geometric characteristics and dynamic evolutionary mechanisms of subaqueous dunes. The results show that dune formation is governed by multiple interacting factors, including hydrodynamics, sediment transport processes, and water depth, with tidal currents serving as the primary driving force for dune initiation and growth. Dune evolution is jointly modulated by the interplay between bedload transport and suspended sediment concentration. The lag effect of suspended sediments represents a key mechanism contributing to dune development, while dune morphological stability is constrained by suspended sediments as well as by limitations imposed by water depth. Specifically, crest erosion suppresses further increases in dune height, whereas water depth regulates the critical scale of dune growth. Subaqueous crescentic dune height plays a dominant role in controlling morphological stability and hydrodynamic response, whereas dune width exhibits strong linear relationships with both height and wavelength, highlighting its integrative role in linking vertical and horizontal morphological development. The growth of crescentic dunes proceeds through four successive stages: initiation, chasing, merging, and splitting. Throughout this evolutionary sequence, sediment supply plays a crucial role in regulating dune wavelength and shaping the overall morphology. Correspondingly, dune geomorphology evolves sequentially from crescentic to curved, bifurcated, and ultimately linear forms. This study offers theoretical support and practical insights for understanding seabed geomorphic evolution, regional sediment dynamics, and marine engineering applications.

Darkslateblue:Affiliate; Royal Blue:Author; Turquoise:Article

Reference

Open peer comments: Debate/Discuss/Question/Opinion

<1>

Please provide your name, email address and a comment





Full Text:  <10>

CLC number: 

On-line Access: 2026-06-01

Received: 2025-12-07

Revision Accepted: 2026-04-09

Crosschecked: 0000-00-00

Cited: 0

Clicked: 24

Citations:  Bibtex RefMan EndNote GB/T7714

Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE, 38 Zheda Road, Hangzhou 310027, China
Tel: +86-571-87952783; E-mail: cjzhang@zju.edu.cn
Copyright © 2000 - 2026 Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE