Seasonal Variation of Surface Sediments and Accumulation Rate on the Intertidal Flats in Hampyong Bay, Southwestern Coast of Korea

Grain-size distribution and accumulation rate of surface sediments on the tidal flats in Hampyong Bay, southwestern coast of Korea, were investigated in a sequential interval of 2 months for the period of 27 months (1994. 10~1996. 12). Seasonal variation of grain-size distribution is prevalent on the Shimock tidal flat in the southern side of the innerbay, rather than the Anarc tidal flat in the northern side around the baymouth. This variation, in particular, more distinctive in the areas around the both high and low tide water levels. The Shimock tidal flat shows typical seasonal variation of sedimentary processes, expected under monsoonal climate. Deposition of tine-grained sediments in summer dominates over erosion in winter, resulting in an annual accumulation rate of 3.7 mm/yr. In contrast, sedimentary processes on the Anarc tidal flat is abnormal that have experienced slight deposition of fine-grained sediments in the winter and severe erosion in the summer time, showing a negative annual accumulation rate of -49.6 mm/yr. Erosional processes in this area is interpreted due mainly to change of strength and direction of tidal currents, caused by the artificial construction of dyke for reclamation in the mid-tidal flat. As a result, It is immoderate to conclude whether sedimentary processes of Hampyong Bay is erosional or depositional at current situation. Further studies on sedimentary budget at the entrance to the bay are needed.