Seawater Exchange Processes through the Bays of Shirahama and Funaqui in Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan

A study on Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan, reveals that the bays of Shirahama and Funauki exhibit distinct seawater exchange patterns driven by tidal cycles. During high tide, water flows from Funauki Bay to Shirahama Bay, while during low tide, the flow reverses. This bidirectional movement is influenced by differences in bay depth and length, creating a stable environment where low-salinity river water can persist near the surface of Funauki Bay during summer months. The research combines observational data, numerical analysis, and theoretical modeling to elucidate these processes, providing insights into the physical dynamics that govern seawater exchange in coastal ecosystems.

YOSHINO, J., MURAKAMI, T., UKAI, A., KOHNO, H., KITA, K., SHIMOKAWA, S., SAKIHARA, K., & MIZUTANI, A. (2016). SEAWATER EXCHANGE PROCESSES THROUGH THE BAYS OF SHIRAHAMA AND FUNAUKI IN IRIOMOTE ISLAND, OKINAWA, JAPAN. Journal of Japan Society of Civil Engineers, Ser. B2 (Coastal Engineering), 72(2), I. https://doi.org/10.2208/kaigan.72.i_1207