Effect of tidal flat on seawater temperature variation in the southwest coast of Korea

Seawater temperature near macrotidal flats exhibits distinct semidiurnal variations, with ranges of 2–4°C during clear spring days. A developed model verified that heat exchange between shallow seawater zones and tidal flats significantly alters seawater temperature, regardless of season. Heat content changes can reach up to 581 J m−3 s−1 (0.5°C h−1). The study found maximum heat gain from the tidal flat (835 W m−2) in June 2004 and minimum heat loss to it (316 W m−2) in February 2004, highlighting seasonal dynamics of thermal energy exchange in these ecosystems.

Kim, T.-W., Cho, Y.-K., You, K.-W., & Jung, K. T. (2010). Effect of tidal flat on seawater temperature variation in the southwest coast of Korea. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 115(C2). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1029/2009jc005593