Vertical distribution characteristics of suspended particulate matter and their influential factors in the central Yellow Sea during spring and summer

Key Points

• The study aims to analyze the vertical distribution characteristics of suspended particulate matter influenced by environmental factors in the Yellow Sea.
• In situ observations using LISST-100 and RBR620 CTD during spring and summer
• Measurement of suspended particulate matter concentration and particle size
• Assessment of phytoplankton distribution and hydrodynamic conditions
• In spring, deeper water exhibited uniform vertical mixing, while sub-surface showed about 4 days of phytoplankton blooms.
• Summer conditions revealed significant stratification with two distinct layers at depths of 15-20 m and 25-35 m.
• High concentrations of suspended particulate matter in spring were due to phytoplankton blooms with particle sizes of 10-20 μm.
• In summer, larger particles (greater than 250 μm) were prevalent near stratified layers, resulting in heightened suspended matter levels.