ABSTRACT This study investigates sediment transport in river-influenced coastal areas via numerical simulation, focusing on improving the critical shear stress method to accurately predict erosion-deposition patterns. A three-dimensional model integrating hydrodynamic, wave, and sediment transport modules was developed for a southeastern Chinese coastal region. Ten scenarios were simulated to compare traditional and improved critical shear stress methods under varying environmental conditions, validated using 2022–2023 field measurements. Results show the improved method reduces RMSE by 24% and increases correlation coefficients by 18% versus traditional approaches. Distinct transport patterns emerged under different hydrological conditions, with extreme events dominating sediment redistribution. River-wave interactions created complex transport dynamics, particularly when waves and currents aligned, enhancing bottom shear stress by 1.2–2.8 times. Integrating hydrodynamic processes, sediment properties, and morphological feedback improves representation of complex coastal dynamics. Climate change projections indicate sea-level rise may alter sediment transport non-linearly. This enhanced model offers practical tools for coastal management, navigation optimization, and infrastructure planning in river-dominated regions facing climate and anthropogenic pressures.
Feng et al. (Mon,) studied this question.