Acta Geographica Sinica ›› 2014, Vol. 69 ›› Issue (5): 595-606.doi: 10.11821/dlxb201405003

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Influencing factors and classifications of arc-shaped coasts in South China

LI Zhiqiang1, LI Weiquan1, CHEN Zishen2, ZHU Yamin3   

  1. 1. Ocean Engineering Department of Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, Guangdong, China;
    2. Department of Water Resources and Environment, Sun Yet-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China;
    3. State Oceanic Marine Environmental Monitor Center of Zhuhai, State Oceanic Administration of China, Zhuhai 519015, Guangdong, China
  • Received:2014-01-12 Revised:2014-03-14 Online:2014-05-20 Published:2014-05-20
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.40806036;Breeding Project of Education Department of Guangdong Province;Guangdong Ocean University Young Group Science Foundation

Abstract: Using the principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis and nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis, 10 factors affecting coastal plain shape and hydrodynamic of 47 arc-shaped coasts were analyzed, aiming to study the influencing factors and classification spectrum of arc-shaped coast in South China. The results show that: (1) the plane forms of South China's arc-shaped coasts were mainly controlled by geological structure conditions, hydrodynamic conditions (wave and tidal range) and sediment supply. (2) The arc-shaped coasts in South China can be divided into four categories, and each category has several small types. The first category is meso-and macrotidal coast; the second is strong wave coast; the third is geological structure controlled large arc-shaped coast; the fourth, consisting of Yangpu Bay and Puqian Bay, is a unique type of arc-shaped coast. (3) Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis reveals the effects of morphodynamic factors on the coastal shape and the types, which shows that the categories are objective. These conclusions will be helpful to the arc-shaped coasts processes research and engineering constructions in South China.

Key words: coastal plain configuration, arc-shaped coast, cluster analysis, principle component analysis, nonmetric multidimensional scaling