• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.148-159
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• 2021

This study estimates the region of freshwater influence (ROFI) by Han River discharge in the Yeomha channel, Gyeonggi Bay. A 3-D numerical model, which is validated for reproducibility of variation in current velocity and salinity, is applied in Gyeonggi Bay. Distance of freshwater influence (DOFI) is defined as the distance from the entrance of Yeomha channel to the point where surface salinity is 28 psu. Model scenarios were constructed by dividing the Han River discharge into 10 categories (200~10,000 m³/s). The relation equation between freshwater discharge and DOFI was calculated based on performing a non-linear regression analysis. ROFI in Yeomha channel expands from the southern sea area of Ganghwa-do to the northern sea area of Yeongheung-do as the intensity of Han River discharge increases. The discharge and DOFI are a proportional relationship, and the increase rate of DOFI gradually decreases as discharge increases. Based on the relation equation calculated in this study, DOFI in the Yeomha channel can be estimated through the monthly mean Han River discharge. Accordingly, it will be possible to respond and predict problems related to damage to water quality and ecology due to rapid freshwater runoff.