Variability of the Bottom Boundary Layer Induced by the Dynamics of the Cross‐Isobath Transport Over a Variable Shelf

Abstract The bottom boundary layer (BBL) dynamics play an important role in regulating the energy, momentum balance, and circulation in the shallow shelf areas. Unlike previous studies that disconnected BBL with background variable shelf circulation, we investigate the dynamic connection between the wind‐driven shelf circulation and BBL dynamics, and show the spatial characteristics of BBL dynamics in response to three‐dimensional (3D) heterogeneous transport over the highly variable shelf topography in the Northern South China Sea. Our process‐oriented modeling study demonstrates that the mixing dynamics and upslope buoyancy transport over varying shelf topography alter the spatial variability of BBL dynamics. Driven by southwesterly upwelling‐favorable winds, the along‐shelf current generated a frictional upslope Ekman transport. The along‐isobath pressure gradient force () formed by the flow‐topography interactions over the meandering shelf induces the geostrophic cross‐isobath transport. The downwave (upwave) enhances (offset) the frictional upslope transport over the east (west) of the shelf that has a concaving (uniform) bottom topography. Over the eastern shelf with concave isobaths, the intensified and upslope cross‐isobath dense water transport strengthen stratification and weaken the effect of bottom stress‐induced mixing, limiting the development of the BBL. The antithesis occurs over the western shelf, where a small bottom stress controls the BBL. River discharge and the tidal current modulate the alongshore current, upslope transport, bottom stress intensity, and BBL development. We model the trajectory of seabed particles as they respond to the BBL dynamic regimes, and find that high (low) concentration, short (long) suspension time, and strong (weak) shoreward transport occurover the eastern (western) shelf, respectively.