Effect of hydro-climate variation on biofilm dynamics and its impact in intertidal environments

Abstract. Shallow tidal environments are very productive ecosystems but sensitive to environmental changes and sea level rise. Bio-morphodynamic control of these is therefore a crucial consideration; however, the effect small-scale biological activity on large-scale cohesive sediment dynamics like basins estuaries still largely unquantified. This study advances our understanding by assessing influence biotic abiotic factors biologically transport morphology. An idealised benthic biofilm model incorporated in 1D morphodynamic tide-dominated channels. investigates range conditions growth their feedback morphological evolution entire intertidal channel. By carrying out sensitivity analysis bio-morphodynamic model, parameters (i) hydrodynamic disturbances, (ii) seasonality, (iii) rate, (iv) temperature variation (v) bio-cohesivity systematically changed. Results reveal that key such as rate strongly development determinants equilibrium configuration under disturbance periodicities intensities. Long-term simulations channel demonstrate disturbances induced tides play role shaping morphology bed presence surface increases time reach equilibrium. In locations characterised low forces, grows stabilises bed, inhibiting coarse (medium fine sand). These findings suggest beds results channels have significantly different characteristics terms stratigraphy compared sediments. It concluded inclusion bio-cohesion models essential predict estuary mitigate coastal erosion.