Based on a 3D hydrodynamic model developed on SELFE

the tidal energy fluxes and dissipation of the Pearl River estuary were discussed. The results showed that the tidal energy flux distribution corresponded to the topography beneath water in the estuary

and the Pearl River estuary can be divided into four zones: LingdingyangHumen zone

Modaomen estuary zone

HuangmaohaiTanjiang zone

and river net zone. There existed a hot spot zone (called “men” in Chinese) with high energy dissipation

about 1~2 order magnitude higher than the nearby water area

in these zones.