The study looked at how changes to tidal flats in Xiangshan Bay affected the water flow. By using computer simulations, the researchers found that reducing tidal flat areas altered the tides in the bay. The changes slightly decreased the strength of some tides and shifted their timing, while increasing the strength of others. This led to a decrease in the dominance of ebb tides in the bay. The shape and size of the tidal flats played a significant role in shaping the water flow patterns. Overall, the study suggests that altering tidal flats can have a big impact on the flow of water in narrow bays like Xiangshan Bay.