Decadal Morphological Evolution and Governance Measures of the South Branch, Changjiang Estuary

Hualong Luan, Jianyin Zhou, Mengyu Li (), Geng Qu, Shiming Yao, Musong Lin, Min Wang and Yuan Yuan
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Hualong Luan: Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
Jianyin Zhou: Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
Mengyu Li: Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
Geng Qu: Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
Shiming Yao: Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
Musong Lin: Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
Min Wang: Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China
Yuan Yuan: Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-21

Abstract: Estuaries and deltas hold significant socioeconomic importance and immense ecological value due to their dynamic geomorphic processes and unique geographical advantages. However, in recent decades, delta recession and the instability of river regimes have become global challenges, driven by intensive human interventions in upstream river basins and local regions. This study examines the South Branch of the Changjiang Estuary as a typical case to investigate its morphological evolution over the past decades and project future trends, offering suitable solutions to enhance the river regime stability. Analysis of bathymetric data reveals substantial channel–shoal adjustments in the South Branch from 1958 to 2016, characterized by significant erosion and deposition on a decadal scale. After 1997, reduced fluvial sediment supply has led to widespread erosion in the South Branch. Further disturbances at the Baimao Shoal and Biandan Shoal have exacerbated the instability of the river regime. Numerical predictions indicate continued erosion in the South Branch over the next 20 years, accompanied by further channel–shoal pattern adjustments. Hydrodynamic modeling of proposed measures demonstrates an improved flow ratio for the North Baimao Shoal Channel, contributing to enhanced channel–shoal system stability. These integrated governance measures have been incorporated into the latest renovation plan for the Changjiang Estuary. The findings provide valuable scientific guidance for the comprehensive management of the Changjiang Estuary and offer insights applicable to other large estuaries facing similar challenges.

Keywords: Changjiang Estuary; decadal morphological evolution; governance measures; South Branch; numerical simulation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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