An overview of ecohydrology of the Yellow River delta wetland

Abstract

The combined effects of geophysical and ecological processes, such as water and sediment load, land use change, eustatic sea level rise, land subsidence, and wetland loss, have produced a dynamic eco-hydrologic environment of the Yellow River delta (YRD) in northern China. Recent changes due to socio-economic forces and climate change have threatened the status of YRD wetland as important habitats of endangered species of wild birds and hatchery of aquatic animals on the brink of extinction. This review demonstrates that water-sediment regulation scheme (WSRS) in the last 10 years has brought some ecological benefits to the wetlands, but more recent observations have indicated diminishing effectiveness of the engineering projects. Although research has been conducted to monitor, evaluate, and predict the ecological and hydrological conditions of the YRD, tremendous knowledge gaps still exist for the sustainable management of the YRD for multiple objectives of natural reserve, energy extraction, and agricultural production. Therefore, ecologists and hydrologists should work together with social scientists and policy makers to develop a holistic plan that not only maintains the ecological integrity but also improves the livelihood of people in the YRD.