Morphodynamic evolution of the Xiaoqing River mouth: a Huanghe River-derived mixed energy estuary

Abstract

In an estuary, tidal, wave and other marine powers interact with the coast in different ways and affect estuary morphology as well as its evolution. In the Huanghe (Yellow) River estuaries and nearby delta, there are many small sediment-affected estuaries with a unique morphology, such as the Xiaoqing River estuary. In this study, we investigated the special evolution and genetic mechanism of the Xiaoqing River estuary by analyzing graphic and image data with a numerical simulation method. The results show that NE and NE-E tide waves are the main driving force for sandbar formation. Sediment shoals have originated from huge amounts of sediment from the Huanghe River, with consequent deposition at the Xiaoqing River mouth. The lateral suspended sediments beyond the river mouth move landward. Siltation takes place on the northern shoreline near the river mouth whereas erosion occurs in the south. The deposits come mainly from scouring of the shallow seabed on the northern side of the estuary. Storm surges speed up deposition in the estuary. Development of the sediment shoals has occurred in two steps involving the processes of growth and further southward extension. Although the southward shift increases the river curvature and length, the general eastward orientation of the estuary is unlikely to change. Processes on the adjacent shorelines do not affect the development of the sediment shoals. The study presents a morphodynamic evolutionary model for the Xiaoqing River estuary, with a long-term series cycle, within which a relatively short cycle occurs.