Resilient spatial design strategies research of urban inland rivers: The case of Xinghai Lake wetland in Ningxia, China

Abstract

Improving the resilience of rivers is a crucial method for mitigating urban flooding, restoring the ecological role of rivers, and promoting sustainable ecological development. This study specifically examines the relationship between changes in river morphology and river elasticity space, using the Xinghai Lake wetland as a case study. The MIKE 21 numerical model is employed to simulate and analyze the morphology changes of Xinghai Lake under various conditions during both the low-water and high-water periods. The findings indicated that during the period of abundant water, the inundation area of Xinghai Lake increased by 1.64 times, the average water level rose by 0.96 m, and the average flow speed decreased by approximately 11.8 % compared to the flat water period under the circulating condition within the lake. By utilizing Xinghai Lake as a channel for overflowing Yellow River water, the stability of the lake's body is improved. When Xinghai Lake is utilized as the channel for water from the Yellow River, it contributes to the increased stability of the lake. Based on the morphological characteristics of various river sections, this study identifies the potential areas for scouring, eutrophication, and flooding in the future. It also suggests specific strategic solutions to improve the resilience and ecological robustness of the river. These proposals aim to provide scientific support for enhancing the ecological robustness of urban inland lakes.