Study on the frequency and principle of flood catastrophe in the Changjiang delta and its neighboring regions in the last 2000 years

Abstract

Documented materials, especially those about flooding catastrophe, are abundant comprehensive and well-preserved, which makes possible the systematical collection of materials about historical document about climate evolution in Changjiang (Yangtze) Delta region and its neighboring areas. We make good use of the exceptional information to discuss the genesis and principle of flooding in this region. Analysis shows that the main flooding periods in the studied region in the last 2000 years were the Western Jin Dynasty, Eastern Jin Dynasty, Northern and Southern Dynasties, Southern Song Dynasty, Yuan Dynasty, Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. The periods with flooding peak values were the 4th century, 5th century, 7th century, 9th century, early 12th century, early 14th century, mid-15th century, and early 18th century A. D. Possibility of reappearance of flooding peak value in the early 21st century will be great, and the hazard prevention and the hazard reduction will be still hard.