Author(s): Tang Jianhua; Xu Xuejun

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Intensive human interventions; The Yangtze River Estuary of China; Riverbed erosion-deposition; Tidal dynamics feedback

Abstract: To investigate the evolution of the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) of China and its tidal dynamics feedback under intensive human interventions, this study analyzed shoreline changes, erosion-deposition patterns, and tidal dynamics using bathymetric data of YRE from 1997 to 2023 and a calibrated tidal mathematical model. Results indicate that over the past two decades, YRE exhibited significant geomorphological transformations: shoreline progradation reduced river width by 2,400 m (25% narrowing), water area decreased by 643.79 km2 (11.5% loss), and channel deepening increased average water depth by 1.3 m. Tidal dynamics intensified in the South Branch, South Passage, and upper North Branch, while weakening in the North Channel, North Passage, and Hengsha Channel. Enhanced shallow-water tidal deformation and downstream shifts in irregular semi-diurnal tide zones were observed. These findings provide critical insights for estuarine management under anthropogenic pressures.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/978-90-835589-7-4_41WC-P1773-cd

Year: 2025