Author(s): Guoan Yu; Heqing Huang; Zhaoyin Wang
Linked Author(s): Guo-an Yu, He Qing Huang, Zhaoyin Wang
Keywords: Fluvial morphology; Features; Difference; Source region; Yangtze and Yellow Rivers
Abstract: The broad characterization and differentiation of river morphology in the source region of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers is compared and analyzed. The source region of the Yangtze River contains generally less diverse morphology and channel patterns. It is dominated by mainly wide and shallow valleys with braided channel patterns, though meandering or straight channel patterns also occur in laterally-confined reaches. By contrast, the source region of the Yellow River exhibits greater morphological diversity. The range of river planforms along its trunk stream and tributaries includes braided, anabranching, anastomosing, meandering and straight rivers. The macro-relief (elevation, gradient, slope aspects, valley alignment and confinement) of the region, linked directly to tectonic movement of Qinghai-Tibet plateau, tied to climatic, hydrologic and biotic considerations, have affected patterns of river diversity in this region.
Year: 2013