Evolultion of Modern Yellow River Delt Coast

This paper studies erosion and deposition rates and developmental evolution of the modern Yellow River delta coast in different periods, based on comparisons of nautical charts, topographic maps, satellite photographs and air photographs of different times as well as field surveys and tidal flat profiles. In June 1996, Yellow River's terminal course was artificially turned eastwards to empty into the sea and then the 11th lobe of the modern river delta began to form. This course change may mark the beginning of the 3rd subdelta formation. As a result of that, the Yellow River delta advances towards east by north with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd subdeltas arranging in succession. Coast zone in the deltaic area is divided into 7 different sections: relatively stable section from Dakou River to Shunjiang Stream, weakly retreating section from Shunjiang Stream to Tiaohe River mouth, strongly retreating section from Tiaohe River mouth to station 106, artificially stable section due to stone dam protection from station 106 to Gudong Oilfield, strong deposition section from Gudong Oilfield to Dawenliu Haipu, weakly deposition section from Dawenliu Haipu to Zimai Stream mouth, and stable section from Zimai Stream mouth to Jiaolai River mouth. It is predicted that the erosion and deposition situation of the sections will nearly remain the same in 10 years, but retreating and silting-up rates will tend to become slower gradually. Human activities have an evident influence on the changes of the coastline.