Role of Xiaolangdi Reservoir Operation in Keeping the Yellow River Estuary Healthy

摘要

With the recorded data of hydrology, sediment and large cross sections of the Yellow River estuary, the authors analyzed the changes in flow and sediment regimes at the estuary, the capacities of the channel for flow and sediment conveyance, eco-environment, and the others. The research results, among others, show that long-lasting low regimes of flow and sediment in the period from 1986 to 1999, prior to the operation of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir, threatened the estuarine life, while harmonious flow and sediment condition, which was made by the regulation of the reservoir since 1999, has eroded the estuarine channel bottom by more than 1m, increased the capacities of the channel for flow and sediment conveyance, stopped the river drying-up events from happening, and improved eco-environment in the estuary.