Long-term (1842–2006) morphological change and equilibrium state of the Changjiang (Yangtze) Estuary, China

The 165 year morphological evolution of the Changjiang (Yangtze) Estuary and its long-term equilibrium characteristics have been investigated using 16 selected maritime charts from 1842 to 2006. These charts were digitized and analyzed with a GIS to provide quantitative estimates of geomorphologic changes below selected bottom elevations. The results show that the Changjiang Estuary has experienced overall erosion over this 165 year period, having been affected by several large erosion and deposition episodes. It is found that the overall volume changes are less than 10% and aspect ratios of <5 have increased from 2% to ca. 30%. During this period, both coastlines and thalwegs have become straighter and more aligned with the propagation direction of offshore tidal current, indicating that the estuary is approaching dynamic equilibrium. Based on variations of aspect ratios and thalweg movements, five types of stable channels were identified. Significant topographical changes, including infilling after 1958 and erosion after 1980, are principally associated with engineering work around the estuary and a reduction in sediment supply. Although human influence only notably occurred at certain locations in the estuary, such as upstream node of an estuary, it had a significant impact on the overall geomorphologic evolution. In addition to these anthropogenic effects, freshwater flow, sediment discharges, tide propagation and Coriolis force are also found to play important roles in channel development within the estuary. By contrast, changes in other factors such as sea level changes and wave climate were considered to be of relatively minor importance in the morphological evolution process of the estuary.

► We examined 165 year morphological evolution of the Changjiang Estuary.
► Geomorphologic indexes show the estuary is approaching dynamic equilibrium now.
► We identify five types of stable channels using aspect ratios and thalweg movements.
► Freshwater flow and tide propagation play important roles in estuarine evolution.
► Significant topographical changes are principally the result of human activities.