Long-term process-based morphodynamic modeling of the Pearl River Delta

Abstract

The Pearl River Delta (PRD) is one of the most complex large-scale estuarine systems in China. A long-term morphodynamic model is developed to simulate the evolution of the PRD and its estuarine system. The driving forces and control factors considered in the model include river discharge, representative tides, and sediment supply from the Pearl River system; sediment compaction; neotectonic movement; and sea-level variation. Core data with 14 C dating at 40 locations are used to validate the model output with satisfactory results. New findings on the mid-Holocene evolution of the PRD show that the delta's chronological and spatial evolution pattern is different from those found in previous studies in several respects. The model confirms that complex morphologies, e.g., rocky islands in shallow estuarine bays, are some of the most important factors affecting the long-term evolution of the PRD.

Holocene sedimentary of the Pearl River Delta in South China: OSL and radiocarbon dating of cores from Zhuhai

“…Such a turbulent environment is unfavorable for the existence of TBJFs . Recent studies reported that the TBJFs enhanced seafloor erosion in the tidal channel with strong influx and convergence of palaeo-tidal energy (Wu et al, 2010;Wei and Wu, 2014). A long-term morphodynamic model simulated the tidal current velocity in the PRD, showing that the highest Stratigraphic transect along the palaeo-valley from central deltaic plain to the Modaomen estuary showing the distribution of major sediment facies and the seaward-thickening Holocene stratum.…”

Quantifying delta channel network changes with Landsat time-series data

“…The evaluation of the impacts of other forms of human activity and the measurement of their influence on channel changes is difficult, since it requires more long-term integrated observations and high-accuracy process-based modeling (Nahon et al, 2012;Wei and Wu, 2014). It is known that vegetation degradation and terrestrial mining generally increase the sediment inputs into river systems and alter rainwater runoff.…”

Distribution, seasonality, optical characteristics, and fluxes of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the Pearl River (Zhujiang) estuary, China

“…Ranked the second largest in China and the thirteenth largest in the world (Zhang et al, 2008), the Pearl River discharges a freshwater volume of 285 ×10 9 m 3 year −1 to the South China Sea. The West River is the largest tributary, contributing 73% of the Pearl River's total freshwater discharge, followed by the North River (14%), and the East River (8%) (Wei and Wu, 2014). The PRE receives 50-55% of the Pearl River's total freshwater flow from four major water outlets, namely Humen, Jiaomen, Hongqimen, and Hengmen (Mikhailov et al, 2006), with Humen providing 35% of the freshwater input to the PRE, followed by Jiaomen (33%), Hengmen (20%), and Hongqimen (12%) (Kot and Hu, 1995).…”

“…The PRE receives 50-55% of the Pearl River's total freshwater flow from four major water outlets, namely Humen, Jiaomen, Hongqimen, and Hengmen (Mikhailov et al, 2006), with Humen providing 35% of the freshwater input to the PRE, followed by Jiaomen (33%), Hengmen (20%), and Hongqimen (12%) (Kot and Hu, 1995). About 70% to 80% of the freshwater discharge in the Pearl River occurs in the wet season (April-September) and only 20-30% in the dry season (October-March) (Wei and Wu, 2014).…”