Natural and anthropogenic contributions to the landscape evolution in the Yellow River Delta wetland, China

The Yellow River Delta (YRD), a wetland ecosystem formed by the interactions of the river, sea, and land, is influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Understanding the characteristics of wetland landscape evolution in this region and its key driving factors is crucial for advancing wetland protection and restoration. This paper investigates the dynamics of wetland landscape evolution in the YRD from 1980 to 2023, and quantifies the impacts of natural and anthropogenic factors on this evolution, including their relative contribution rates. The results showed that over the past 40 years, the YRD has lost more than 63 % of its natural wetland area, primarily transforming into aquafarms, salt fields, and farmland. The fragmentation of the wetland landscape has increased, with decreased connectivity, and distinct spatial characteristics. Human activities, water-sediment fluxes, and nearshore hydrodynamics are closely related to wetland landscape evolution, with relative contribution rates of 49.41 %, 31.08 %, and 16.17 %, respectively. This study provides valuable insights for enhancing wetland ecological conservation efforts in the YRD.