The Influence of Water and Sediment Regulation on the Erosion and Deposition of the Yellow River Subaqueous Delta

Based on the numerical simulation software Delft3D v4.01.00, this study established a three-dimensional water and sediment transport model for the Yellow River subaqueous delta, and simulated the water and sediment diffusion as well as erosion/deposition processes in the study area in 2019. By comparing the water discharge, sediment discharge, and deposition volume of 2019 (a year with water and sediment regulation) and 2017 (a year without water and sediment regulation), the influence of water and sediment regulation on the Yellow River subaqueous delta was explored. The results showed that water and sediment regulation projects change the distribution and diffusion of suspended sediment. Suspended sediment concentration in nearshore areas showed a significant correlation with deposition depth, particularly in the estuary area. When the water and sediment regulation was interrupted in 2017, the overall performance of the study area showed erosion, while when the water and sediment regulation was implemented in 2019, the study area exhibited sedimentation. The implementation of the water and sediment regulation project can promote the sedimentation of the subaqueous delta of the Yellow River.