Variation process and simulation of main channel storage capacity of the Lower Yellow River over the past 50 years

Key Points

• The research aims to clarify the variation process of main channel storage capacity in the Lower Yellow River over the past 50 years and assess contributing factors.
• Analyzed data from 91 large cross-sections in the Lower Yellow River from 1970 to 2020.
• Calculated main channel storage capacity using a truncated cone method.
• Developed a lag response simulation model based on average flow and sediment concentration data.
• Assessed the impact of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir on channel storage capacity.
• Main channel storage capacity showed a trend of small increase (1970-1985) followed by a large decrease (1985-2000) and then a significant increase (2000-2020).
• The Xiaolangdi Reservoir contributed to a storage increase from 1.039 billion m³ in 2000 to 2.747 billion m³ in 2020, with an average growth of 5%.
• The developed lag response model effectively simulated annual storage changes with R² values between 0.8480 and 0.9325.

Abstract