Scientific investigation on the entire Yellow River basin:understanding and reflections
Jin Zhao
Yu Xin
Li Zhenhong
Tan Liangcheng
Li Junhua
Abstract：The scientific investigation of the Yellow River basin adopts a holistic approach,focusing on the basin as a system.From the perspective of multi-sphere,multi-scale,and multi-factor interactions within earth system science,it examines climate change,large-scale human activities,ecological environment security,and water-sediment balance.The aim is to provide scientific and technological support for ecological protection and high-quality development of the basin.Preliminary findings from investigations conducted in 2023 and 2024 are summarized as follows:(1)Upstream:The spatial and temporal distribution of water resources in water-conserving areas has undergone significant changes due to global warming.While water availability in the upstream Yellow River may increase,the duration of this trend requires further research.Large-scale landslides have developed in upstream canyons,with some showing signs of reactivation due to increased rainfall.There is a feedback effect between large hydropower projects and geological environments,with sediment deposition and reservoir bank landslides posing potential risks to hydropower operations.(2)Midstream:Practices such as converting farmland to forests and grasslands,gully restoration,photovoltaic sand control,rainwater harvesting for irrigation,and rural revitalization on the Loess Plateau demonstrate innovative approaches.However,there is insufficient understanding of the constraints between artificial vegetation restoration and water resource carrying capacity,highlighting the need for a"green development based on water conditions"strategy.Sandstorms and sediment deposition in the Ω-shaped Yellow River bend exacerbate the risk of"emerging suspended rivers",requiring systematic desert management.Additionally,the region's vulnerability to extreme weather-induced soil erosion and disasters remains under-addressed,necessitating comprehensive and integrated management strategies.(3)Downstream:Investigations of the Yellow River's lower reaches over the past 5000 years have revealed patterns of channel migration and evolution,as well as the impact of century-scale and millennial-scale floods on human societies.Studies on the current state of suspended and secondary suspended rivers emphasize that preventing levee breaches remains a top priority.Challenges in floodplain management call for rational floodplain planning,tailored policies,integrated downstream management,and measures to relocate residents from low floodplain areas while ensuring flood safety and land use optimization in higher floodplain areas.Currently,the scientific investigation of the Yellow River basin lacks systematic and comprehensive efforts.It is recommended to establish interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral research teams to conduct in-depth and integrated studies across the entire basin,develop a governance system that connects the upstream,midstream,and downstream regions,promoting an eco-environmental balance,water-sediment equilibrium,and sustainable economic and social development,and propose adaptation and response stragies.
Keywords：the Yellow Riverentire basinscientific investigationearth system scienceholistic basin system
Publication Date：2024-12-12
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 7-11,6 )