Basic characteristics of the unbalanced water-sediment relationship in the Yellow River and comprehensive regulation strategies
MU Xingmin
SUN Wenyi
GAO Peng
SONG Xiaoyan
Abstract：The unbalanced water-sediment relationship is a major challenge in the governance of the Yellow River,and this systemic imbalance has led to continuous aggradation of the riverbed in the lower reaches and a steadily increasing flood risk.Systematically revealing the internal mechanisms underlying the unbalanced water-sediment relationship is a prerequisite for the scientific formulation of governance strategies.From three aspects including quantitative imbalance characterized by"less water and more sediment",spatial dislocation caused by"different sources of water and sediment",and temporal mismatch reflected in"inconsistent water-sediment processes",this paper systematically analyzes the manifestation characteristics and formation mechanisms of the unbalanced water-sediment relationship in the Yellow River.Based on historical experience in Yellow River management and contemporary governance practices,a system-oriented approach to integrated basin management is proposed.The core strategies include:continuously strengthening soil and water conservation and ecological restoration in the middle reaches,taking soil and water conservation as the foundation for water and sediment regulation,controlling soil erosion at the source,and reducing sediment input to the Yellow River;optimizing and improving the joint water-sediment regulation system centered on main-stem water conservancy hubs,scientifically defining the water demand for sediment transport,and enhancing sediment regulation capacity;establishing a broad concept of water resources to alleviate constraints imposed by natural water scarcity and improve water-use efficiency;and strengthening the application of digital information technologies,promoting the development of the digital twin Yellow River,and enhancing the intelligent level of water-sediment regulation.This study aims to provide scientific support and decision-making references for promoting ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin.
Keywords：unbalanced water-sediment relationshipfloodsedimentsoil and water conservationgovernance strategiesthe Yellow River
Publication Date：2026-01-12
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-27(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 59-64 )