Improved ecological development model for lower Yellow River floodplain,China

In this study, a model for the development of the wide floodplain in the lower Yellow River Basin, in China was developed. This model includes flood control schemes using grading criteria, enables sediment deposition in partitioned zones, and allows free exchange between channel runoff and sediment. The wide floodplain located between the main channel and levees is divided into three typical regions: the tender, low, and high floodplains. Different ecological models should be applied when these floodplains are constructed. This paper describes the associated research ideas and methodology, and clarifies several key issues, including sediment prediction and regulation, land planning, land use, and a multi-dimensional framework of safeguard measures for industries on the lower Yellow River floodplain. A refined ecological development model is proposed for the lower Yellow River floodplain, and future work on ecological and sustainable development of the lower floodplain is suggested. To establish a comprehensive system integrating runoff and sediment resource regulation in the Yellow River Basin, future work should focus on runoff and sediment exchange mechanisms in the wandering lower reaches. Furthermore, it is necessary to improve theories on floodplain planning and ecological construction, and these theories should be integrated with the research findings on land development across the lower Yellow River floodplain.