The threshold value of equilibrium sediment transport in the Lower Yellow River

Considering the possible water resource conditions of the Yellow River in the future, and the annual demand of water distribution process for multi-objective of ecological protection and social-economic development, the sediment threshold of equilibrium transportation in favor of maintaining the river ecology in the lower Yellow River was studied by means of the analysis of measured data, formula calculation and mathematical model simulation on the basis of the water and sediment data and river erosion data in the lower Yellow River. About 25 billion m3 of water will enter the lower Yellow River annually, and the thresh-old value of equilibrium sediment transport calculated by the measured data analysis and theoretical formula is 200-220 million tons, and the critical value of equilibrium sediment transport calculated by mathematical model is 250 million tons under the combined regulate and control of Xiaolangdi Reservoir and other existing engineering conditions. After the completion of Guxian reservoir and Xiaolangdi Reservoir in the middle Yellow River, the sediment transport efficiency can be further improved, and the threshold value of equilibrium sediment transport can be further increased. The research results are of great significance to the regulation of the lower Yellow River and can provide technical support for the optimization of sediment disposal measures of the Yellow River. © 2020, China Water Power Press. All right reserved.