Sedimentation rates in the lower Yellow River over the past 2300 years as influenced by human activities and climate change

Analysis of the sedimentary record has been used to determine the historical sedimentation rate in the lower Yellow River and the historical literature has been studied to obtain information on climate change and human activities. Based on the data obtained, the temporal variation in the sedimentation rate in the lower Yellow River over the past 2300 years has been studied in relation to climate change and the impact of human activities. The results indicate that the response of the sedimentation zone of Yellow River system to changes in the erosion zone are consistent with existing understanding. Changes in vegetation and land use, both related to climate change and human activities, are two major controls responsible for the increase in sedimentation rates. Additionally, the changing strategies for harnessing of the lower Yellow River are also responsible for such acceleration. With the trend of accelerated sedimentation in the past 2300 years, the period from the 7th to 10th centuries and the period since the mid-19th century have been identified as two periods in which abrupt changes occurred. Copyright (C) 2003 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.