A macro-tidal tropical estuary with high fluvial discharge is characterized by both fragility and remarkable dynamism.This study utilizes the Salween River Delta(SRD)as a case example to examine the interplay between ...A macro-tidal tropical estuary with high fluvial discharge is characterized by both fragility and remarkable dynamism.This study utilizes the Salween River Delta(SRD)as a case example to examine the interplay between morphology and vegetation under similar tidal conditions.Our analysis of correlations and inferences revealed several significant trends in the SRD:(1)an overall expansion of land area and intertidal vegetation,with the most pronounced changes occurring in the eastern sector;(2)the predominance of river discharge influencing the southwestern and northern sectors,contrasted with the primary impact of storm surges in the eastern sector;and(3)three distinct causal relationships among estuarine morphology,vegetation,storm surges,and river discharge:a direct model where river discharge shapes estuarine morphology,a progressive model in which river discharge affects vegetation distribution,subsequently influencing estuarine morphology,and a hybrid model where storm surges directly impact vegetation and indirectly modify its distribution through changes in estuarine morphology.The stability of sediment supply and the role of intertidal vegetation are crucial for the continuous seaward advance,providing a vital foundation for the protection and development of estuarine deltas.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.41906148,No.42271086Rejuvenating Yunnan Talents Support Plan Young Talent Program,No.XDYC-QNRC-2023-0322。
文摘A macro-tidal tropical estuary with high fluvial discharge is characterized by both fragility and remarkable dynamism.This study utilizes the Salween River Delta(SRD)as a case example to examine the interplay between morphology and vegetation under similar tidal conditions.Our analysis of correlations and inferences revealed several significant trends in the SRD:(1)an overall expansion of land area and intertidal vegetation,with the most pronounced changes occurring in the eastern sector;(2)the predominance of river discharge influencing the southwestern and northern sectors,contrasted with the primary impact of storm surges in the eastern sector;and(3)three distinct causal relationships among estuarine morphology,vegetation,storm surges,and river discharge:a direct model where river discharge shapes estuarine morphology,a progressive model in which river discharge affects vegetation distribution,subsequently influencing estuarine morphology,and a hybrid model where storm surges directly impact vegetation and indirectly modify its distribution through changes in estuarine morphology.The stability of sediment supply and the role of intertidal vegetation are crucial for the continuous seaward advance,providing a vital foundation for the protection and development of estuarine deltas.
