The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Bayhead subaqueous delta evolution under human impact within the multi-outlet Pearl River Estuary
ID:1567 Oral Presentation

2027-01-15 14:30 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 52 - Sea-Level Change and Coastal System Response from Deglaciation to the Future

Abstract
Over the past century, human activities have greatly altered the geomorphology of the multi-outlet system at the Pearl River Estuary bayhead. Combining sediment cores, seismic data, bathymetric records and morphodynamic simulations, this paper explores sedimentary and geomorphic variations of the Hongqili subaqueous delta under intensive human interference. Grain-size analysis via K-means clustering distinguishes three sedimentary facies, consistent with distributions of residual currents and suspended sediments. Driven by converging currents from adjacent outlets, its deposits appear asymmetric and elongated, differing from those of single-outlet deltas, with the delta front offshore boundary at the ~5 m isobath. A three-stage evolution model is established considering anthropogenic impacts: natural southward progradation in Stage I, eastward shift of currents, sediment transport and depocenter due to channel incision and reclamation in Stage II, and dominant eastward migration of the depocenter in Stage III. This reveals that coastal reclamation profoundly reshapes estuarine delta sediment dispersal, and the model can be adapted for similar multi-outlet tidal deltas.
 
Speaker
Junjie Deng Sun Yat-sen University;School of Marine Sciences

Author
Junjie Deng Sun Yat-sen University;School of Marine Sciences

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027