Damming-Induced Hydrogeomorphic Transition in Downstream Channel and Delta: A Case Study of the Yellow River, China

River dynamics and sediment budget play a crucial role in shaping geomorphic variability of river channels deltaic environments. Basin-scale human activities, including dam construction, induce alterations flow the downstream to delta, quantification source shift along fluvial-deltaic systems is often uncertain. This study analyzed regime changes typical sediment-laden system—the lower Yellow (LYR) Delta (YRD) —to assess integrated effects impoundment dam-based regulation schemes on hydrogeomorphic transition processes. The Xiaolangdi (XLD) Reservoir, which was completed 2000 with total storage 12.7 km3, final reservoir located middle plays an important flood control energy supply. Following full operation XLD relationship between water LYR became more balanced, drastic decline input seasonal migrations floodwaters. interannual levels at hydrological stations indicated from net deposition erosion state. building Reservoir caused river-originated 48% delivered YRD derived LYR. However, reduced delivery since has still triggered land loss regarding system, strong spatial dominated by accretion active delta front abandoned mouth coastal engineering zone. Compared other environmental factors, construction upstream dams contributed most over past decades. challenge for sustainable management gradual scouring efficiency as riverbed coarsening. Our suggests that future strategies should consider sustainability both system.