End-member characteristics of sediment grain size in modern Yellow River delta sediments and its environmental significance

Introduction The sediments of the Yellow River delta record environmental changes in basin on a long time scale and are sensitive to river diversion sedimentary environment evolution. Methods In this study, cores YDC YDG near estuary since 1976 were taken as research object, parameterized end-member analysis model was used analyze grain-size data cores. Results results show that: main silty sand (58% 77.9%). parameters showed opposite with wide ranges mixed sizes obviously. End member 1 (EM1) end 2 (EM2) composed clay fine silt particle 0.04 mm 9.8 mm, respectively, deposited under weak hydrodynamic conditions during long-distance transport along River. 3 (EM3) 4 (EM4) coarse mode 40.14 66.89 respectively. These by waves tidal currents strong dynamic conditions. Discussion According channel facies modern delta, before diverted 1996, both estuary-front bar environment. Qing 8 course. Subsequently, core changed delta-plain facies, delta-front facies. sediment sources two from coastal erosion resuspension. siltation erosion. study great practical significance for management engineering construction can provide scientific basis ecological protection high-quality development basin.