Spatiotemporal differentiation and development process of tidal creek network morphological characteristics in the Yellow River Delta

Tidal creeks are the main channels of land-sea ecosystem interactions, and their high dynamics an important factor affecting hydrological connectivity tidal flats. Taking Yellow River Delta as research area, we selected remote sensing images obtained during five periods from 1998 to 2018 data sources. Based on spatial analysis function in GIS, typical morphological characteristics creeks, such level, length, density, curvature, bifurcation ratio, overmarsh path length (OPL), were extracted characterize degree development wetlands. The spatio-temporal evolution was studied, process different stages investigated. results revealed that (1) number, ratio exhibit increasing trend, but growth trend is slowing. number increased by 44.9% initial stage diversion late wetland restoration, it only 26.2% restoration slow expansion Spartina alterniflora. (2) curvature landward side greater than seaward side. (3) creek has heterogenetiy, which Area III > II I. (4) drainage efficiency significantly correlated with creak density ratio. various parameters efficiency, found after rapid change system early stage, entered a state change, tends be dynamic balance. this study expected provide scientific support for sustainable utilization coastal