Evolutionary patterns and management strategies of Changjiang River Estuary north branch from 2001 to 2021

To study the management strategies for the north branch of Changjiang River Estuary, the river regime changes from 2001 to 2021 were outlined based on recent hydrological and topographic data.We analyzed the evolution patterns, influencing factors, and trends of the north branch, discussed potential management plans and proposed comprehensive management directions.The results showed that between 2001 and 2021, the north branch exhibited siltation at the inlet shoal, a meandering upper channel, bifurcation in the middle section, and a straight lower section, overall presenting a trend of siltation and shrinkage.The evolution of the north branch was complex, improvements in inflow conditions at the inlet and further optimization of the trumpet-shaped morphology at the outlet were needed.The general management approach involved increasing runoff in the upper reaches and reducing tidal influence in the lower reaches to improve the planar shape of the estuary mouth and mitigate tidal wave deformation in the north branch of Changjiang River Estuary.