The Rapidly Evolving Fudu Estuary Sandbar Lagoon Landform on the East Coast of the Bohai Sea: Recent Changes and Mechanism

Abstract

The Fudu Estuary Sandbar Lagoon is one of the most representative sandbar-lagoon landforms in China, and has undergone drastic evolution in recent years, accompanied by increased coastal engineering activities. The evolution process and its control factors are studied through remote sensing interpretation and coastal sediment transport calculations. During 2010–2021, the sandbar quickly extended at an average speed of 49.5 m/a, but the annual growth has shown a decreasing trend in both area and width, and the shoreline has retreated by 25–45 m. The recent changes are the result of the combined action of natural conditions and human activities. Coastal sediment transport from west to east under the action of W-oriented waves is the natural cause of extension. An estuary dam and artificial island block the sediment transport path, and the material for the new growth of the sandbar comes from the erosion of its west side, which has directly caused the retreat and narrowing of the sandbar. The reduction in sediments from the river further aggravates the shrinkage. It is predicted that the sandbar will continue its eastward extension to connect with the coast in about 2–3 years. The erosion status is unlikely to change before the sediment supply is restored. Measures such as dismantling the estuary dam are recommended.

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