Effects of runoff and sediment variation on landscape pattern in the Yellow River Delta of China

In this study,based on the consecutive hydrological and climate records in the past 50 years and the landsat scanning images in the Yellow River Delta from 1986 to 2001,the quantitative relationship between the area of the main wetland type and the runoff and sediment changes are well established through the regression analysis.The results indicate that the runoff at 200×10⁸～300×10⁸ m³ and the sediment discharge at 5×10⁸～8×10⁸ t into the Yellow River Delta are probably the most appropriate range for maintaining the stability of the wetland landscape pattern.There exists the close positive relation among area,runoff and sediment discharge.The regression models are established between the area and the hydrological and climate parameters in order to provide scientific basis for the establishment of the early warning mechanism and the protective strategy for the degenerated wetland.