Morphological Evolution Characteristics of River Cross-Sections in the Lower Weihe River and Their Response to Streamflow and Sediment Changes

Abstract

River cross-section morphology and water and sediment conditions are deeply connected. In recent years, the lower Wei River has experienced regular flooding and drastic changes in river channel shape, causing significant harm to the economy and development of the lower reaches. This research investigated the morphological evolution features based on annual extensive cross-section data and water and sediment data from the hydrological stations of Xianyang, Lintong, and Huaxian in the lower Weihe River from 2006 to 2018 of river cross-sections and the reaction to water and sediment variations. The findings indicated that the lower Wei River’s cross-sectional alterations between 2006 and 2018 exhibited a trend of “flushing at both ends and siltation in the middle” while continuing to exhibit “non-flood flushing and flood siltation” features. The incoming sediment coefficient in the lower Weihe River declined dramatically, whereas the median diameter of suspended sediment particles grew significantly at the Lintong station. The average elevation of the river channel was highly synchronized with the change in the coming sediment coefficient, and the impact of big floods dramatically influenced the shape of the river cross-section. Human activities such as river management have directly affected the morphology of the river cross-section at Lintong station and caused a significant increase in the median diameter of suspended sediment particles, resulting in siltation in the Lintong river. The study’s findings can serve as a theoretical foundation for water and sediment regulation and river training in the lower Weihe River, reducing flooding damage.