JAG l Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 1999

Satellite remote sensing and GIS for the analysis of

channel migration changes in the active Yellow River
Delta, China

Xiaojun Yang, Michiel C. J. Damen* & Robert A. van Zuidam2

1 Department of Geography, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, U.S.A. (Phone: 706-5422926, Fax: 706.5422388, E-mail:
yang@uga.edu)
* Division of Applied Geomorphologic Survey, International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Sciences (ITC), Enschede, 7500 AA, The
Netherlands

KEYWORDS: satellite imagery, GIS, spatio-temperal from topographic maps and aerial photographs. These
dynamics, channel migration, Yellow River Delta traditional measurement techniques vary in terms of time
scale, accuracy and repeatability (Lawler, 1993), but a
common feature to all is that they are localized in extent.
ABSTRACT While small-scale studies are useful for developing mech-
anistic models of changing river channels, fundamental
Channel migration in deltaic lowlands tends to be complicated by
marine processes and intensified cultural practices. Understanding concerns are emerging. Firstly, the relevance of such
the ways in which river channels have migrated through time is crit- small-scale research to understanding larger systems may
ical to tackling many geomorphologic and river management prob- be problematic, because different scales of forms and
lems. Because of large magnitude and rapid rates of change, spe- processes tend to be causally independent of each other.
cial surveillance systems are needed to efficiently measure and
Secondly, for larger area studies, a procedure of general-
monitor channel migration. This study presents an application of
ization from discrete patches to integrated wholes is
geographic information technologies for the study of channel
often needed for conventional surveys. Unfortjjnately,
migration in the active Yellow River Delta, China. The main source
of data was a series of time-sequential Landsat images spanning a generalization often introduces different degrees of bias,
period of approximately 19 years. A geographic information system thus causing a potential problem of reliability for re-
(GIS) was used to support modernized channel position mapping search results. Lastly, because in a rivers lower reaches
and measurement. The spatio-temporal changes of river banks and the size and multitude of channels often create problems
channel centerlines were systematically examined, and an attempt
for field studies, many conventional surveys are limited
was made to relate these computational results with appropriate
to short stretches of river which are easy to access.
natural and human processes affecting the delta. This study
demonstrates the utility of satellite remote sensing integrated with Satellite remote sensing offers the possibility of direct
a GIS in investigating channel migration. perspectives of large areas at scales compatible with river
stretches being studied that are relatively free from unin-
tentional bias. It provides a means of monitoring mi-
grating channels by repetitive measurements from space-
INTRODUCTION borne systems. Most recently, satellite remote sensing
A proper understanding of the ways in which river chan- has often been integrated into a geographic information
nels have migrated through time is critical to many geo- system (GIS). The integration of satellite remote sensing
morphological and river management problems (Petts, with geographic information systems provides an excel-
1995; Milton et a/, 1995). Lateral migration refers to the lent framework for data capture, storage, synthesis,
positional change of a river channel as a response to vari- measurement and analysis, all of which are essential to
ations in fluid flow and sediment discharges and is al- channel migration investigations.
ways associated with bank erosion of the stream bed or
channel wall under turbulent flow conditions. Lateral Useful sources of satellite data for river studies are im-
migration is therefore a process that can cause cata- ages from Landsat (MSS and TM), SPOT, RadarSat,
strophic local or regional changes (Hickin, 1983). NOAA, IRS, and many light-weighted satellite systems.
Higher resolution data are preferable for fluvial applica-
Geomorphologists have traditionally obtained informa- tions. Although its spatial resolution is not as fine as that
tion on channel migration using surveys of cross-sections of SPOT HRV data, Landsat data are the sole multi-spec-
along the river being studied, supplemented with data tral digital data with synoptic coverage extending back to

146
Remote sensing and GIS for channel change analysis
1972. In addition, these data are inexpensive and can be
managed computationally even by a personal computer
with a Pentium processor. Therefore, Landsat data have
unique value and thus are extensively used for a variety
of tasks, notably in natural resource surveys and environ-
mental monitoring. Landsat data are also used in river
channel change studies. Sale et a/ (1986) used time-se-
quential MSS images to quantify lateral migration rates
of the meandering and anastomosing stretches of the
Ucayali and Amazon in Peru. Jacobberger (1988) mapped
abandoned river channels that were active 6,000 to
8,000 years ago in the Sahel region of Africa using MSS
and TM data. Philip et al (1989) used MSS and TM im-
agery to quantify the migratory trend of the Ganges
River in India. These works have demonstrated the
promising potential of Landsat data for studying river
channel change. Further research efforts will continue
and probably intensify in order to investigate and im-
prove the applicability of such data to channel migration
surveys along heterogeneous river stretches, such as
deltaic lowlands. River reaches in lowland areas are dis-
tinguished by their relatively low channel gradients and
the small particle size of sediment loads. Channel mi-
gration change along lower river reaches may differ from
that occurring in high-energy upland reaches (Thorns &
Walker, 1992). In deltaic lowlands, channel migration
tends to be complicated by marine processes and inten-
sified human activities.
This study presents an application of Landsat imagery
and GIS techniques to the study of channel migration in
a large river system. This is only one of many potential
applications of these techniques in river studies (Muller
et a/, 1993). An integrated analytical method combining
image analysis and GIS was used to quantify channel mi-
gration trends in the active Yellow River Delta. A geo-
graphically and temporally detailed assessment of river
channel migration during the period of 1976 to 1994
was made. The factors or processes contributing to the
observed spatio-temporal trends were further analysed.
STUDY AREA
The Yellow River, Chinas second largest river, originates
in the northern part of the Bayankala mountains, is
5,464 km long, and drains a total area of 752,443 kmz.
The river traverses the Inner Mongolian Plateau, the
Loess Plateau, and the North China Plain, finally dis-
charging into the Bohai Sea (Fig. IA). The Yellow River
is well-known for its highly variable water discharge and
for its heavy sediment load. River discharge measured at
Lijing, about 100 km upstream from the present river
mouth, averages 1073 ma s-1, which, for example, is half
as much as the load carried by the Rhine River (Table 1).
However, the Yellow Rivers discharge is seasonally ex-
tremely variable. Extreme low water occurs in February,
147
JAG l Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 1999
when the river is frozen, and in June, when rainfall is
low, which combined with intensive irrigation upstream
causes the river to become almost dry. During and after
the rainy season (July till October), water discharge is
about 60 percent and sediment discharge is 84 percent
of the yearly total. The Yellow River probably carries the
largest sediment load of any large river in the world
(Table 1). The Mississippi River, for example, carries only
one-sixth of that of the Yellow River, yet it has a much
larger drainage area and discharge. Due to serious on-
going aggradation the lower river channel is highly un-
stable, and course changes have occurred over a vast
area. Since 1855, the rivers lowland reach has diverged
and migrated dramatically more than 10 times, and con-
sequently, a large delta consisting of at least ten sub-
deltas or lobes has developed north of Shandong
Province, China.
The study reported here focuses on lateral channel
change along the active delta, the tenth sub-delta of the
Yellow River (Fig. 1B). The sub-delta has developed since
27 May 1976, when the Yellow River was diverted near
Xihekou and ran into the Qinshuigou River discharging
into the Bohai Sea. The sub-delta is composed of exten-
sively active flood plain, salt marsh, and prograding tidal
flat (Yang, 1995; Yang, et a/, 1999), and contains one of
the largest oil-fields (the Gudong) in northeastern China.
This area is also a very important component of the pro-
posed open economic region on the delta. The potential
for future development is promising but frequent migra-
tion of the river channel and the resultant flooding of its
banks remain the biggest threat to development in the
region.
Existing research on channel change of the Yellow River
Delta can be found in work done by some Chinese schol-
ars (Gao et a/, 1989; Xu, 1990; Fan & Guo,l992), who
also used remote sensing as an analytic tool. Gao et a/
(1989) discussed the landform development along the
course of Qinshuigou during 1976-1985. Xu (1990) de-
tected channel morphological changes by visual compar-
ison. Fan & Guo (1992) also attempted to show dynamic
changes in the delta lowlands using satellite images.
However, these studies were largely qualitative. A quan-
titative analysis of channel migration trends is needed to
improve the success of controlling the river mouth, which
is essential to the environmental management and sus-
tainable development of the Yellow River Delta.
METHODS
The standard definition of the limits of a channel bank is
based on its normal level of water flow, which is often
difficult and impractical to extract from remotely sensed
data without substantial field calibration (Gurnell, et a/,
1994). In order to maintain consistency for interpreting
Remote sensing and GIS for channel change analysis JAG l Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 1999

time-sequence images, we defined channel bank limits The fundamental assumption made here is that fluvial
using a non-morphological variable, namely soil-vegeta- features exhibit unique characteristics in their surface
tion limit. This method for defining channel bank limits spectral responses, which are represented by image ele-
was also adopted by Gurnell (1997) in his study of chan- ments, such as tone/colour, size, shape, texture, pattern,
nel change of meanders of the river Dee (1946-l 992) height, shadow, site and association (Lillesand & Kiefer,
using remotely sensed data. In fact, the soil-vegetation 1994; Campbell 1996). These spectral response charac-
limit is also related to moisture content and bank con- teristics result from the combination of terrain surface
struction. moisture and colour, texture and structure properties of
exposed portions, and terrain geometry. Thus, channel
bank limit should be identifiable from remotely sensed
+ Study
Area
imagery.

Lateral position changes of channels affect vegetation

cover and soil, which should cause noticeable changes in
spatio-temporal patterns of electromagnetic radiation
recorded by remotely sensed imagery. A change in flu-
vio-morphological landforms of interest usually causes
pixels representing these features to migrate between
two or more of these spectral end-members (Milton et al,
1995) and, thus, some spectral changes can be observed.
These changes are related to changes from an active
channel to gravel bars as a channel migrates, or from
vegetation to water as a bank is undercut.
4. Yellow River drainage basin and its main tributaries
\ I On the other hand, these spectral characteristics can be
influenced and partly obscured by both spatial and tem-
poral effects. Spatial effects are introduced by relation-
ships among feature scale, change magnitude and sensor
spatial resolution. Channel positional change can be
measured only if its magnitude is larger than one metric
dimension of sensor spatial resolution. However, spatial
effects often cause a problem for mapping features such
as water-land line, which is sharp when observed in the
field but a fuzzy transition zone when imaged by a sen-

: \\, sor. Temporal effects are any factors that alter the spec-
: kil,J
+/ / cm ,_ _--rllchlC.k / tral characteristics of surface features over time, such as
91 URHO GULF vegetation distribution, seasonal stage of growth, weath-
E2 Ref.re.x
PInti,.
/

_ RMdetwo~ I er, and hydrological and marine hydraulic conditions

1. Lowland reach of the Yellow River and the active delta (Yang et a/, 1999). In deltaic lowlands, hydrological and
hydraulic conditions, especially, act on surface streams,
FIGURE I Map of the study area
drainage patterns, land cover and associated landforms.

TABLE I. Catchment areas, water discharges, and sediment loads of selected large rivers in the world
(Cheng 1991).

River Country Catchment Mean water Annual Sediment load

area(kmz) discharge sediment load (tonnelkmzly)
(m3/s) (million tonne/y)

Yellow China 752,443 1,073 1,800 2,400

Mississippi United Stated 3,269,OOO 24,000 300 91
Rhine Holland, Germany, 160,000 2,200 15 280
and Switzerland
Yangtze China 1,807,OOO 29,200 480 280
Pearl China 335,000 8,000 70 260
Amazon Brazil 6,100,OOO 172,000 850 139
Ganga India, Bangladesh 955,000 11,800 1,450 1,500
Mekong China, Laos, Thailand 800,000 11,100 170 210
and Vietnam

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Remote sensing and GIS for channel change analysis JAG l Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 1999

For example, a stream=s water discharge can vary dra-
matically over time, which may also affect vegetation
cover, causing inconsistent spectral responses for chan-
nel banks.
These effects normally complicate river-channel mapping
based on spectral reflectance properties. However, these
effects can be partly compensated for by using a method
integrating data processing, information extraction,
analysis and interpretation. Digital handling of a large
amount of satellite images allows a significant enhance-
ment and improvement in data calibration and georefer-
encing and in information extraction, particularly for
some fundamental image elements used to detect and
identify channel positional changes. Geographic infor-
mation systems (GE&) permit an effective management
of geo-spatial databases in which quantitative analysis of
channel migration changes can be implemented effec-
tively.
An method integrating digital image processing and GlSs
was used for data collection, processing, interpretation,
synthesis and analysis. This method entails the following
working procedures:
(1) Data acquisition. The premier data source was 60
scenes or windows of Landsat MSS and TM images span-
ning the period 1976-l 994. Most images are available on
paper or film. About 16 images of excellent quality were
selected and scanned at a resolution of 300 dpi. These
scanned products, together with three CCT TM data,
were actual digital images used in the study (Table 2). In
addition, other existing data were also collected, includ-
ing aerial photographs, river hydrological measurements,
marine hydraulic data, channel profiles, existing geomor-
phological/geologicaI maps, and other relevant informa-
tion as required.
(2) Digital image processing. Digital image data were
processed with standard procedures including georefer-
encing, radiometric correction and image enhancement.
Georeferencing is necessary for subsequent data inte-
gration under a GIS. The strategy for geometric correc-
tion chosen here was to correct one image, namely, a
CCT product acquired 2 April 1992 (Y9204, Table 2),
and then use the corrected image as the reference for
image-to-image registration of all other images. The re-
sultant root mean-square errors are generally less than
one half of the pixel size. All MSS images were resam-
pled at 60 m in pixel size while all TM images were re-
sampled at 30 m.
Image enhancement was performed for better visual dis-
crimination of fluvial features. Some routine processing
techniques were interactively tested, including contrast
stretching, histogram equalization, spatial filtering
(shaping), and additive colour composition of stretched
bands. The first three techniques were useful for all the
scanned images in single band (Table 2). Different band
combinations were also tested in relation to channel
features being detected and mapped for three CCT TM
data (Fig. 2). These combinations include: bands 2, 3,

TABLE 2. List of Data Used and Related Environmental Parameters.

No Code Date Local Image Band(s) Format Tidal Condition Discharge*** Sediment
Time Type Relative Ebbl Load***
Index* Flood** (m 31s) (kulmW

1 Y7606 Jun. 2.1976 9.93 MSS Scanned 0.78 Ebb

2 Y7612 Dec. 17,1976 9.83 MS5 Scanned 0.30 Flood 640 1.47
3 Y7705 May 10.1977 9.72 MSS Scanned 0.99 Flood 450 6.31
4 Y7810 Oct. 5,1978 10.05 MSS Scanned
5 Y8106 Jun. 30,1981 9.97 MSS Scanned 0.05 Ebb
6 Y8111 Nov. 21,1981 9.98 MSS Scanned 0.32 Flood 1610 9.0
7 Y8410 Oct. 5,1984 10.20 MSS Scanned 0.12 Flood 4030 25.7
8 Y8604 Apr. 18,1986 10.12 MS5 Scanned 0.90 Flood
9 Y8611 Nov. 19,1986 10.00 TM Scanned 0.82 Ebb
10 Y8706 Jun. 5.1987 10.10 MS5 Scanned 0.04 Flood
11 Y8811 Nov. 17.1988 10.20 MSS Scanned 0.86 Flood
12 Y8903 March 9,1989 10.18 MSS Scanned 0.64 Ebb
13 Y8904 Apr. 10.1989 10.18 MSS Scanned 0.78 Ebb
14 Y8911 Nov. 20,1989 10.08 MSS Scanned 0.89 Flood 4.21
15 Y9003 March 12.1990 10.03 MS5 Scanned 0.62 Ebb
16 Y9204 Apr. 2.1992 10.00 TM CCT 0.30 Ebb
17 Y9211 Nov. 12,1992 10.00 TM Scanned
18 Y9305 May 23,1993 10.00 TM CCT Ebb 218 2.51
19 Y9404 Apr. 24,1994 10.00 TM CCT Ebb 1340 67.10

The relative tidal index system was developed by interpolating the data from Tianjin Harbour and co-tidal map of Ogwia. This was done by A.
van Gelder and 1. van den Berg at the Ultrecht University, The Netherlands. In this system, the tidal level is converted into a relative index,
ranging from 0 to 1. The higher the index, the higher the tidal level and vice verse.
Ebb tide refers to the outgoing or falling tide while flood tide refers to the incoming or rising tide.
Measured at the Lijing Hydrological Station, about 100 km from the current river mouth.

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Remote sensing and GIS for channel change analysis JAG l Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 1999

a river channel map. This procedure proved to be accu-

rate and reliable in geomorphological mapping (eg,
Yang, et a/, 1999).

(3) Digitization and establishment of the G/S. A detailed

analysis of surface spectral signatures added important
elements to the geometric and textural characteristics of
the fluvial landforms, which helped define the limits of
channel banks. The subsequent systematic tracing of
channel bank limits was performed with an on-screen
digitizer in a geographic information system (GIS).
Images can be zoomed in or out over a desired area and
all scale adjustments can be handled within the GIS. To
ensure consistent positional accuracy, we traced the
channel bank limits under a similar zooming level, which
was close to the scale of I:3000 for all the images. The
individual pixels of TM images were enlarged up to ap-
proximately 1 cm on screen given a pixel size of 30 me-
ters, the scale is therefore 1:3000. For the MSS images,
individual pixels were enlarged to approximately 0.5 cm
on screen given a pixel size of 60 meters, the scale is
therefore 1:3000. Thus, all of the information was com-
piled in a digital, computer-compatible and spatial data
base (Table 3).

(4) Calculations using digital data. Once the GIS data-

base was established, we further computed the channel
migration changes using relevant GIS functionality. In
order to compute lateral displacement, we took the ear-
liest channel bank limit (2 June 1976) as the origin. The
bank limit of a later date was overlaid on previous ones.
To better represent changes, we used ten profiles (Ql,
..-.l...I ____...
.~.l__.______.-. Q2, Q3, Q4, Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9, Ql 1, and Ql2) and one
FIGURE2 Comparison of different band combinations for the point (QO) as reference markers (Figure 1). The first eight
river channel at different levels of water discharge. profiles correspond in position to the channel profiles
under the HRWCC (Huanghe River Water Conservancy
and 4 (analogous to the usual false coiour aerial photo- Committee) System. We specifically designated Ql 1 and
graph); bands 1, 2, and 3 (a natural colour composite); Q12 for the river mouth. QO is the west end of channel,
bands 2, 4 and 5; bands 1, 5 and 7; and bands 1, 6 and where the current river channel intersects the abandoned
7. The combination of bands 1, 6 and 7 was found to channel, Guokouhe. Finally, the channel migration rate
be most effective for mapping river channels at low can be accurately estimated from subsequent overlay
water discharge. However, the combinations of bands maps. Migration measurements were treated as vectors
1, 5 and 7 was found to be the best for river channels in a mathematical sense. These vectors have numerical
at high discharge. In general, these techniques proved
useful both for better discrimination of overall features TABLE 3. Major Components of the GIS Database.
and for improved resolution of subtle features. No. Name of Data Data Source Remarks
Layer Structure
Automatic image classification was also attempted - to 1 Imagery Raster Landsat 19 different
streamline the mapping process - but the results were MWTM dates
less reliable because water discharge was highly variable 2 North Bank Vector On-screen 19 different
Limit digitizing dates
through time and the river channel recorded by different
3 South Bank Vector On-screen 19 different
images shows highly inconsistent spectral characteristics. Limit digitizin dates
This has greatly limited the success of automatic classifi- 4 Channel Vector Derived from 2 19 different
cation on a pixel-by-pixel basis. For this reason, we fi- Centerline and 3 dates
nally adopted a skills-based manual interpretation proce- 5 Reference Vector Digitized from 11 profiles
Profile map
dure by which all image elements were incorporated into

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values as well as assigned directions. We assigned the
value a positive number if the channel migrated north-
ward and a negative value if migration was southward.
(5) Field observation and validation. Two weeks of field
work, guided by a Global Positioning System (GPS), was
carried out to supplement computer-based mapping that
help interpret the computation results in relation to rele-
vant natural and cultural processes. Field work included
observations of sedimentary profile, channel profile and
shore erosion.
SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL CHARACTERISTICS
CHANNEL MIGRATION
CHANGESINNORTHBANK
Measurements of lateral migration of the north bank
over time are summarized in Table 4. The time is repre-
sented as a month, starting from May 1976, when the
river course was actually in use. During this period, the
north bank shows a varying rate and direction of migra-
tion. All profiles except the QO and Ql show southward
migration. The stretch near Q9 exhibits the most signif-
icant change, with an average rate of -423 meters per
year, followed by the Q4, Ql2, 08, Q3, Q7, Ql 1, Q2,
Q6, Ql and QO.
The general trend of migration change over different
profiles is quite clear (Figure 3). The y-axes of these
graphs (Figure 3) have the same scale so that comparison
can be made under identical conditions. The stretches
near the Q6 and Q7 were relatively stable, showing less
fluctuation in lines, while segments near QO, Ql, Q2, Q3
and Q4 show more change. The portions near 08, Q9,
Ql 1 and Q12 were moderately variable.
It is clear that the migration change of the north bank
was not constant over time (Table 4 and Figure 3). The
north bank was extremely variable for the first 66
months (May 1976 - November 1981). The maximum
distance amounted to -7191 m (southward) within 5
months for Q3 (Table 4). The north bank migrated
northward and southward alternately, indicating a high-
ly variable migration pattern. For the period of 1982 -
OF 1987, the north bank tended towards a reduced magni-
tude of migration but still moved at a moderately high
rate. The north bank was less changeable after 1987.
CHANGESIN SOUTH BANK
The statistics of the migrating change of the south bank
through time are given in Table 5. Profile Qll shows an
overall northward migration pattern while the remaining
profiles show southward migration. The area near Q12
shows the largest southward migration, followed by Q6,
Q4, Q9, Q2, Ql, Q3, Q7, QO and Q8.
The stretch near Q2 was relatively stable, with a less fluc-
tuated curve (Figure 4C), while all the rest were highly
changeable over time. Like the north bank, the migra-
tion pattern of the south bank was not uniform through
time. During the first 66 months (May 1976 - November
1981), the south bank was quite similar to the north

TABLET. Statistics
of north bank migrating change overtime.

Nr Date Month Migrating Change (meter)

(accumulative) QO Ql Q2 93 94 96 97 Q8 99 911 072
1 06-02-76 1
2 12-17-76 7 207 1367 4269 2837
3 05-10-77 12 -502 -1061 -4097 -7191 -4913 -
4 10-05-78 29 527 1639 3470 7121 6458 -
5 06-30-81 61 -1005 -3511 -5623 -5634 -5912 -
6 11-21-81 66 1050 1180 590 -220 -1490 -1039 -2111
7 10-05-84 101 -465 447 -398 46 815 -225 24 -2493 -5890
8 04-18-86 119 377 -70 516 -215 -166 347 331 -672 -1042 -1181 -1618
9 11-19-86 126 -166 -142 180 219 149 -152 -326 -171 72 -
IO 06-08-87 133 -43 146 -91 62 13 29 220 941 985 430 -
11 11-17-88 150 0 230 99 105 110 43 258 -258 235 377 -403
12 03-09-89 154 70 -134 -124 123 -17 -83 -48 -172 8 239 46
13 04-10-89 155 98 207 283 -469 -346 -54 -272 -143 -1060 -1140 -1109
14 11-20-89 162 70 353 51 -24 -77 -299 -162 285 0 165 995
15 03-12-90 166 73 -75 -24 112 -71 -107 -131 -302 -34 -279 -430
16 04-02-92 191 -98 -19 -112 -145 -92 73 -143 -593 -388 -599 -940
17 11-12-92 198 126 315 -121 33 -174 -117 79 137 95 291 584
18 05-23-93 204 -421 -477 76 -31 -280 73 -92 -136 -238 -405 -550
19 04-24-94 215 256 144 -38 0 43 -29 -10 -12 -71 30 -712

In total (meter) 154 213 -1416 -3310 -5880 -1239 -2209 -3744 -7571 -2000 -4137
Average (meter per year) 7 12 -79 -185 -328 -69 -123 -209 -423 -112 -231

Note:+ (positive): (shift) northward; - (negative): (shift) southward.

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D. Profile Q3 E. PmfiieQ4

G. Pmfile Q7

J. Profile Qll K. Pmfile Ql2 L. Total ShiftingDistance

FIGURE 3 North bank migration over time, measured at selected referenced profiles.

bank. The maximum distance amounted to -3728 m 1981) (Table 6 and Figure 5). The maximum distance
(southward) within five months for Q7. For the period amounted to -4125 m (southward) within 4 months for
1982 - 1987, the south bank tended to reduce its mag- Q4. From 1982 to 1987, the centerline tended to change
nitude of change but it still migrated at a moderately slowly but still migrated at a moderate rate. Similar to
high rate. After 1987, the south bank became very un- the south bank, the channel centerline showed a signifi-
stable, particularly for the profiles QS, Q9, Ql 1 and Q12. cant change after 1987.

CHANGES IN CHANNEL CENTERLINE SUMMARY OF COMPUTATIONAL RESULTS

The channel centerline exhibits a general southward There is a spatial pattern of highly mobile upstream and
change in all profiles except Q6 and Q7. Near Q6, the downstream stretches and of a relatively stable middle
centerline shifted northward, with a yearly average of 45 stretch (near profile Q6). There was a temporal trend of
m. Profile Q7 has an accumulative zero distance. Of the decreasing migration during the period 1976-1987, fol-
remaining profiles, Q12 ranks first, with an accumulative lowed by an increasing magnitude of change. The chan-
value of -5686 m and yearly average rate of -317 m. nel banks and centerlines show a general trend of south-
Q12 is followed by Q9, Q8, Q4, Q3, Q2, Ql, Ql 1 and QO. ward migration, with the south bank being generally
more mobile than the north bank.
Profiles Q6 and Q7 are relatively stable, with less change-
able curves (Figure 5). The QO, Ql, Q2, Q3 and Q4 are
very changeable but follow a slower trend. QS, Q9, Ql 1 INTERPRETATION OF COMPUTATIONAL RESULTS
and Q12 show great amount of channel migration. SPATIAL PATTERN
The spatial pattern of channel migration suggests the in-
The lateral change of channel centerline was relatively fluence of different processes. The upstream stretch
strong during the first 66 months (May 1976 - November (QO-Q4) was highly mobile. The river channel between

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Remote sensing and GISfor channel change analysis JAG l Volume 1 -Issue 2 - 1999

TABLE 5. Statistics
of south bank migrating change overtime

Nf Time Month Profile(meter)

(accumulative) QO 91 92 93 94 96 97 Q8 99 911 912

1 06-02-76 1
2 12-17-76 7 -25 -1609 -1619 -3430 -3097 -2172
3 05-10-77 12 -566 -318 -510 -3338 -3349 -3728
4 10-05-78 29 -193 -128 -12 271 992 -161 1422
5 06-30-81 61 -690 -909 -626 1874 2360 -3110 -1667
6 11-21-81 66 804 554 -297 -695 2665 1781 2353 -
7 10-05-84 101 -889 -279 -346 -586 -41 -635 -461 -1730 -2717
8 04-18-86 119 493 661 377 140 229 143 -287 -511 -1085 -3913 -8644
9 11-19-86 126 -256 -560 -51 -7 -51 85 717 154 143 -458 0
10 06-08-87 133 328 -144 -213 105 101 475 499 647 -253 -353
11 11-17-88 150 53 392 82 205 199 183 283 263 1806 6103
12 03-09-89 154 -66 -127 -346 25 -76 -93 -6 -20 107 301 277
13 04-10-89 155 83 -159 248 125 259 -50 -68 -770 -319 -730 1030
14 11-20-89 162 -50 106 -96 -133 33 112 -18 -387 31 166 950
15 03-12-90 166 -107 -133 -191 -136 -161 -270 -365 -292 -66 -186 -655
16 04-02-92 191 51 417 236 253 -212 37 8 -246 -464 -355 -102
17 11-12-92 198 222 189 16 22 129 181 218 65 248 690 622
18 05-23-93 204 -423 -233 28 181 65 115 -89 45 -217 -504 -738
20 04-24-94 215 230 13 -43 -19 15 -108 8 7 -16 47 25

In total (meter) -1150 -2265 -2320 -1917 -3289 -5952 -1753 -422 -2802 808 -7235
Average(meter per year) -64 -126 -129 -107 -184 -332 -98 -24 -156 45 -404

Note:+ (positive): (migrate) northward; - (negative): (migrate) southward.

D. ProfileQ3 E. ProWQ4 F. PmfileQ6

G. PmfikQ7 H. Profile Q8 I. Profile Q9

J. PmfileQll
FIGURES South bank migration overtime, measured at selected referenced profiles.
Remote sensing and GIS for channel change analysis JAG l Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 1999

A. Profile QO B. Pmfile Qi C. PmfileQ2

:. Profile Q4 F. Pmfile Q6

3. Profile 07 I. Profile Q9

I. Profile Qll K. Pmfile Ql2 L. Total ShiftingDistance

FIGURE 5 Channel centerline migration over time.

TABLE 6. Statistics of the channel centerline migration change over time.

Nr Time Month Profile(meter)

(accumulative) QO 91 02 93 94 96 97 Q8 99 911 972
1 06-02-76 1
2 12-17-76 7 91 -121 1325 -296.5 -
3 05-10-77 12 -755.5 -813.5 -2207.5 -3850.5 -412.5
4 10-05-78 29 167 755.5 1729 3696 3725
5 06-30-81 61 -847.5 -2210 -3124.5 -1880 -1776
6 11-21-81 66 1074 992 572 -258.5 -1092.5 813 -165
7 10-05-84 101 -677 84 -372 -270 387 -430 -218.5 -2111.5 -4303.5
8 04-18-86 119 435 295.5 446.5 -37.5 31.5 245 22 -591.5 -1063.5 -2547 -5131
9 11-19-86 126 -211 -514 -96.5 86.5 84 117 282.5 -86 -14 -193
10 06-08-87 133 142.5 1 -152 83.5 57 252 359.5 794 366 38.5
11 11-17-88 150 26.5 311 90.5 155 154.5 113 270.5 2.5 1020.5 3240 -201.5
12 03-09-89 154 2 -130.5 -235 74 -46.5 -88 -27 -96 57.7 270 161.5
13 04-10-89 155 90.5 24 265.5 -172 -43.5 -52 -170 -456.5 -689.5 -935 -39.5
14 11-20-89 162 10 229.5 -22.5 -78.5 -22 -93.5 -90 -51 15.5 165.5 972.5
15 03-12-90 166 -17 -104 -107.5 -12 -116 188.5 -248 -297 -50 -232.5 -542.5
16 04-02-92 191 -23.5 199 62 54 -152 55 -67.5 -419.5 -426 -477 -521
17 11-12-92 198 174 252 -52.5 27.5 -22.5 32 148.5 101 171.5 490.5 603
18 05-23-93 204 -422 -355 52 75 -107.5 94 -90.5 -45.5 -227.5 -454.5 -644
20 04-24-94 215 243 78.5 -40.5 -9.5 29 -68.5 -1 -2.5 -43.5 38.5 -343.5

In total (meter) -498 -1026 -1868 -2614 -3036 801 6 -3260 -5187 -596 -5686
Average (meter per year) -28 -57 -104 -146 -169 45 0 -182 -289 -33 -317

Note:+ (positive): (migrate) northward; - (negative): (migrate) southward.

154
Remote sensing and GISfor channel change analysis
0 km2
-1
FIGURE6 Channel meandering and resultant migration along Xihekou and Shibagongli.
Xihekou and Sibagongli (near Qland Q2) was chosen for
closer inspection to see how lateral bank migration was
related to channel meandering process (Figure 6). This
section is approximately 18 km in length. The main
channel is 500 - 800 m in width and can be clearly clas-
sified as having a meandering pattern. Bank
scouring/erosion, channel meandering and lateral bank
migration can be clearly identified on satellite images in
combination with field observations.
The downstream channel (Q7-Q12) also changed consid-
erably, but this appears to be related to both fluvial and
marine processes, because part of this channel is affect-
ed by tides. It is a major area for sediment deposition
and is potentially subject to the interaction of fluvial and
marine systems.
The middle part of the channel is relatively stable. The
stretch around Q6 is straight and channel meandering
was very weak. This part of the channel is just beyond
the upper limit of tidal influence (Yang et al, 1999) and
thus free of actual tidal effects.
TEMPORAL PATTERN
Channel migration was slower during the period of
1976-1987. While the proportion of water discharge to
sediment load underwent a favourable adjustment, the
155
JAG Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 1999
l
0 km2
-I
river channel changed from disorderly braiding to orga-
nized braiding, and from generally straight to slightly
meandering straight (Yang, 1996). This change in chan-
nel pattern should favor a more stable fluvial environ-
ment.
After 1987, the proportion of water discharge to sedi-
ment load in the lower reach of the Yellow River became
less favourable, probably due to the fact that, according
to hydrologic measurements (Ye, 1998), this reach was
experiencing more flow interruptions. As a result, the
longitudinal profile of the channel became more gentle
(Yang, 1995), the capacity of the river to transport sedi-
ment diminished, and the channel became highly silted.
This caused the channel to become less stable after
1987. Despite the Chinese governmental efforts to pro-
long the running time of the current river course (Yang,
1996), the channel showed an increasing rate of lateral
migration during the period of 1987-l 994.
GENERALTREND OF SOUTHWARD MIGRATION
This general trend of southward migration may be relat-
ed to the impact of Coriolis forces, but marine hydraulic
effects, tectonic activities, and differential embankments
should be carefully considered. Along the delta, the pre-
dominantly northeasterly winds and tidal currents tend
to transport sediments southward. In addition, the
Remote sensing and GIS for channel change analysis JAG l Volume 1 - Issue 2 - 1999

southern delta is situated in a tectonic depression with lated to modifications in the proportion of water dis-
an average subsidence rate of 4.2 - 8.3 cm per year, charge and sediment load caused by the complicated in-
which may also contribute to the southward shift of the teraction between humans and the environment
delta as a whole (Yang, 1995). Because most oilfields throughout the Yellow River drainage basin and in par-
are distributed north of the actual channel, the embank- ticular on the deltaic lowland. The increasing mobile
ments along the north bank tended to be much stronger trend of the channel after 1987 suggests that, in the
than along the south bank. As a result, northward mi- near future, a guided diversion of the river course over
gration of this bank is relatively less developed, and this the deltaic lowland should be carefully considered. It is
should affect the migration of river banks and channel probable that its implementation would reduce the cost
centerlines. of wider human intervention as a means of maintaining
the actual running status of the river course.

CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of river channel migration over deltaic low- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
lands is fundamental to the understanding of evolution Financial support for this work was given by the Dutch
of large river systems and this, in turn, is critical to sub- Royal Academy of Sciences, Utrecht University, and the
sequent management of the river systems and many cul- International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth
tural practices that exist within the drainage basins. sciences (ITC) in the Netherlands, as well as the Institute
Satellite remote sensing allows a retrospective, synoptic of Marine Geology in China. The authors would like to
viewing of large regions and so provides the potential for acknowledge the contribution of Jan H. van den Berg,
a geographically and temporally detailed assessment of Guodong Cheng, and Andre van Gelder to the work.
changes in river channel migration. We also thank Jayne Atienza, Tao Cheng, Jan J. Nossin,
Robert Soeters, and Ronald Ward for their helps in many
This study demonstrates the usefulness of satellite re- ways. We are indebted to two anonymous referees for
mote sensing, digital image processing, and GIS tech- their comments on the earlier manuscript of this paper.
niques for the analysis of the spatio-temporal dynamics
of river channel migration in the active Yellow River
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the Yellow River Delta. Acta Geographia Sinica 53(5), internet
El desplazamiento de cauces en dreas deltdicas tiende a compli-
version
carse por la interferencia con procesos marinos y pkkticas cultu-
rales intensificadas. Comprender las maneras en que 10s cauces
fluviales se han desplazado en el transcurso del tiempo es fun-
damental para abordar muchos de 10s problemas que concier-
TtLtD6TECTION PAR SATELLITE ET SIG POUR nen la geomorfologia y el manejo de 10s rios. Debida a la amplia
magnitud y alta velocidad de 10scambios, se requieren sistemas
LANALYSE DES DiPLACEMENTS DES CHENAUX
especiales de observaci6n para medir eficientemente y seguir el
DANS LE DELTA ACTIF DE LA RIVIkRE JAUNE EN desplazamiento de cauces. Este trabajo presenta una aplicackn
CHINE de las tecnologias de informaci6n geogrdfica al estudio del des-
plazamiento de cauces en el delta active del Rio Amarillo, en
China. La fuente principal de datos fue una serie de imdgenes
MOTS-CLES : images satellite, SIG, dynamique spatio- Landsat en secuencia temporal, cubriendo un period0 de cerca
temporel, dClplacements de chenaux, delta de la Rivkre de 19 ados. Se us6 un sistema de informaci6n geogr6fica (SIG)
Jaune para apoyar la cartografia y la medick de la posici6n de 10s
cauces. Se examinaron sistem6ticamente 10s cambios temporo-
espaciales de las riberas de 10s rlos y de las lineas centrales de
RESUME 10s cauces. Se intent6 de relacionar estos resultados obtenidos
Le deplacement des chenaux dans les basses terres de delta se por procedimientos computacionales con 10s procesos naturales
complique du fait de Iaction de la mer et de la pratique de cul- y humanos que afectan al delta. Este estudio demuestra la utili-
ture intensive. Comprendre comment les chenaux de rivieres se dad de la teledeteccibn satelitkia integrada con un SIG para
sont dkplaces au tours du temps est critique pour apprehender investigar el desplazamiento de cauces fluviales.

157