Geomorphologic evolution of the shallow-buried abandoned Yellow River delta during the last 2000 years

Different from the continuous development of many river deltas since major Holocene transgression, modern Yellow River delta (YRD) remained for nearly 1000 years (from 893 AD to 1855 AD) in an abandonment state, until after when it was buried entered sea via Lijin. In this study we used optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating and grain size sedimentary facies analysis four borehole cores, combined with landform morphology, reconstruct history ancient abandoned YRD. The results indicate that due reduced sediment supply by AD, a sandy coast developed under influence wave erosion, offshore shell ridges were formed beyond coastline. During interval Medieval Warm Period (MWP) Little Ice Age (LIA), driven climate change storm surges, migrated laterally, widened rose, while accumulation landward-side interfluvial floodplains relatively weak. This configuration subsequently constituted coastal highland – plain depression system. After 1077 system, together delta, eroded Daqing estuary. system completely sediments, wave-controlled transformed tide-controlled silt-mud coast. We summarize these findings form geomorphic model evolution MWP LIA. Overall, our highlight effects sediment-laden response on millennial timescale, they provide theoretical foundation predicting different timescales, against background global change.