Sand mining impact on Poyang Lake: a case study based on high-resolution bathymetry and sub-bottom data

Poyang Lake in the Changjiang(Yangtze)River catchment has undergone frequent spring drought since 2003,and some researchers attributed this phenomenon to sand mining and the lakebed deformation in the outlet channel linking the lake with Changjiang River main channel.However,there is still a lack of high-resolution subaqueous geomorphological evidence of how sand mining led to lakebed deformation in the outlet channel.We examined the bed morphology and sub-bottom sedimentary structure of the outlet channel,using a multibeam echo sounder and sub-bottom profi ler in Poyang Lake.We found that:(1)the subaqueous micro-topography types of the outlet channel are characterized by sand mining disturbance,natural erosional topography,and fl at bed and dunes,accounting for 44.9%,21.4%,28.6%,and 5.1%of the channel area,respectively;and(2)sand mining activity aff ects the local bed topography extensively and signifi cantly.The depth of sandpits caused by sand mining varied from 1.4 m to 12 m deeper than the surrounding bed surface,with 4.41 m of depth increase on average.Hence,the large-scale high-intensity sand mining activities and their signifi cant geomorphic eff ects demand for an improved assessment for future management and longer-term sustainability.Because of the large-scale and ongoing high-intensity sand mining activities in the Poyang Lake outlet channel,these eff ects should raise caution in the future and contribute to monitoring eff orts that are essential to implement sustainable management solutions.The present study and techniques implemented can serve as a scientifi c reference for dam construction and sand mining within the Poyang Lake basin.

Decision support for integrated river basin management—Scientific research challenges

Integrated River Basin Management(IRBM)has been a long discussed way to sustainably manage water and land resources;yet,very few examples of effective IRBM are found because there is a lack of sufficient scientific support,as well as institutional accommodation,to successfully implement it.This paper overviews the major challenges with IRBM,the promising scientific approaches for the implementation of IRBM,and the areas of needed research,with considerable issues and experiences from China.It is expected that novel research will draw together disparate disciplines into an integrated scientific framework,upon which better modeling tools,stakeholder involvement,and decision-making support can be built.Cutting-edge new technologies will bring ideas of IRBM forward to theory and finally to practice.The paper will prompt scientists to undertake research to fill in the gaps in the current IRBM knowledge base and provide practitioners guidance on how to incorporate scientifically based information within the IRBM decision process.