Numerical simulation study on impacts of the Xinhengsha reclamation project on salinity in the Yangtze Estuary

Abstract

The impacts of the Xinhengsha Reclamation Project on saltwater intrusion and freshwater resources in the Yangtze Estuary is simulated by Ecom-si. It is found that the salinity in the North Branch decreases slightly, the salinity in the North Channel and South Channel decreases obviously after the implementation of the Xinhengsha Reclamation Project. In addition, the implementation of the Xinhengsha Reclamation Project has a significant impact on the water intaking of the three reservoirs (Dongfengxisha Reservoir, Chenhang Reservoir, Qingcaosha Reservoir). In a spring-neap tide cycle, after the implementation of the Xinhengsha Reclamation Project, Dongfengxisha Reservoir is shortened from a maximum of 7 days before the project to 6 days, Chenhang Reservoir is shortened from 3.5 days to 0 days, Qingcaosha Reservoir is shortened from 4 days to 2.5 days. The above research results show that the implementation of the Xinhengsha Reclamation Project is beneficial to the water intaking of the three reservoirs.