Seismic geomorphology of buried channel systems in the western South Huanghai Sea: retrodiction for paleoenvironments

Quantitative morphologic analysis of shallowly buried, dendritic channel systems in the continental shelf off the abandoned Huanghe River (Yellow River) mouth has been made based on interpretation of high resolution seismic profiles, with the attempt to estimate the paleo-hydrologic parameters when the incised-channels formed, then assess the paleo-environment. The results indicate that the buried channel systems were formed about 44 cal ka BP with dendritic drainage pattern when the shelf was subaerially exposed. The channel paleo-current velocities were sufficient to initiate and carry very coarse particles. And the paleo-flow is similar to the Changjiang River in the same period. Subsequently, the channel systems drowned and filled during the Holocene transgression with the sea level rise continuously. The study area has experienced great range of environments since the last glaciation, from exposed, fluvial and estuarine to fully marine.