Land-ocean interaction in modern delta formation and development: A case study of the Pearl River delta, China

The distinctive characteristics of the modern Pearl River delta formation and development are divided phases, diversity and imbalance In spatial and temporal. The delta was moving seaward gradually in a long period after the last Holocene glacial stage and the ancient drowned Pearl River estuary was predominated by tide. The delta was expanding quickly since fluvial force was turned to be leading status about 2500 years ago. The sediment grain size was changing longitudinally from coarser to finer. As well as the finer sediment may be reworked and redistributed shoreward by tidal current nearby the river mouth. And the fluvial-dominated delta is developed by the mutual deposition reflected in the vertical direction. According to the spatial difference of [and-ocean interaction, the main body of the Pearl River delta which is the fluvial-dominated and protruding seaward is coupled with or concomitant with the estuaries and tide-dominated deltas which are adjoined to both sides of the main part like two wings.