LAUSR

ABSTRACT Lyu, H. and Zhu, J., 2019. Impacts of tidal flat reclamation on saltwater intrusion and freshwater resources in the Changjiang Estuary. Journal of Coastal Research, 35(2), 314–321. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. A well-validated numerical model, residual water and salt transport, and the water diversion ratio between channels as well as their variations were used to simulate and analyze the impacts of the tidal flat reclamation project in the Eastern Hengsha Shoal (RP-EHS) on saltwater intrusion and freshwater resources. The RP-EHS is the largest tidal flat reclamation project in the Changjiang Estuary and has significantly changed the local topography. The RP-EHS results in a net transection water flux increase in the North Channel and decreases in the South Channel, North Passage, and South Passage, which weaken the saltwater intrusion in the North Channel and enhance the saltwater intrusion in the South Channel, North Passage, and South Passage. The saltwater intrusion in the North Branch and the saltwater spillover from the North Branch into the South Branch were increased after the establishment of the RP-EHS. There are three reservoirs in the Changjiang Estuary, which provide more than 80% of the freshwater to Shanghai. Because the saltwater sources of the reservoirs mainly originate from the saltwater spillover, the salinity at the water intakes of the three reservoirs slightly increased after the project, which means that the project is unfavorable for water resources in the Changjiang Estuary. The reservoirs are important for Shanghai's water supply, and the impacts of the tidal flat reclamation on water resources should receive greater attention to ensure water safety.