The morphological adjustment of typical consecutive bends in Yangtze River in response to upstream damming

The study of the geomorphic dynamics of consecutive bends in Yangtze River under controlled conditions, i.e., the regulated water and sediment process, and the bank protection project, contributes to the further understanding of the meandering river theory. In this study, by combining the topographic data and remote sensing data, the morphological adjustment of typical consecutive bends in Yangtze River in response to upstream damming are analyzed. The results show that during 2006-2021, the riverbed is scoured generally. The consecutive bends are generally characterized by inner-bank scouring and outer-bank sedimentation. Besides, the evolution of the front and back bends shows good correlation, and the longer the length of the transition section, the weaker the correlation between the evolution of the front and back bends. The results of the study may serve as a rational reference for managing natural meandering rivers with multiple hydrological, geomorphological, and ecological goals.