Delta Shifts

Delta Shifts

Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center - Earthshots

The Huang He Delta has historically built up over a broad area because of its wandering ways. The river’s course in its lower reaches has shifted 11 times since 1855. The latest shift was in 1976. Before that, the river turned northward into the sea; in 1976, it took a different direction, heading east and carrying its sediment to build a new delta there.

The river now carries its sediment farther outward, creating an ever-changing delta.

Imagery

June 2, 1976, Landsat 2 (path/row 130/34) — Huang He Delta, China
May 27, 1979, Landsat 3 (path/row 130/34) — Huang He Delta, China
June 7, 1984, Landsat 2 (path/row 121/34) — Huang He Delta, China
Sept. 23, 1991, Landsat 5 (path/row 121/34) — Huang He Delta, China
Oct. 7, 1999, Landsat 7 (path/row 121/34) — Huang He Delta, China
Sept. 2, 2001, Landsat 5 (path/row 121/34) — Huang He Delta, China
Sept. 11, 2010, Landsat 5 (path/row 121/34) — Huang He Delta, China
Oct. 5, 2013, Landsat 8 (path/row 121/34) — Huang He Delta, China
Oct. 27, 2015, Landsat 8 (path/row 121/34) — Huang He Delta, China
Sep. 30, 2017, Landsat 8 (path/row 121/34) — Huang He Delta, China
Oct. 3, 2018, Landsat 8 (path/row 121/34) — Huang He Delta, China
Oct. 24, 2020, Landsat 8 (path/row 121/34) — Huang He Delta, China
Sept. 12, 2022, Landsat 8 (path/row 121/34) — Huang He Delta, China
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