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A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Water Erosion and Sediment Transport".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2026 | Viewed by 8226

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Dr. Aqsa Anees

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Institute for Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650504, China
Interests: unconventional and conventional reservoir characterization; formation evaluation; machine learning; fault and fracture modeling; sedimentary geology; CCS
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a Special Issue entitled "Regional Geomorphological Characteristics and Sedimentary Processes". This issue aims to advance the understanding of how geomorphological features and sedimentary processes shape and interact with aquatic environments. We welcome contributions that explore the dynamics of sediment transport, deposition, and erosion in various geological settings and their implications for water and hydrocarbon resources.

Background and Aims: This Special Issue seeks to highlight the latest research on regional geomorphological features and sedimentary processes, emphasizing contributions from earth scientists, environmental scientists, and petroleum geologists. We aim to provide a platform for interdisciplinary studies that integrate field observations, laboratory experiments, remote sensing technologies, machine learning applications, and modeling approaches. By examining these processes in diverse environmental and geological contexts, we hope to uncover new insights into their roles in shaping landscapes, influencing hydrological systems, and informing petroleum exploration and extraction strategies.

Key Highlights:

Exploration of sediment transport mechanisms and their impact on riverine and coastal systems;
Analysis of the interplay between geomorphological features and hydrodynamic conditions;
Investigation of sedimentary records as indicators of past environmental and geological changes;
Assessment of human activities on sedimentary processes and geomorphology;
Implications of geomorphological changes for water resource management and ecosystem health;
Utilization of remote sensing technologies to monitor and analyze geomorphological and sedimentary processes;
Applications of machine learning techniques to model and predict sedimentary dynamics and reservoir properties;
Paleoenvironmental reconstructions and their implications for hydrocarbon exploration;
Tectonic controls on sedimentary basins and petroleum accumulation.

Proposed Relevant Topics:

Fluvial geomorphology and sediment dynamics;
Coastal sediment transport and deposition;
Sedimentary processes in lakes, reservoirs, and petroleum basins;
Erosion and sedimentation patterns in mountainous and arid regions;
Impact of climate change on sedimentary processes;
Human-induced changes in geomorphological and sedimentary systems;
Advanced modeling techniques for sediment transport, deposition, and reservoir simulation;
Geomorphological mapping and its applications in environmental and petroleum management;
Remote sensing applications in geomorphology and sedimentary process analysis;
Machine learning applications in predicting and analyzing sedimentary processes and reservoir characteristics;
Reconstructing ancient depositional environments for improved hydrocarbon exploration strategies.

We invite researchers to submit original research articles, reviews, and case studies that address these and related topics. Your contributions will play a vital role in enhancing our understanding of the intricate relationships between geomorphology, sedimentary processes, aquatic environments, and petroleum geology, ultimately benefiting both earth and environmental scientists.

Dr. Aqsa Anees
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Water is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

geomorphology and sediment transport
deposition and erosion
geomorphological features
reservoir sedimenta-tion
climate change impacts
fluvial dynamics
hydrodynamic conditions
paleoenvironmental reconstructions
GIS applications
sedimentary records
geological modeling
environmental management

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 5371 KB

Open AccessArticle

Three Gorges Dam Reshaping of the Runoff–Sediment Relationship in the Reservoir, 1970 to 2023

by Yixia Luo, Hengyi Duan, Xiaoya Tang, Jilong Chen, Shengjun Wu and Jialing Ju

Water 2025, 17(24), 3548; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17243548 - 15 Dec 2025

Viewed by 284

Abstract

The operation of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) has profoundly influenced sediment dynamics in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), yet the long-term evolution of runoff–sediment interactions remains insufficiently quantified. Based on long-term hydrological data (1970–2023), this study analyzed the characteristics of runoff and sediment load and evaluated the impacts of the TGD on their relationship within the reservoir area. Results showed that TGD operation significantly altered sediment transport patterns and reshaped the runoff–sediment relationship, although these effects were constrained by temporal variations in upstream water and sediment supply. From 2003 to 2012, sediment transport regulation reached 11.7%, 50.9%, and 80.5% at Qingxichang, Wanxian, and Yichang stations, respectively, while regulation of the runoff–sediment relationship was 20.0% and 50.0% at Qingxichang and Wanxian. During 2013–2023, under the influence of cascade reservoirs in the upper Yangtze River, sediment regulation changed to 8.3%, 60.3%, and 75.2% at the three stations, with runoff–sediment regulation degrees of 21.7% and 54.2% at Qingxichang and Wanxian. The regulation effect displayed a clear spatial gradient, intensifying downstream along the reservoir. These findings demonstrate the dual role of TGD and upstream cascade reservoirs in shaping runoff–sediment dynamics, providing new insights into sediment management and ecological protection in large regulated rivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Geomorphological Characteristics and Sedimentary Processes)

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24 pages, 5011 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Sectional Variability of Suspended Sediment Concentration in the Rhine River

by Christopher Nicholls and Thomas Hoffmann

Water 2025, 17(23), 3391; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17233391 - 28 Nov 2025

Viewed by 390

Abstract

Suspended sediment transport in large rivers is characterized by complex cross-sectional patterns. This study investigates the cross-sectional distribution of the suspended sediment concentration (SSC), based on 15 measurement campaigns at six stations along a 67 km reach of the middle Rhine in Germany. Utilizing a multi-method approach, we conducted turbidity and acoustic backscatter measurements, in situ particle size data, recorded water quality parameters such as electrical conductivity, and took 495 pump-based water samples over a period of 2.5 years. Statistical analysis of this comprehensive dataset shows that lateral differences have greater importance for the cross-sectional SSC distribution than vertical differences, suggesting that incomplete river mixing is of greater importance than vertical stratification for uncertainties in load calculations. We demonstrate that surface measurements are consistently representative for the whole water column and that applying the traditional Rouse equation for vertical extrapolation from surface measurements leads to large errors. We conclude that efficient monitoring programs should prioritize covering the lateral SSC distribution for more accurate load calculations and offer practical recommendations for improved SSC monitoring in similar conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Geomorphological Characteristics and Sedimentary Processes)

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34 pages, 97018 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Fresh Groundwater Potential in Unconfined Aquifers in Arid Central Asia: A Remote Sensing and Geo-Information Modeling Approach

by Evgeny Sotnikov, Zhuldyzbek Onglassynov, Kanat Kanafin, Ronny Berndtsson, Valentina Rakhimova, Oxana Miroshnichenko, Shynar Gabdulina and Kamshat Tussupova

Water 2025, 17(20), 2985; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17202985 - 16 Oct 2025

Viewed by 960

Abstract

Arid regions in Central Asia face persistent and increasing water scarcity, with groundwater serving as the primary source for drinking water, irrigation, and industry. The effective exploration and management of groundwater resources are critical, but are constrained by limited monitoring infrastructure and complex hydrogeological settings. This study investigates the Akbakay aquifer, a representative area within Central Asia with challenging hydrogeological conditions, to delineate potential zones for fresh groundwater exploration. A multi-criteria decision analysis was conducted by integrating the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), supported by remote sensing datasets. To address the subjectivity of weight assignment, the AHP results were further validated using Monte Carlo simulations and fuzzy logic aggregation (Fuzzy Gamma). The integrated approach revealed stable high-suitability groundwater zones that consistently stand out across deterministic, probabilistic, and fuzzy assessments, thereby improving the reliability of the groundwater potential mapping. The findings demonstrate the applicability of combined AHP–GIS methods enhanced with uncertainty analysis for sustainable groundwater resource management in data-scarce arid regions of Central Asia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Geomorphological Characteristics and Sedimentary Processes)

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16 pages, 4814 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geomorphological Characteristics and Evolutionary Process of a Typical Isolated Carbonate Platform Slope in the Xisha Sea: A Case Study of the Northwestern Dongdao Platform

by Xudong Guo, Dongyu Lu, Xuelin Li, Xiaochen Fang, Fei Tian, Changfa Xia, Lei Huang, Mei Chen, Luyi Wang and Zhongyu Sun

Water 2025, 17(9), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17091259 - 23 Apr 2025

Viewed by 840

Abstract

The northwestern slope of the Dongdao Platform in the Xisha Sea exhibits a complex geomorphological structure. Utilizing high-resolution multibeam bathymetric data and 2D seismic profiles, this study systematically reconstructs the slope morphology and its evolutionary processes. The study area displays a distinct threefold zonation: the upper slope (160–700 m water depth) has a steep gradient of 15°–25°, characterized by deeply incised V-shaped channels and slump deposits, primarily shaped by gravity-driven erosion; the middle slope (700–1200 m water depth) features a gentler gradient of 10°–15°, where channels stabilize, adopting U-shaped cross-sections with the development of lateral accretion deposits; the lower slope (1200–1500 m water depth) exhibits a milder gradient of 5°–10°, dominated by a mixture of fine-grained carbonate sediments and hemipelagic mud–marine sediments originating partly from the open ocean and partly from the nearby continental margin. The slope extends from 160 m to 1500 m water depth, hosting the C1–C4 channel system. Seismic facies analysis reveals mass-transport deposits, channel-fill facies, and facies modified by bottom currents—currents near the seafloor that redistribute sediments laterally—highlighting the interplay between fluid activity and gravity-driven processes. The slope evolution follows a four-stage model: (1) the pockmark formation stage, where overpressured gas migrates vertically through chimneys, inducing localized sediment instability and forming discrete pockmarks; (2) the initial channel development stage, during which gravity flows exploit the pockmark chains as preferential erosional pathways, establishing nascent incised channels; (3) the channel expansion and maturation stage, marked by intensified erosion from high-density debris flows, resulting in a stepped longitudinal profile, while bottom-current reworking enhances lateral sediment differentiation; (4) the stable transport stage, wherein the channels fully integrate with the Sansha Canyon, forming a well-connected “platform-to-canyon” sediment transport system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Geomorphological Characteristics and Sedimentary Processes)

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41 pages, 36866 KB

Open AccessArticle

Depositional Architecture of Aggrading Delta Front Distributary Channels and Corresponding Depositional Evolution Process in Ordos Basin: Implications for Deltaic Reservoir Prediction

by Yuhang Huang, Xinghe Yu and Chao Fu

Water 2025, 17(4), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17040528 - 12 Feb 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2471

Abstract

Distributary channels at the delta front of lacustrine basins play a crucial role in transporting terrigenous sediments and redistributing depositional facies along the basin margin. These channels are also significant reservoirs for oil and gas. This study investigates the Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Southeastern Ordos Basin (China), emphasizing the sedimentary characteristics, hydrodynamic processes, and evolutionary patterns of delta front distributary channels. Special focus is given to the response of sedimentary filling to paleotopographic changes along the basin margin to enhance reservoir prediction. Through field profiling and quantification of channel morphological parameters, two distinct topographic types were identified: transitions from gentle to steep slopes and from steep to gentle slopes. The findings reveal that the morphology, evolution, and distribution patterns of distributary channels were primarily influenced by the paleotopographic gradient, with sediment grain size playing a supplementary role. Detailed analysis highlights the topographic control on sediment transport mechanisms: in gentle terrain, friction-driven processes dominate (rolling/suspension), whereas in steep terrain, inertial forces prevail (rolling/saltation). Channel architecture correlates strongly with paleotopography: gentle to steep transitions form isolated, vertically stacked sand bodies with thick mouth bars, while steep to gentle transitions produce sheet-like sands with lateral migration features. This study establishes a predictive framework linking slope thresholds to reservoir morphology, offering prioritized targets for hydrocarbon exploration. The methodology is applicable to the margins of lacustrine basins in intracratonic settings, reducing subsurface uncertainty by integrating paleotopographic reconstructions with channel aspect ratios and migration rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Geomorphological Characteristics and Sedimentary Processes)

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19 pages, 10970 KB

Open AccessArticle

Variations in Sedimentation Rate and Corresponding Adjustments of Longitudinal Gradient in the Cascade Reservoirs of the Lower Jinsha River

by Suiji Wang

Water 2025, 17(2), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17020262 - 18 Jan 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1203

Abstract

The Xiangjiaba and Xiluodu reservoirs, as important components of the large cascade reservoirs in the lower Jinsha River, and the interactive changes in sediment trapping amounts, the differences in sedimentation dynamics, and the potential mutual influence mechanisms among them are scientific issues worthy of attention. Based on the multiple observed data of thalweg elevation before and after the completion of the dam construction, this study calculated the average sedimentation rates of all 20 km segments of the above-mentioned reservoirs in different periods. Meanwhile, the local mean gradients between adjacent segments and the regional mean gradients from the segments to the dam in the corresponding periods were calculated. The results show that the maximum and average sedimentation rates of the Xiangjiaba Reservoir, which was built earliest and is located downstream, were as high as 19.62 m yr⁻¹ and 8.88 m yr⁻¹, respectively, in the first half year after the dam closure. After the completion of the Xiluodu Reservoir, an adjacent cascade reservoir upstream, the average sedimentation rate of the Xiangjiaba Reservoir in the following seven years dropped to 0.67 m yr⁻¹. The maximum and average sedimentation rates of the Xiluodu Reservoir were 9.07 m yr⁻¹ and 4.15 m yr⁻¹, respectively, within one year after the dam closure, and its average sedimentation rate in the following six years was 2.51 m yr⁻¹. The spatial variations of sedimentation rates in these two reservoirs follow different changing patterns. There is an obvious correlation between the change in mean gradient and the change in sedimentation rate. The sequence of dam construction, the relative positions of the reservoirs, the differences in sediment trapping amounts, and operation modes are the key factors controlling the changes in sedimentation rate and gradient in the reservoir area. This study reveals the interactive changes in sedimentation rates among cascade reservoirs and the response mechanism of river channel morphology, and has a guiding role for the formulation of effective measures for the sustainable utilization of cascade reservoirs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Geomorphological Characteristics and Sedimentary Processes)

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15 pages, 9267 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sporopollen-Algae Assemblage and Its Paleoenvironmental Significance for the Kongdian Formation of Eocene Strata in Bohai Bay Basin, China

by Yongzhao Yu, Wenyan Wei, Yaqin Yao, Kunqi Qiu, Jilei Yang, He Ji, Xinrui Pei and Zhenqing Zhang

Water 2025, 17(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17010092 - 1 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1268

Abstract

Paleoenvironmental insights gleaned from geological history are profoundly important for the discovery and exploitation of mineral resources. In China’s Bohai Bay Basin, the Kongdian Formation represents the principal oil-bearing stratum from the Eocene Epoch. However, a comprehensive understanding of its paleoenvironmental evolution and stratigraphic division has been hindered by the paucity of paleontological data. To address this gap, three sedimentary cores were meticulously collected from the southern extremity of the Liaoxi Uplift within the Bohai Bay. These cores underwent a thorough sporopollen-algae analysis to elucidate their stratigraphic division and to reconstruct the associated paleoenvironmental conditions. The analysis yielded the identification of three distinct sporopollen-algae assemblages of the regional Kongdian Formation: (1) The assemblage of Divisisporites longilaesuratus-Betulaepollenites-Tiliaepollenites microreticulatus is indicative of the lower submember of the Kongdian Formation Ek₂; (2) The assemblage of Polypodiaceaesporites-Alnipollenites indicates the upper submember of the Ek₂; (3) The assemblage of Pterisisporites undulatus-Taxodiaceaepollenites-Ephedripites corresponds to the Kongdian Formation Ek₁. These assemblages reflect a significant evolutionary trajectory of the regional plant communities throughout the Kongdian Formation. Initially, there were evergreen arbor-shrub mixed forests, which transitioned to green algae-herb-evergreen broadleaved biota and finally evolved into evergreen conifer-shrub mixed forests. This botanical evolution mirrors shifts in the paleoclimate, which experienced a progression from conditions of high temperature and high humidity through a phase of warm, semi-humid environments to eventually high temperature and semi-arid conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Geomorphological Characteristics and Sedimentary Processes)

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