科技日报：从“小水大灾”到安澜入海，黄河调水调沙“调”出了什么？

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant achievements of the Xiaolangdi Water Control Project in managing the Yellow River's water-sediment relationship, which has historically posed challenges to flood control and agricultural stability in the region [1][2][4]. Group 1: Historical Context and Challenges - The Yellow River has faced a "small water, big disaster" dilemma, with historical data showing that in the 1980s, a flow of 6000 cubic meters per second was manageable, while a flow of only 1920 cubic meters per second in 1996 led to significant agricultural losses [3][9]. - The core issue has been the imbalance between water and sediment, leading to the riverbed rising above the surrounding land, creating a "hanging river" that threatens the lower plains [2][4]. Group 2: Achievements of the Xiaolangdi Project - Since the initiation of the water-sediment regulation efforts in 2002, there have been 32 operations, resulting in an average riverbed lowering of 3.1 meters and an increase in minimum flow capacity from less than 1800 cubic meters per second to approximately 5000 cubic meters per second [1][9]. - The project has successfully transported 36.5 billion tons of sediment to the sea, reversing the historical trend of riverbed elevation [9]. Group 3: Methodology and Innovations - The approach of "regulating water and sediment" involves coordinated management of water resources to optimize the sediment transport ratio, allowing for more effective sediment removal from the riverbed [5][11]. - The Xiaolangdi reservoir plays a crucial role in this process, controlling over 90% of the river's water and nearly 100% of its sediment, thus serving as the core of the sediment regulation strategy [7][10]. Group 4: Environmental Impact and Future Prospects - The sediment management efforts have extended the lifespan of the Xiaolangdi reservoir, with only 47% of its sediment capacity filled after 26 years, compared to the expected full capacity within 20 years [10][11]. - The project has also contributed to ecological restoration, with 16.5 billion cubic meters of water supplied to the Yellow River Delta, aiding in the recovery of endangered species like the Yellow River carp [11][12].