Analysis of formation and slope stability in Caofeidian Channel in Bohai Bay

ABSTRACT In this paper, by studying bathymetric survey and shallow seismic detection data over multiple periods of history, the authors outline the geomorphic features of the Caofeidian Channel. The results of our studies indicate that the channel at the front end is dominated by erosion. The maximum water depth reaches 42.2 m, which sets the highest record for the water depth in Bohai Bay; the authors preliminarily conclude that the formation of the early channel occurred because the subsidence rate of the deep structure is slightly smaller than the deposition rate of the upper strata, and the Caofeidian Channel has existed for a long time, over 20 ka. The trending of the channel experienced a transition from the NS to the NE and then NW direction; the authors conclude that endogenic and exogenic processes, such as geological structures, the evolution of the ancient Luanhe River Delta, marine hydrodynamics, and human activity, jointly control the development and evolution of the geographic system in the Caofeidian sea area. The slope stabilities under the extreme conditions of a heavy storm and an earthquake are analyzed by performing simulations. © 2019 China Geology Editorial Office.