A STUDY OF THE SURFACE EMERGING PALAEOCHANNELS ON THE SOUTH COAST PLAIN OF LAIZHOU BAY

Key words: 
• the South Coast Plain of Laizhou Bay /
• surface-emerging palaeochannels /
• Holocene

Abstract: By employing many methods including distinguishing the land maps, interpreting the aerophotoes and Satellite photographes, consulting historical documents, investigating ancient cultural relics, making investigations in the field, analysing the names and features of the place, and analysing the characteristics of the deposit, etc., a systematic study of the surface emerging palaeochannels on the South Coast Plain of Laizhou Bay has been made. Twenty five surface emerging palaeochannels were discovered and verified. According to the formation age, these palaeochannels were divided into two stages: six palaeochannels were formed in the Early and Middle Holocene, and nineteen palaeochannels were formed in the Late Holocene(the historical period). According to the landform features, the palaeochannels are divided into four categories: upland palaeochannel belts, strip shaped upland palaeochannels, trough shaped depression palaeochannels and ancient riverbeds. Among the four categories, the strip shaped upland palaeochannels are the main types. The swinging and movement of the channels helped the alluvial plains expand and cause the coastal ancient lakes to vanish in succession.