Hydrological connectivity dynamics of tidal flat systems impacted by severe reclamation in the Yellow River Delta

River deltas contain complex self-organizing channel networks that continuously exchange fluxes of water, matter, energy, and information with their surroundings. The connectivity of these exchange processes plays a crucial role in controlling the evolution and dynamic stability of river deltas. However, connectivity patterns related to tidal channel networks have rarely been studied, especially in the Yellow River Delta (YRD), which is impacted by severe reclamation. Here, we evaluated the potential hydrological connectivity dynamics between the tidal channel network and its surroundings using an index of connectivity (IC) in the whole YRD and its three sub-regions: erosion zone, oil field zone and deposition zone. The results suggested that different areas had different spatial connectivity potential. The mean value of the IC related to the channel networks showed little difference for any zones. However, the total connectivity response area (CRA; set of connectivity response units) varied with the study scale. A decreasing trend was found on the delta scale and a relatively stable trend was found in the deposition zone. In terms of dynamic connectivity, the tidal flat system did not show a continuous trend over time. Our results indicated that the YRD is such a dynamic complex that a relatively stable connectivity pattern is unlikely to be achieved over time. Therefore, future ecological restoration based on hydrological connectivity needs to consider more related influencing factors and their temporal and spatial dynamics. [Display omitted] •Spatio-temporal connectivity in Yellow River Delta (YRD) was investigated.•Different areas had different connectivity potential.•Connectivity response area (CRA) decreased over time in the erosion zone, whereas it maintained stable in the deposition zone.•YRD did not show a continuous connectivity pattern over time.