Dynamics of Red River Delta (Vietnam) and Main Problems in Coastal Natural Resource Exploitation

Processes of accretion and abrasion and possibilities of using the main natural resources in the maritime coastal areas of the Red River delta in the north of Vietnam are considered. Quantitative data on erosion and accretion are provided for the period since 1930 till the present, and the level of accretion and erosion processes is estimated according to their intensity and prevalence. Three periods of development of accretion and erosion in three areas of the Red River delta have been identified, and the results of cartographic and quantitative analysis of their intensity are presented. It was determined that the erosion areas in some periods reached 47 ha/year with the destruction rate of the coast as high as 9.2 m/year and the rate of accretion 445 ha/year, and the seaward shift of the coastline with the velocity of up to 37.6 m/year. The most eroded coastal areas are Wang Li and Hai Hau, and accretion is largest in Ba Lat. The area characteristics of the eroded and accretion areas are given for ten coastal regions from the city of Haiphong to Ninh Bin Province. It is shown that the dynamical processes in the coastal zone of the northern part of Vietnam significantly complicate the use of natural resources and their economic development. The specific character and ecological problems of sea salt extraction, cultivation of aquaculture, restoration of mangrove vegetation in the maritime and coastal zone of the Red River delta are considered. It was determined that irrational use of the coastal territories gives rise to environmental problems and to a decrease in economic efficiency of natural resource management. It is concluded that the identified patterns of formation of the estuary should be properly identified and, on this basis, it is advisable to develop balanced methods for sustainable use of natural resources of the coastal regions of Vietnam, including coastal shoals.