Fuzzy cluster analysis method of river pattern classification in alluvial river

The river patterns of six sub-reaches between Huayuankou and Lijin hydrologic stations of the Lower Yellow River are classified based on the analysis of the 21 years data with mathematical statistics and fuzzy cluster method. The method is developed from the theory of plant taxonomy, sediment transportion theory and stabilization degree equation. The results indicate that if river pattern cluster in 3 groups, the result is similar to the actual river pattern. If river pattern cluster in 4 groups, the result matches well with the actual river pattern. It is concluded that fuzzy cluster analysis method of river pattern classification in alluvial river is reliable, but the statistics method is difficult to obtain the threshold values of boundaries and the river pattern can't be classified effectively.