The study looked at how the Nanhui Shoal in the Changjiang estuary changed over several decades. They found that the shape of the shoal changed, with more sediment building up on the landward side. The area of the shoal increased, but the actual tidal flat area decreased due to land reclamation. Changes in the flow of water in the estuary and human projects influenced the shape of the shoal. The building of the Three Gorges Dam had a small impact on the sediment in the area. This research helps us understand how estuarine shoals change over time and how human activities can affect them.