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Sediment transport in two mediterranean regulated rivers
G Lobera1, R J Batalla2, D Vericat3
1Fluvial Dynamics Research Group, University of Lleida, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain.
The Science of the Total Environment
|September 16, 2015
Summary
Mediterranean dams significantly alter river flow and sediment transport. Dams reduce sediment loads by up to 90%, changing river ecosystems and flow patterns, impacting water availability and river function.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Environmental Science
- River Geomorphology
Background:
- Mediterranean rivers face irregular rainfall, leading to variable hydrological regimes.
- Numerous dams were constructed to manage water availability, altering natural river functions.
- Dams disrupt sediment transfer, impacting river ecosystems and geomorphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess suspended sediment loads and dynamics in two contrasting Mediterranean regulated rivers.
- To compare sediment transport influenced by different catchment characteristics and flow regimes.
- To evaluate the impact of dams on river hydrology and sediment dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Two-year monitoring of suspended sediment loads in the Ésera and Siurana rivers.
- Analysis of sediment transport dynamics under varying flow conditions (floods vs. baseflows).
- Comparison of sediment supply limitations between catchments.
Main Results:
- Floods accounted for 92% of sediment load in the Siurana, versus 70% in the Ésera, highlighting baseflow importance in the latter.
- The Ésera catchment is non-supply-limited (badlands), while the Siurana is supply-limited.
- Dams reduced sediment loads by up to 90% in both rivers.
- The Ésera's flow regime shifted from humid mountainous to quasi-invariable, while the Siurana changed from flashy to more constant.
Conclusions:
- Dam construction profoundly alters Mediterranean river sediment dynamics and hydrological regimes.
- Catchment characteristics (sediment availability) significantly influence sediment transport responses to flow.
- Regulated rivers exhibit altered ecological functioning due to modified flow and sediment regimes.
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