Author(s): Jianyuan Zhu; Wuyi Chen
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Reservoir sedimentation; Xiluodu Project; Three Gorges Project; Siltation reduction
Abstract: Research works on sediment transport and fluvial processes in a river reach more than 400km long between Xiluodu Power Station and the Three Gorges Project indicate that bed scour in gravel-bed stream downstream of the Xiluodu dam will be limited. . The suspended load basically will not exchange with bed material. The amount of suspended sediment load deposited in the upstream reservoir will almost be equal to the amount of reduction in suspended load entering the downstream reservoir. The decrease in sediment discharge of bed load entered into the reservoir will be accompanied by an increase in the sedimentation time of the upstream reservoir. The bed scour or deposition between the two reservoirs will not be obvious. The scour depth of river channel and the magnitude of water level decrease will be limited and have only a little influence on the environment. Without influencing the functions and benefits of the Xiluodu Power Station itself, the decrease in sediment transport into the Three Gorges Reservoir due to sedimentation of Xiluodu reservoir has evident benefits. In comparison with the situation of Three Gorges Reservoir being put into operation without the Xiluodu Project, not only the amount of deposit in the Three Gorges Reservoir will be reduced and flood control capacity increased, but also the flood level at the end of reservoir will be reduced, flood damage to reservoir will be less, navigable condition will be improved and a positive environmental impact will be achieved due to less sediment deposits. .
Year: 2004