Author(s): Qu Geng; Chu Dong-Dong; Yuan Yuan; Guo Xiao-Hu; Ke Shuai
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River; Drought situation; Changing trends; Countermeasures
Abstract: After the construction of the Three Gorges and other reservoirs, significant adjustments have been observed in the water-sediment processes, leading to prolonged and large-scale erosion and incision processes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Consequently, leading an important impact on the low-water situation. This paper employs methods such as analysis of field data and mathematical modeling to investigate the changes in the dry-season situation in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River after the operation of the Three Gorges Project, the future trend of channel erosion, and the variation trend of low-water levels, proposing suggestions and countermeasures. The research findings indicate that the erosion-induced downcutting in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River has led to a decrease in water levels during the medium-low flow period. Apart from the water level decline at the Shashi station during the dry season, other stations show a rising trend in water levels. Based on the latest predictions, against the backdrop of continued erosion and incision of the riverbed, water levels in the main channels of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River during low-flow periods are expected to continue to decline. The measures proposed to alleviate the adverse effects of low-flow conditions on riverbeds include enhancing research on riverbed roughening and sediment recovery mechanisms, refining joint reservoir scheduling schemes, and advancing digital twin construction. The research findings can serve as a reference for future defense against drought situations in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River basin.
Year: 2024