Author(s): Xu Tao

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Ecological operation of reservoirs; Sedimentation reduction; Cascade reservoirs; Three Gorges Project;

Abstract: Along the mainstream of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, several giant controlling reservoirs, such as the Three Gorges, Xiluodu and Xiangjiaba reservoirs have been built and put into operation, whose roles are more and more important for the allocation of water resources in the upper reaches and comprehensive utilization of water resources. Meanwhile, prioritizing green development entails new requirements with regard to coordinating economic development and ecological protection. This paper mainly studies the reservoir group along the mainstream in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. In the paper, the ecological importance of reservoir operation for water supply, aquatic organisms, and sediment and water environments in the Yangtze River Basin is systematically introduced, and the yearly objectives for ecological operation of cascade reservoirs with the Three Gorges Reservoir as the core are proposed. In addition, the practice and characteristics of ecological operation since the completion of the Three Gorges Reservoir are summarized and new ideas for the ecological operation of cascade reservoirs for ecological protection are formed.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/38WC092019-0515

Year: 2019