The influence of changes in flow regime caused by dam closure on channel planform evolution: insights from flume experiments

Abstract

Constructions of dams influence river courses by cutting off sediment delivery and altering flow regime. We conducted flume experiments to study how sediment starvation, flow deficit and occurrence of series of floods with sediment load influence the evolution of channel planform. Results indicated that reduced flow caused a transition from a braided to incised single-thread planform with remains of inactive channels. The planform resembled rivers suffering from flow reduction caused by dams and constructions of irrigation canals (e.g., Central Platte River, USA). Simulation of series of floods with no sediment delivery caused the formation of an anabranching planform with incised main channel, alluvial islands, and side channels active at high flows. This evolution corresponds to river courses altered by sediment starvation and series of floods (e.g., the lower Drava River, Hungary). Floods with delivery of fines created a single-thread, incised channel with terraces along banks. Such channels are formed by rivers closed by dams, and compensating sediment deficit by sediment load from tributaries and/or floodplains (e.g., the Green River, USA). The flume tests demonstrated how flow and sediment deficit influence river channels and that the potential for restoration strongly depends on possibilities for the activation of sediment supply. However, restoration of pre-dam conditions is often impossible owing to other hydro technical works and land use changes. The highest restoration potential refers to the rivers compensating sediment delivery blocked by dams with tributary and floodplain resources.