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Research papers

Channel changes in largest Russian rivers: natural and anthropogenic effects

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Pages 175-191 | Received 07 Jun 2013, Accepted 10 Jun 2013, Published online: 13 Aug 2013
 

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide comprehensive analysis of channel changes (horizontal and vertical movements of channel boundaries due to water flow and sediment transport interactions) in rivers across Russia. Evidences from channel transformations indicate that largest Russian rivers (Volga, Oka, Amur) are sensitive to mostly human impacts (reservoir construction, in-channel quarries, land disturbance and bank fortification). Channel changes in the Severnaya Dvina, Lena, Pechora and Ob Rivers over the past 100 years have been driven mainly by natural factors at the river scale, whereas some reaches were influenced by human interventions (including single reservoirs). Reservoir construction is probably the most extended influence on morphodynamics of the largest rivers of Russia, but the influence of other controls resulting in channel boundary movement and channel pattern changes could also be detected.

Acknowledgements

The work is implemented under the support of Russian Fund for Basic Research (projects 12-05-00069-а, 12-05-00348-а, 12-05-33090, 11-05-00179), grant of Russian Federation Government to support research projects implemented by leading scientists at Russian institutions of higher education (project no. 11.G. 34.31.0007) and President of Russian Federation grants (МК-2857.2012.5 and N-79-2012.5). We thank Dr Peter Sigrist from Cornell University for improving the English text.

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