Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XII
Written by Florin DUŢU, Laura TIRON DUŢU, Irina CATIANIS
The pressure control of the anthropogenic factors has consequences on the fluvial systems, generating structural changes. The hydrology, hydraulics and sediment load of the rectified meandering systems depend on the hydrologic connectivity with the main stem of the river. The former meanders can be permanently, temporarily disconnected with the main channel producing interruptions in the transfer of fresh water and thus affecting the morpho-sedimentological processes and the biodiversity. This paper aims to investigate the distribution of the water and suspended sediment fluxes between the former meanders and the artificial man-made canals along the St. George distributary and thus, the hydrological connectivity. Understanding these complex human pressures are of high importance for reaching/ maintaining the ecological status of the Danube. Herein, we made investigations along the St. George branch on many sub-systems river-channel-lake site type, formed by cutoff meanders, connective channels and lakes to observe how much the water and sediment inputs to the delta depressions is affected by the structural changes of the meander’s physiography.
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