Research on the relationships between river erosion and sedimentation and energy loss in the Yangtze River Basin of China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39153
• Publication Date: 2024-10-09T22:00:50Z
• Authors: Heng Wu; Shengdong Cheng; Tian Wang; Zhanbin Li; Peng Li; Yingying Geng; Xingyue Guo
• Keywords: Sedimentation; Siltation; Stream power

:River scour and siltation, inherently prolonged multifaceted phenomena, profoundly impact the hydraulic conductivity navigational safety of waterways, thereby rendering precise forecasting their fluctuations a paramount unresolved challenge. This study embarks on novel investigative trajectory by examining energy dissipation in rivers, specifically through scrutiny empirical hydrological records. Employing principles balance theory, this elucidates intricate connection between losses sedimentation volumes upper reaches Yangtze River at its confluence with significant tributary, Jialing River.Our findings diverge from conventional wisdom, revealing that standard metrics loss, encompassing kinetic, potential, total mechanical energies, along momentum losses, inadequately characterize complexity sediment deposition processes. In contrast, we demonstrate loss suspension power is more indicative measure quantity. Through meticulous comparisons various formulations for calculating power, identified formula grounded concept minimal available river systems exhibits superior accuracy correlating patterns sections. formula's efficacy further enhanced when considering aggregate under influence tributary inflows, enabling refined predictions variations segments. conclusion, insights derived research contribute significantly to realm resource management pursuit sustainable, high-quality aquatic ecosystem development.