A dam and reservoir are constructed on a graded river. What will happen?
When the water is released, it flows over and erodes all of the sediment that was on top.
The riverbed also changes shape because now there’s more area to flow through.
As time goes by, both sides will become stable again as they’re eroded at a fairly equal rate .
Sediments are redeposited where the bed has changed in elevation or slope.
After dam construction:
Sediment piles up behind dams due to erosion caused by continuous release of water from reservoirs upstream.
Increased availability of nutrients may support blooms of algae.
Ams can alter downstream flooding patterns.
For example, when flood control gates close upstream while a storm progresses downstream.
The riverbed also changes shape because now there’s more area to flow through.
After dam construction.
Sediment piles up behind dams due to erosion caused by continuous release of water from reservoirs upstream.
Increased availability of nutrients may support blooms of algae which contribute oxygen production during daylight hours (the day).
Dams can alter downstream flooding patterns.
For example, when flood control gates close upstream while a storm progresses downstream .
Building A Dam Impact.
