From the source to the reservoir and beyond - tracking sediment
particles with modeling tools under climate change predictions
(Carpathian Mts.)
Abstract
Transport of sediment particles from the source of their origin to a
deposition area is of utmost importance, especially in catchments very
prone to erosion. Especially, since future climate changes are predicted
to enhance severity of the sediment transport issues, particularly in
catchments with dammed reservoirs, which capacity and water quality can
be extremely altered. In the current study we tracked, with a monthly
step, two mineral and one mineral/organic sediment fraction delivered
from the Carpathian Mts. catchment (Raba River) to the drinking water
reservoir (Dobczyce). This was possible by combining SWAT and AdH/PTM
models on the digital platform - Macromodel DNS. Moreover, we have
applied a variant scenario analysis including RCP 4.5 and 8.5, and land
use change forecasts. The results highlighted the differences between
the two analyzed hydrological units and showed large variability of the
sediment load between months. The predicted climate changes will cause a
significant increase of mineral fraction loads (silt and clay) during
months with high flows. Due to the location and natural arrangement of
the reservoir, silt particles will mainly affect faster loss of the
first two reservoir zones capacities, which is consistent with their
intended use as traps for larger fractions. The increased mobility of
the finer particles (clay) in the reservoir may be more problematic in
the future. Mainly due to their binding pollutant properties, and the
possible negative impact on drinking water abstraction from the last
reservoir zone.