Geomorphological Processes and Human Impacts in River Basins
(Proceedings of the International Conference held at Solsona, Catalonia, Spain, May 2004). IAHS Publ. 299, 2005., 101-110.Suspended sediment transport and trapping processes in the regulated lower Durance River, southeastern France
EMMANUEL RIBES & MIREILLE PROVANSAL
Department of Geography, University of Provence, CEREGE, Europôle de l’Arbois, BP 80, 13545 Aix-en-Provence, Cedex 04, France
eribes@cerege.fr
Abstract
Since 1994 the lower Durance River has been experiencing a notable increase of hydro-sedimentary inputs, which have diverse morphological impacts on its bankfull channel, depending on water discharges and suspended sediment concentrations. At discharges of less than 300 m3 s-1, the suspended sediments are effectively transported within the active bed, and deposited in downstream gravel pits of the system. At discharges greater than 300 m3 s-1, the suspended sediments are deposited predominantly on vegetated and elevated bars, while the less cohesive sediments trapped in the gravel pits are removed. Results highlight the difficulties of restoring sediment transit in a highly disturbed and vegetated river channel.Key words
clearing operation; Durance River; gravel pit; regulated river; suspended sediments; water restoration programmes