Geomorphological Processes and Human Impacts in River Basins (Proceedings of the International Conference held at Solsona, Catalonia, Spain, May 2004). IAHS Publ. 299, 2005, 217-222.

1 Department of Israel Studies, University of Haifa, Haifa, 31905, Israel

2 Department of Geography, University of Haifa, Haifa, 31905, Israel

Abstract Construction of dams along rivers affects the hydrological regime and the geomorphology. Two similar catchments were analysed: the impounded Daliyyot River (with impounded runoff index IR = 37%) and the non-impounded Meshushim River (IR = 1%). In the impounded basin, the specific average peak discharge and the annual average water volume discharge decreased by more than 50%; the recurrence interval time period increased for highest peak flows and the bankfull flow area decreased as peak discharges fell. Minor geomorphic changes occurred in the morphological cross sections only after major floods, with a recurrence interval of 1:5 years for the Meshushim River and 1:20 years. Small ponds downstream of the dams were partially filled with fine sediments.

Key words dams; downstream effects; Golan Heights; hydrological regime