The study of the degree of silt sedimentation in the public reservoirs of the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

In the Republic of Moldova, public ponds and reservoirs are at the end of their exploitation period. In the context of climate change, the operation of lakes imposes requirements on the minimum flow to maintain the downstream ecosystem. Extending the exploration period, in compliance with current rules, requires hydrological and hydraulic interventions which is necessary to be done, based on multiple studies such as the study of the behavior of hydrotechnical constructions and of clogging processes. Topography, climate, vegetation, hydrology, and human actions control soil erosion which is a major problem, causing detrimental effects on agriculture and siltation of rivers and reservoirs. Thus, the given article presents the result of the study of the clogging process for one reservoir located in the Northern areas of the Republic of Moldova, in comparative analysis with the designed diagram of the storage capacity, specific to pond/lake, during the exploitation period. The topographic method based on topo-bathymetric profiles was used. The cross-sectionals profiles reveal changes in slopes in the shoreline area, in the tail of the lake and in the vicinity of the, largely, non-functional stavilles. The particular results as well as the general ones, identified by the study, highlight the major causes of the phenomenon, as well as some recommendations for accumulation.