Riverbed Deformations in the Upper Dnister Catchment Under Gravel-Pits Exploitation

Abstract

Paper deals with the short analysis of vertical and horizontal river beds deformations which are developed due to intensive gravel mining within the river channels and floodplains of the Upper Dnister catchment. These processes and water regime changes have noticeable impact upon the hydroecological state of the small river systems and ecological problems in their catchments. Regressive river bed erosion is especially dangerous for buildings, economical objects, engineering and transport infrastructure. Based on the main results obtained due to the analysis of the recent monitoring, field, stationary and semi-stationary observations data the scales, main tendencies and intensity of erosion and accumulation processes have been ascertained. Main ecological consequences and optimization measures for the processes regulating and risk mitigation are discussed as well.

Anthropogenic Influence Upon the Sukil River Bed Functioning

“…Also, during the flood 2010 the maximal horizontal deformations of the river bed have been observed -up to 270 м . The similar quantity of the horizontal deformation was ascertained also for other rivers in the Upper Dnister river basin (Mykhnovych & Pylypovych, 2017;Mykhnovych et al, 2016).…”

“…These processes help to renew the natural state of the river bed (Fig. 6C) and cause erosion development downstream (Rinaldi et al, 2005;Calle et al, 2017;Mykhnovych & Pylypovych, 2017). According to the satellite images of 2020 and field investigations there were no unauthorized gravel pits.…”

“…It is mined in the river beds, floodplains and low terraces. Gravel mining is one of the leading factors of the river bed morphology and dynamics changes (Rinaldi et al, 2005;Mykhnovych & Pylypovych, 2017;Mykhnovych et al, 2016).…”