How do dams alter the sediment export through rivers?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

When evaluating how dams affect sediment export through rivers, I consider what dams do to sediment transport.
Option 1: 'Dams only allow large cobbles and boulders through river networks.' In reality, dams trap a wide range of sediment sizes, especially finer grains, and do not selectively pass only large particles; this makes the statement inaccurate.
Option 2: 'Dams increase sediment export downstream.' This is generally false because reservoirs trap sediment, reducing downstream export rather than increasing it; the overall effect is a sediment deficit downstream.
Option 3: 'Dams trap sediment in their reservoirs and restrict the export of sediment downstream.' This captures the core process: sediments settle in the reservoir behind the dam, decreasing the amount that continues downstream and thereby altering downstream sediment regimes.
Option 4: 'Dams do not affect sediment export in rivers.' This ignores the primary impact of reservoirs on sediment dynamics, making the claim incorrect in light of standard fluvial geomorphology understanding.
In summary, the most accurate description among the options is that dams trap sediment within their reservoirs and limit downstream export, which fundamentally changes sediment supply downstream and can influence river morphology and ecosystem impacts.

EART-30-01 💡 Week 6 Quiz 3

How do dams alter the sediment export through rivers?

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