Mountain water reservoirs influence on the sea coasts development

Abstract

The paper deals with processes of sea coast and delta evolution modified as a result of water reservoirs construction and regulation of rivers which supply the coast with sediments. The rivers have been divided into groups according to the significance of the flow control by the reservoirs. Most influenced appear the coasts which are fed by rivers devoid of deltas. In a short time after reservoirs construction the marine erosion removes alluvium from the river mouth and extends along the sea coast. A new delta of the Rioni River is taken as a reference case of the terrestrial water management (including reservoirs construction and flow diversion) influence on the delta formation, the delta in question is continuously eroded and degrades. Some measures are recommended to lessen or prevent the erosion and to make the coast stable.