Burkova A.A., Makhinov A.N.

 

Channel processes and water flow redistribution in floodplain-channel branches of large rivers. Pp. 189–199.

UDC 551.435.1

DOI 10.37724/RSU.2025.89.4.019

 

Abstract. The research describes the structural features of the multi-channel riverbed and the dynamics of channel transformations of the Amur River in the Khabarovsk area between 1895 and 2024. The authors describe the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the main channel and secondary branches of the river. They highlight the features of the geomorphological structure of the terrain that determined the specific development of the bends of the main riverbed. One of the main features is the presence of the high, non-erosive right bank of the Amur, composed of sedimentary rocks of Permian age. The main factors influencing the structure and dynamics of the secondary branches of the river are considered. We found that an increase in the curvature of the bend of the main riverbed has led to an active redistribution of water flow into the straightening channels Pemzenskaya and Beshenaya since the 1970s, which has created significant difficulties for various types of economic activities in the riverbed and on the banks of the river. The construction of overflow dams at the sources of both channels in 2005–2006 made it possible to partially restore the water flow in the main riverbed of the Amur. However, with frequent and high summer floods, especially powerful in 2019–2021, the overflow dam at the source of the Pumzenskaya Channel collapsed and a deep and wide bypass channel formed; this again created a threat of significant redistribution of the Amur River water flow into this channel. It is shown that its further development will lead to significant negative consequences, as it will complicate navigation and reduce the stability of the city water intake due to the shallowing of the main channel, and will lead to intensive coastal erosion.

 

Keywords: the Amur River, multi-channel river, dynamics of branches, anthropogenic influence on channel processes.

 

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