The analysis of the channel deformations in the lower pool of the Votkinsk reservoir

¹ Perm State University, Bukirev St. 15, 614990 Perm, Russia
² “Nedra”, Research, Design and Production Environmental Protection Enterprise, Lev Shatrov St. 13a, 614064 Perm, Russia

^* Corresponding author: dvins@mail.ru

Abstract

The sand and gravel mix is mined at the Votkinsk reservoir. This leads to horizontal and vertical channel deformations. To study them, we examined the Golyanovsk section of the sand and gravel mix (SAGM) field in the lower pool of the reservoir. We used the channel surveys made in 2012-2016, 2018 and 2019 as the source of cartographic materials. The lower pool section of the Votkinsk hydroelectric complex, within which the Golyanovsk SAGM field is located, is characterized by a fully regulated effluent and an unsteady hydrological regime. Therefore, the hydrological regime of the considered area is particularly complex and depends on the water consumption in the alignment of the Votkinsk hydroelectric station and the level of the Nizhnekamsk reservoir. The average long-term water discharge for the navigation period is 2200 m³/s, the average long-term minimum monthly discharge rate is 1800 m³/s. The field survey of the area was carried out during the low water period in accordance. This period was characterized by minimum levels at around 64.79-65.24 m BS. The water discharge varied between 1720-1780 m³/s. With this flow, the Kama River is characterized by fairly low flow speed: no more than 1.29 m/s on the rod and 0.2-0.5 m/s on the riverbank shallows. The channel deposits are represented by pebble-gravel soils of various sizes. Throughout 2001-2019 an increase in the particle size has occurred. This is due to the change of the channel-forming process from accumulation to erosion. Horizontal deformations are represented by the reformation of the riverbanks, vertical – by accumulation and erosion of bottom. Drawdown levels are the result of natural deformations of the channel. According to the monitoring data, the duration of the “drawdown – growth” cycle is 2-3 years. The duration of the “drawdown – growth” cycle is 2-3 years.