Assessing the possible influence of human activities on sediment transport in the Saskatchewan River and its delta.

Abstract

Sediment transport is a complex, multi-dimensional process. With the advancement in computing power and sophistication of computer applications over recent decades, it has become possible to conduct detailed analysis and simulations of soil erosion and sediment transport. The primary objective of this study was to examine and predict the potential influence of human activities on sediment transport. This was achieved by analyzing sediment transport in the Saskatchewan River beneath the E.B. Campbell Dam and in the Saskatchewan River Delta. The Hydrologic Engineering Center's-River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) was deployed to ascertain the sediment transport capacity and estimate erosion, sedimentation, and riverbed changes. Cross-sectional data, flow data, and sediment data were used in conjunction with HEC-RAS. The simulation results reveal that sediment transport below the E.B. Campbell Dam is limited, leading to notable sediment erosion. The selected study area has witnessed significant erosion during high-flow periods, particularly in the event of floods. Between 2012 and 2019, the riverbed elevation at the selected survey site decreased by approximately 0.45m. The study findings corroborate that the Saskatchewan River and its delta have been impacted by human activities. Potential erosion and deposition below the E.B. Campbell Dam have been simulated for the selected site. The aim is to provide decision-makers or related stakeholders with insight into how dam operations can be adjusted to decrease erosion while sustaining hydrological, ecological, and environmental outcomes from human activities.