Channel changes in largest Russian rivers: natural and anthropogenic effects

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to provide comprehensive analysis of channel changes (horizontal and vertical movements of channel boundaries due to water flow and sediment transport interactions) in rivers across Russia. Evidences from channel transformations indicate that largest Russian rivers (Volga, Oka, Amur) are sensitive to mostly human impacts (reservoir construction, in-channel quarries, land disturbance and bank fortification). Channel changes in the Severnaya Dvina, Lena, Pechora and Ob Rivers over the past 100 years have been driven mainly by natural factors at the river scale, whereas some reaches were influenced by human interventions (including single reservoirs). Reservoir construction is probably the most extended influence on morphodynamics of the largest rivers of Russia, but the influence of other controls resulting in channel boundary movement and channel pattern changes could also be detected.