Vertical Deformations of Small River Channels (Kud’ma River Basin) under Anthropogenic Impact

Abstract

Vertical deformations assessment of the small riverbeds in the northern Volga Upland (the Kud’ma river basin) was fulfilled. The rates of vertical deformations under the natural physical-geographical conditions are very slow. Karst processes play an important role: by controlling the water discharge they increase or decrease the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on the deformations of the channels. The economic development of the Volga Upland led to significant anthropogenic transformation of the water and riverbed regime of small rivers. Dew to intensive anthropogenic load the rates of vertical deformations have increased dramatically. Classification of vertical deformations of small river channels was compiled, taking into account the sign of deformation, dependence on the genesis, leading factors in the development. This classification became the basis for the zoning of the Kud’ma basin.