Effects Of Water Level Fluctuations Research Articles

Effects of Vegetation Cover Varying along the Hydrological Gradient on Microbial Community and N-Cycling Gene Abundance in a Plateau Lake Littoral Zone

The lake littoral zone is periodically exposed to water due to water level fluctuations, driving the succession and distribution of littoral vegetation covers, which complexly affect nutrient biogeochemical transformation. However, the combined effects of water level fluctuations and other environmental factors on microbial characteristics and functions at the regional scale remain unclear. In this study, typical vegetation cover types along various water levels were chosen to investigate the effects of water level and vegetation cover on the microbial community and functional genes in the Lake Erhai littoral zone. The results showed that water level fluctuations influenced oxygen and nitrogen compound contents due to oxic–anoxic alternations and intensive material exchange. Meanwhile, vegetation cover affected the organic matter and total nitrogen content through plant residues and root exudation supplying exogenous carbon and nitrogen. Along the hydrological gradient, the high microbial diversity and abundant microbes related to nitrogen cycling were observed in interface sediments. It was attributed to the alternating aerobic–anaerobic environments, which filtered adaptable dominant phyla and genera. The abundances of amoA AOA, nirS, and amx were higher than those of the other genes and were strongly related to flooding days and water content. In conclusion, water level fluctuations and vegetation type jointly affect microbial community structure and nitrogen-related functional genes.

Effects of Water Level Fluctuations and Vegetation Restoration on Soil Prokaryotic Microbial Community Structure in the Riparian Zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir

Riparian zones are typical fragile and sensitive ecological areas. Fluctuations in water level are the main factor affecting the soil environment in these zones, and vegetation restoration is considered an important means of soil conservation there. However, the interactive effects of water level fluctuations and vegetation restoration on the soil microbial community structure in the reservoir riparian zone remain unclear. Therefore, we selected abandoned grassland and artificial forestland at different water level elevations as research objects in the riparian zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir. We used 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology to explore the composition and diversity of soil prokaryotic microbial communities and investigated the main environmental factors driving the soil microbial community structure. The results showed that the α diversity of soil prokaryotes was the highest at the low water level of the riparian zone. The Pielou_e index, Shannon index, and Simpson index at the 163 m elevation were significantly higher than those at the 168 m elevation, and the Chao1 index and Shannon index were significantly higher than those at the 173 m elevation. However, no significant difference was found in the soil microbial community α diversity between abandoned grassland and artificial forestland. At the same time, water level fluctuations and vegetation restoration had significant effects on the community composition of soil prokaryotic microorganisms, and there were significant differences in biomarker categories in different study sites. Notably, the effects of vegetation restoration types on the soil prokaryotic microbial community structure were stronger than that of water level fluctuations. In addition, the results of hierarchical segmentation showed that soil pH was the main driving factor for the change in soil prokaryotic microbial community structure in the Three Gorges Reservoir. These results deepen our understanding of the variations in microbial community structure in the reservoir riparian zone and provide scientific reference for the restoration and reconstruction of the riparian zone ecosystem.

Water Level Fluctuation Effect on Fish Reproduction Success

Alteration of water levels of the lake/reservoir due to changes in river discharges, upstream abstraction, and drawdown regulation due to hydropower generation has been reported as among the major challenges to fish physiology and ultimately reproduction. Variations in lake/reservoir water levels influence biodiversity and the abundance of lake/reservoir biota. Variations have the greatest impacts in the littoral zones hence, interfering with fish spawning, incubation, and hatching of eggs, as well as the development of larvae, postlarvae, and juveniles. This particular paper reviews the literature available on the effect of the reservoirs/lakes’ water level fluctuations on fish reproduction success using the documentary view method. The literature argues that water level fluctuations have both positive and negative impacts depending on frequency, magnitude, and duration and the species exposed. Extreme fluctuations tend to bring more adverse impacts. It further indicates that extreme and untimely water level fluctuation has direct impacts on the aquatic habitats and ultimately impacts fish assemblage and their populations. Few articles indicate the range of decrease or increase of water level, duration of such events, and effects they have on reservoir/lake ecosystem functions and fish physiology. Nevertheless, quantification of moderate and extreme water level fluctuation and associated effects is lacking. Although water level fluctuation is an important environmental cue for aquatic organisms, literature shows that the reduction of extreme water level variations especially multiannual variations is vital for fish reproduction. Therefore, upstream water use and reservoir operations should take into consideration the effects of water level fluctuations on reservoir structure, biological functions, and ultimate effects on fish reproduction.

Effects of water level fluctuations on the trophic state of a connected lacustrine system (Southern Andes, Patagonia, Argentina): applicability of the CDOM method as a tool for monitoring of eutrophication

Effects of water level fluctuations on the trophic state of a connected lacustrine system (Southern Andes, Patagonia, Argentina): applicability of the CDOM method as a tool for monitoring of eutrophication

Effects of Water-Level Fluctuation on Soil Aggregates and Aggregate-Associated Organic Carbon in the Water-Level Fluctuation Zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China

Water-level fluctuation (WLF) can destroy soil aggregates and induce soil organic carbon (SOC) loss, potentially triggering impacts on the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, responses of soil aggregate content and aggregate-associated organic carbon to WLF have not been well studied, especially in the water-level fluctuation zone (WLFZ) of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). Therefore, samples from different elevations (145 m, 155 m and 165 m) in the WLFZ of the TGR were collected for experiments. The wet sieving method was used to divide soil into silt and clay (<0.053 mm), micro-aggregate (0.053–0.25 mm) and macro-aggregate (>0.25 mm). The K2Cr2O7-H2SO4 oxidation method was used to measure total SOC content in different soil aggregates. A modified Walkley and Black method was used to measure labile carbon in different soil aggregates. Results showed that macro-aggregate content substantially decreased, while micro-aggregate content remained stable and silt and clay fraction accumulated with a decrease in water-level elevations. Moreover, total SOC content and labile carbon in macro-aggregate were obviously higher than those in the micro-aggregate and the silt and clay fraction. Macro-aggregate contributed the most to SOC sequestration, while micro-aggregate contributed the least, and the contribution of macro-aggregate increased with a decrease in water-level elevations. We concluded that the macro-aggregate was the most active participant in the SOC sequestration process, and preferentially increasing the macro-aggregate content of the lowest water-level elevation was conducive to an improvement in soil carbon sequestration potential and would mitigate climate change.

Optimizing Public Management of Urban Water Levels: A Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation of Stakeholder Satisfaction in Lake Ontario

Water level management in urban water bodies involves balancing ecological conservation with economic activities. Effective management strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of water level fluctuations have been identified as a key task by decision-makers. This study focuses on Lake Ontario, aiming to provide decision support through the construction of a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model that incorporates the needs and satisfaction of various stakeholders, including shipping companies, residents, and environmental organizations. The evaluation model was applied to assess actual water levels and a simulated control scenario in 2017, yielding the following conclusions: the water level control strategy was effective, with a marked increase in stakeholder satisfaction in most months and a significant reduction in dissatisfaction levels. This research breaks through the limitations of traditional water level management evaluation methods by transforming complex and ambiguous stakeholder demands into specific, actionable evaluation indicators. Managers can use the comprehensive monthly data evaluations to assess the effectiveness of control strategies and make targeted adjustments. This provides a new perspective for managing Lake Ontario and other similar urban water bodies.

Three-dimensional hydro-mechanical coupling numerical simulation of shield-driven cross-river twin tunnels: A case study

With the rapid development of urban underground space, the construction of shield-driven cross-river twin tunnels is increasing, and the complex hydro-mechanical coupling effects and twin-tunnel interactions bring huge construction risks to such projects, which have attracted more and more attention. This study aims to understand the excavation effects induced by shield driving of cross-river twin tunnels through numerical simulation. A refined three-dimensional numerical model based on the fully coupled hydro-mechanical theory is established. The model considers the main components of the slurry pressure balance shield (SPBS) machine, including support force, jacking thrust, grouting pressure, shield-rock interaction and lining-grouting interaction, as well as the detailed construction process. The purpose is to examine the excavation effects during construction, including rock deformation around tunnels, the change in pore pressure, and the response of the lining. The results show the influence range of twin-tunnel excavation on rock deformation and pore pressure, as well as the modes of lining response. In addition, this study also systematically investigates the effects of water level fluctuation and burial depth on twin-tunnel excavation. The results indicate that the increase of water level or burial depth will enhance the excavation effects and strengthen the twin-tunnel interactions. These results provide useful insights for estimating the construction impact range and degree of twin tunnels, and serve as basic references for the design of cross-river twin tunnels.

Water-Level Fluctuation Control of the Trophic Structure of a Yangtze River Oxbow.

Seasonal water-level fluctuations can profoundly impact nutrient dynamics in aquatic ecosystems, influencing trophic structures and overall ecosystem functions. The Tian-e-Zhou Oxbow of the Yangtze River is China's first ex situ reserve and the world's first successful case of ex situ conservation for cetaceans. In order to better protect the Yangtze finless porpoise, the effects of water-level fluctuations on the trophic structure in this oxbow cannot be ignored. Therefore, we employed stable isotope analysis to investigate the changes in the trophic position, trophic niche, and contribution of basal food sources to fish during the wet and dry seasons of 2021-2022. The research results indicate that based on stable isotope analysis of the trophic levels of different dietary fish species, fish trophic levels during the wet season were generally higher than those during the dry season, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Fish communities in the Tian-e-Zhou Oxbow exhibited broader trophic niche space and lower trophic redundancy during the wet season (p < 0.05), indicating a more complex and stable food web structure. In both the wet and dry seasons, fish in the oxbow primarily relied on endogenous carbon sources, but there were significant differences in the way they were utilized between the two seasons (p < 0.05). In light of the changes in the trophic structure of the fish during the wet and dry seasons, and to ensure the stable development of the Yangtze finless porpoise population, we recommend strengthening the connectivity between the Tian-e-Zhou Oxbow and the Yangtze River.

Impact of Water Level Fluctuation on Microplastic Transportation and Redistribution in a Floodplain Lake System

Microplastic contamination is a challenge in aquatic systems. Among these, floodplains exhibit their cyclical hydrological patterns with substantial fluctuations in water levels caused by annual floods or discharges from rivers into lakes. The influence of water level fluctuation on microplastics within complex floodplain systems has received limited attention in existing studies. This study employs hydrological data and a physics-based hydrodynamic model to assess the effects of water level fluctuations on the transport and redistribution of microplastics within Poyang Lake from 2018 to 2025. High spatiotemporal distribution variability in microplastic concentrations was found within the flood and drought periods. Furthermore, the residence rate of microplastics was assessed based on the microplastic concentration variations in the computational time. A gradual drop in the average discharge rate of microplastics was assessed at the outlet of Poyang Lake. The microplastics are more likely to drain into the Yangtze River in the high water-level period. Meanwhile, under the influence of hydrodynamics, local topography, and water level fluctuation, an accumulation of microplastics appears on the shallow shoals of the western and eastern regions of Poyang Lake, especially in the Gan River. Overall, by means of numerical simulation, the aim of our study is to serve as a reference and advance our understanding of the transportation patterns of microplastics at the aquatic–terrestrial interface.

Reliability Analysis of the Slope Stability of Homogeneous Earth Dam under Seismic Loading

Earth dams are widespread throughout the world and their safety is the overriding concern of civil engineers, especially in regions with high seismic activity. This contribution presents a deterministic and reliability-based approach of the slope stability analysis of homogeneous earth dam under seismic loading. The hydrostatic loading as well as the saturation line in the dam body is considered for different design situations to investigate the effects of water level fluctuations on earth dam slope stability. Seismic loading is introduced by horizontal and vertical pseudo-static forces, while the considered failure mode is circular slip, analyzed with the classical method of slices. Given the nature of the soils, uncertainties about their properties must be considered in the assessment of the slope stability. These uncertainties can be quantified by a reliability analysis. The proposed reliability method is approached by the failure probability assessment of the slope stability of an earth dam based on Monte-Carlo simulation. The used random variables are the mechanical shear properties of the embankment body as well as the acceleration coefficient of the seismic zone. For the failure probability evaluation, the log-normal distribution law was used to generate the random variables. A computer program was developed using Matlab®. The developed approach was applied, for a practical example, to analyze the slope stability of an earthen dam located in Médéa (Algeria), whose dimensions are realistic. The results obtained with the developed analytical model were compared with those obtained with the Flac2D© software. The confrontation turned out to be satisfying.

Effect of water level fluctuation and its rate on the response of deposits on a reservoir slope: flume experiment, case monitoring comparison and failure mechanism

Effect of water level fluctuation and its rate on the response of deposits on a reservoir slope: flume experiment, case monitoring comparison and failure mechanism

InSAR-derived land subsidence in Wuhan between 2015 and 2020

Land subsidence has become a challenging problem with urbanization and underground exploitation. The land subsidence in Wuhan, China, was inferred from 47 Sentinel-1A images acquired between June 2015 to October 2020 based on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Interferometric Point Target Analysis (IPTA) technology. Results show that significant subsidence mainly occurred in Houhu, Qinshan, Baishazhou, and Zhuankou areas, and the most significant subsidence occurred in Baishazhou, reaching an annual subsidence rate of 41.0 mm/a with accumulated subsidence of 219.4 mm., The subsidence was more significant in the carbonate solution zone with the overlying Holocene strata compared to the rest carbonate karst belts. Analysis shows thatland building construction is a major reason for land subsidence in Wuhan. The construction of subway underground stations is another factor causing land subsidence. The effect of water level fluctuations of the Yangtze River on long-term trends is negligible. Our study provides further insight into the temporal-spatial pattern of Wuhan’s displacements and suggests that the land subsidence should be continuously monitored for alleviation of potential destructive hazards, especially during the period of construction of a land building, such as residential, public facilities, and subway.

The effect of water level fluctuation due to decreased precipitation on the non-submerged aquatic vegetation in Nong Bong Khai Non-hunting Area, Northern Thailand

The effect of water level fluctuation due to decreased precipitation on the non-submerged aquatic vegetation in Nong Bong Khai Non-hunting Area, Northern Thailand

The Effects of Water Level Fluctuation on Zooplankton Communities in Shahu Lake Based on DNA Metabarcoding and Morphological Methods.

Simple SummaryThe water level in Shahu Lake varies greatly during an annual cycle: ~4 m deep to nearly dry. Over the course of one year we studied the relationship between zooplankton diversity and the water level in Shahu Lake using DNA metabarcoding. The morphology method was compared with the DNA metabarcoding method to see whether the results were replicable. The results were highly consistent for α-diversity and the community composition of zooplankton using both methods; both methods also showed a significant relationship between the zooplankton community composition and water level. Our research contributes to the application of the DNA metabarcoding method and aquatic ecological investigations.Background: The water level of Poyang Lake (China) fluctuates seasonally. Shahu Lake, a smaller body of water connected to Poyang Lake during the wet season, is separated in the dry season. Due to a special fishing method termed ‘lake enclosed in autumn’, the water level is lowered and reaches its lowest point in January, which is <0.5 m deep in the middle of the lake. Our research investigated the effect of water level changes on the zooplankton community composition in Shahu Lake. Methods: We used both DNA metabarcoding method (MBC) (18S rRNA gene V4 region) and morphological method (MOI) to track the zooplankton community structure over four seasons in Shahu Lake (China). Results: Totals of 90 and 98 species of zooplankton were detected by MOI and MBC, respectively, with rotifers being the main zooplankton component. The α-diversity index of both methods increased from spring to summer and decreased from summer to autumn, reaching the lowest value in winter. NMDS and a cluster analysis showed that all zooplankton communities detected by MOI and MBC were significantly separated by season. The zooplankton community in winter was separated from that of the other three seasons, but the summer and autumn communities were more similar. Conclusions: Changes in the water level had significant effects on the zooplankton community composition. We found that MBC was more able to detect the differences in the zooplankton composition than MOI. MBC also had more advantages in copepod recognition. In our study, 37 species of copepods were detected by MBC, but only 11 species were detected by MOI. We concluded that MBC should be used to research the seasonal variations of zooplankton.

Effect of Water Level Fluctuation on Riverbank Stability at the Estuary Area of Muaro Kualo Segment, Muara Bangkahulu River in Bengkulu, Indonesia

Effect of Water Level Fluctuation on Riverbank Stability at the Estuary Area of Muaro Kualo Segment, Muara Bangkahulu River in Bengkulu, Indonesia

Effect of Water Level Fluctuation and Nitrate Concentration on Soil-Surface CO2 and CH4 Emissions from Riparian Freshwater Marsh Wetland

Effect of Water Level Fluctuation and Nitrate Concentration on Soil-Surface CO2 and CH4 Emissions from Riparian Freshwater Marsh Wetland

Effects of Water Level Fluctuations on the Growth Characteristics and Community Succession of Submerged Macrophytes: A Case Study of Yilong Lake, China

Water level fluctuation (WLF) has a significant effect on aquatic macrophytes, but few experimental studies have examined the effect of WLF on submerged community succession, especially from a large-scale perspective. In this study, field monitoring of WLF and submerged macrophytes was conducted in Yilong Lake (SE China) over two years, and the impacts of WLF on the growth characteristics and the community structure of submerged macrophytes were determined. The results show that the biomass of submerged macrophytes decreased significantly after the water level increased and submerged macrophytes could cope with the adverse environment by adjusting their growth posture, for example, increasing plant length and reducing branch number. However, different submerged plants have different regulatory abilities, which leads to a change in the community structure. Myriophyllum spicatum, Stuckenia pectinata, and Najas marina had better adaptation abilities to WLF than Najas minor and Utricularia vulgaris. Changes in water depth, dissolved oxygen, and transparency significantly contribute to the effect of WLF on submerged plant communities. Therefore, when determining the range of WLF, the above three critical factors and submerged plant species should be considered. WLF changed the spatial distribution of the aquatic plant community. When water levels rose, the density of the submerged macrophyte community in the original growth region reduced as the emergent plants migrated to shallower water, and the seed bank germination was aided by transparent water produced among emergent plants. This can be used as a pioneering measure to restore submerged plants in eutrophic lakes with low transparency. In addition, a suitable water depth created by WLF was conducive to activating the seed bank and improving the diversity of aquatic plants. Finally, a distribution map of aquatic plants in Yilong Lake is drawn.

Hydrological alteration induced changes on macrophyte community composition in sub-tropical floodplain wetlands of Nepal

In wetland ecosystems, macrophytes are sensitive to water level fluctuations. However, studies specific to the effects of water level fluctuations on distribution and composition of macrophytes are limited in sub-tropical floodplain wetlands of Nepal. This study aimed to examine the association between macrophytes and water levels in the floodplain wetlands of Koshi Tappu, in south-eastern Nepal. Sixty-four samples of macrophyte, along with twelve water quality parameters, five soil parameters and weekly water level information were collected from four shallow wetlands during summer, autumn, winter and spring over 2018 and 2019. Altogether, 52 macrophyte species belonging to 25 families were documented. Of them, 15, 6, 5 and 26 were emergent, submerged, floating and amphibian species, respectively. 10 species (5 emergent, 2 submerged, 2 floating and 1 amphibian species) were common across seasons. Regression analysis showed the decreasing trend in diversity, richness and evenness with increased water levels while at the same time overall macrophyte biomass increased. During summer, high water level supported the growth of floating invasive macrophytes, while medium and low water level during autumn and winter, respectively, supported submerged macrophytes. However, low-water level during spring supported emergent and amphibian macrophyte species. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that water depth and physico-chemical parameters such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, nitrate-nitrogen, and phosphate were highly correlated with macrophyte assemblages across the wetlands. The study elucidated that management of water levels can ensure ecological integrity of wetlands and hence maintain biodiversity, and provide key indicators of water quality change.

Analysis of pore water pressures in an earth dam under operating conditions (case of Taksebt Dam, Algeria)

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is the analysis of the dissipation of pore water pressures in the core of an earth dam, under the effect of water level fluctuations in the reservoir under operating conditions, taking into account the partial emptying and filling.Design/methodology/approachThe Taksebt Dam, Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria was chosen as a case study, using a two-dimensional transient finite element numerical model. The GeoStudio calculation software is used through the SEEP/W. The latter takes into account the flow in the saturated and unsaturated zone, the formulation of SEEP/W allows the analysis of the dissipation of pore water pressures in the dyke. Starting from the maximum level of the reservoir, at least one cycle of partial emptying-filling was modelled over an eight-year operating period from 2011 to 2019. The input variables were the water level variation curve, material properties and boundary conditions.FindingsIt can be concluded that the numerical results obtained from the simulation model on the different points studied, namely, the pore water pressures are satisfactory as long as they are close to those recorded in the field by the pore pressure cells with an average error not exceeding 10% except for some measurements where the error is 20%. When the water level in the reservoir varies, the pore water pressures vary and their behaviour follows these fluctuations. Some points in the dam are affected by negative pore water pressures. No abnormal situations have been detected pore water pressures.Originality/valueThe numerical results of the simulation are analysed and validated against actual pore pressure cell measurements under operating conditions.

Biogeochemistry of Mediterranean Wetlands: A Review about the Effects of Water-Level Fluctuations on Phosphorus Cycling and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Although Mediterranean wetlands are characterized by extreme natural water level fluctuations in response to irregular precipitation patterns, global climate change is expected to amplify this pattern by shortening precipitation seasons and increasing the incidence of summer droughts in this area. As a consequence, a part of the lake sediment will be exposed to air-drying in dry years when the water table becomes low. This periodic sediment exposure to dry/wet cycles will likely affect biogeochemical processes. Unexpectedly, to date, few studies are focused on assessing the effects of water level fluctuations on the biogeochemistry of these ecosystems. In this review, we investigate the potential impacts of water level fluctuations on phosphorus dynamics and on greenhouse gases emissions in Mediterranean wetlands. Major drivers of global change, and specially water level fluctuations, will lead to the degradation of water quality in Mediterranean wetlands by increasing the availability of phosphorus concentration in the water column upon rewetting of dry sediment. CO2 fluxes are likely to be enhanced during desiccation, while inundation is likely to decrease cumulative CO2 emissions, as well as N2O emissions, although increasing CH4 emissions. However, there exists a complete gap of knowledge about the net effect of water level fluctuations induced by global change on greenhouse gases emission. Accordingly, further research is needed to assess whether the periodic exposure to dry–wet cycles, considering the extent and frequency of the cycles, will amplify the role of these especial ecosystems as a source of these gases and thereby act as a feedback mechanism for global warming. To conclude, it is pertinent to consider that a better understanding about the effect of water level fluctuations on the biogeochemistry of Mediterranean wetlands will help to predict how other freshwater ecosystems will respond.