Sediment research for the Three Gorges Project on the Yangtze River since

Abstract: This article addresses sediment research carried out for the Three Gorges Project since 1993, when the construction of the Project was formally started. Emphasis of the research has been placed on the solution of relevant problems arising from design and construction of various structures, including sedimentation problems in the Chongqing reach; layout of the upper lock approach channel and ways and means to mitigate its deposition; increasing reservoir capacity by optimizing reservoir operation; compensating depth of flow required by navigation below the Gezhouba Project caused by scouring; mitigation of adverse effects of erosion on the reach from Zhicheng to Jiangkou; and evaluating scour of the Jinjiang reach caused by releasing flows of low concentrations from TGP. In addition, reduction of the sediment load entering into the reservoir area of TGP in the recent years as well as that expected of the projected construction of large hydropower stations on the Jinsha River upstream of the TGP reservoir is also noted and discussed