Downstream changes of particle entrainment in a hydropeaked river

Abstract

Hydropeaking, through artificially generated flow peaks, affects hydro-sedimentary dynamics on rivers. The frequency and magnitude of such artificial flow pulses impact sedimentary process and, inevitably, affects bed-material entrainment. This study analyses the entrainment of particles in six sections of a Pyrenean river under frequent hydropeaking. Three equations of particle entrainment with contrasting behaviours, validated for particle mobility from tracer data, have been used to predict the initiation of motion in each section. Results show that the peak discharge generated by the hydropower station mostly affects the section immediately downstream from the hydropower plant, where the finer fractions of the bed are mobilised. The mobile grain sizes include fine to medium gravels (< 20 mm). Channel geometry and higher slopes also have an effect on particle entrainment. Entrainment of the finer size fractions of the bed is termed partial transport, i.e. a partially size-selective transport that occurs downstream from the hydropower station and winnows the sand and small gravel further downstream.