Sediment deposition and distribution modelling in reservoirs: current trends and prospects

Abstract

Global and regional challenges related to river basin water scarcity can effectively be managed through improved reservoir operations and reservoir sedimentation control. It is a well-known fact that increased sedimentation due to various reasons is adversely affecting reservoir capacities and threatening long-term water supplies; these implications are aggravated due to impact stresses such as climate change and other anthropogenic activities. The aim of this study was to gather the important concepts behind popularly applied models and approaches in the field of reservoir sedimentation modelling and assess their strengths and weaknesses. To describe the modelling concepts, different kinds of reservoir sedimentation applications were grouped into five categories: empirical approaches, numerical approaches, conceptual approaches, artificial intelligence approaches and alternative approaches. However, there are a significant number of studies on hydro-ecological models, erosion models and river sediment dynamics models. This article predominantly focuses on reservoir-based literature dealing with sediment deposition and distribution in reservoirs, along with some future perspectives on the need for advanced reservoir sedimentation management and modelling. The article provides practitioners with practical and useful information on the extent of the application of different models and approaches, along with their strengths and weaknesses.