Analysis of the Impact of Hydrotechnical Construction on the Amur River near Blagoveshchensk and Heihe Cities Using a Two-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Model

Abstract

Water flow and sediment transport under the effect of hydrotechnical constructions on the Amur River near Blagoveshchensk and Heihe cities was analyzed based on two-dimensional hydrodynamic modeling using STREAM_2D software (the authors V. Belikov et al., Russia). Three modeling scenarios were considered: without constructions, with the embankment of Blagoveshchensk, with the embankment of Blagoveshchensk and a system of dams near the Chinese island of Big Heihe. Modeling results have shown that the embankment has only a local effect on the part of the Amur R. upstream from confluence with the Zeya R. The construction of dams in the side channels near the island of Big Heihe can lead to significant flow redistribution, providing the flow concentration in the main river channel and reduction of the water flow, entering the island system. An increase in erosion in the main channel downstream of the confluence near the left bank and a simultaneous increase in accumulation near the right bank of the Amur R. below the island system can take place as the result of side channels shutting by dams from the right bank.