Cyclicity of sedimentation and physical properties of the bottom sediments in artificial reservoirs

Abstract

The interrelation between the sedimentation rate and the dynamics of the formation of physical properties of the bottom sediments on the basis of recording their temporal cycles under oscillation of the water level was studied from the example of the Bratsk Reservoir, which is one of the world’s largest artificial reservoirs. It is established that its exploitation regime promotes the formation of striking intercalation of the regional transgressions and regressions mainly controlled by the water level of the reservoir, which leads to cyclic formation of the complex of the bottom sediments and their physical properties. Four cycles were identified during formation of the sedimentary complex, each of which consists of three or two phases.