Impact of turbidity currents on reservoir sedimentation

All lakes created on natural rivers are subjected to reservoir sedimentation. The construction of a dam significantly modifies the flow conditions of natural streams inside and downstream of an artificial lake. The sediment concentration is often high during the flood season, and the entering flow shows a greater density than the ambient fluid. Suspended load can therefore be carried along the reservoir bottom to the dam in the form of turbidity currents. This paper presents research results that help to better understand this physical phenomenon, which contributes to reservoir sedimentation. It is based on in situ measurements, a laboratory scale model of turbidity currents and numerical flow simulations. The study of a thousand-year flood in the Luzzone Reservoir in the Swiss Alps using the developed computer model revealed the potential of such a tool. In particular, the impact on the sediment deposits was analyzed. A valuable evaluation of the incidence of such a turbidity flow is presented and its effects are compared to observations. Significant progress has been made in understanding the importance of turbidity currents in reservoir sedimentation.