Hydrosedimentological Balance and Modeling as Subsidy for River Recovery-Related Actions

Abstract

The sedimentometric dynamics are part of the environmental dynamics of a watershed and are vulnerable to local environmental changes. Hence, in this study, we (i) investigated the sedimentometric dynamic in three watersheds, (ii) proposed innovative mathematical equations for enhancing the ability to predict the sediment delivery ratio (SDR), and (iii) proposed alternatives to restore the sedimentological equilibrium. In three watersheds, we collected information concerning physiography and land use. Also, for 2 years, water samples and hydrological and sediment-related data were systematically collected. We then computed a dataset on hydrosedimentology, especially the SDR. We elaborated two mathematical models that predict the SDR, considering the high relation between SDR and the elements of the watershed that go far beyond the “catchment area” information, normally used as basic and unique information for computing SDR values. We also proposed alternatives for environmental control and/or recovery. Such alternatives are based on the sedimentometric dynamics of the watersheds and their vulnerability to degradation. The execution of these actions is vital to provide a local sedimentometric balance and, among other gains, to recover/conserve the environmental quality of the streams and rivers that form the river network of the watershed.