Impacts of Hydropower Development on Cold Regions Rivers

摘要

Hydropower development has resulted in efficient and inexpensive power throughout the world. The construction of large reservoirs allows for the control of river discharge to meet the electric power demands of a region but also leads to alteration of the natural hydrologic cycle of the river. Hydropower development can result in changes to discharge levels, sediment transport, riverine and riparian habitat, and water quality. In cold regions, the ice regime must also be considered and understood prior to development. This paper describes the typical ice regime on cold regions rivers and how the natural processes of ice formation, growth, and breakup impact fish habitat and other resources. In addition, the paper reviews the documented impacts of hydropower development on cold regions rivers resulting from changes to the natural hydrologic cycle, changes to the ice regime, and the resulting changes to fish habitat and other resources. Numerical modeling has been used to predict potential changes and impacts from the development of hydropower projects in cold regions. Two examples of past modeling efforts are reviewed with respect to their performance in identifying changes to the ice regime.