Deposition of overbank sediments within a regulated reach of the upper Odra River, Poland

摘要

Rivers and their flood plains are in a state of flux. Due to agricultural, urban and industrial development, and river training works, the natural erosion and sedimentation processes of the Odra River were modified in the 19th century. The geometry of the river channel has changed drastically, and the rates of overbank sedimentation are relatively high when compared to rates calculated for natural conditions. The rates of overbank sedimentation were assessed using the heavy metal content in overbank deposits. Only sediments deposited directly along the pre-regulation channels were considered. Fluvial processes in the studied, trained river channel seem to be more intensive than in the natural channel. Overbank deposition in the studied reach of the Upper Odra changed from 1.3 to 1.8 cm year~(-1) in the 19th century to 2-5 cm year~(-1) at present, which means that the rate of over-bank sedimentation has increased up to 3-fold.