Dams on the Mekong: Cumulative sediment starvation

2014/06/01 by G. M. Kondolf, Z. K. Rubin, Zan Rubin +2 · 503 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Environmental Science · #Channel (broadcasting) #Delta #Environmental science #Erosion #Geography #Geological formations and processes #Geology #Geomorphology #Geotechnical engineering #Hydrology (agriculture) #Hydrology and Sediment Transport Processes #Landform #River delta #Sediment #Sediment transport #Sedimentary budget #Soil erosion and sediment transport #Tributary

paper · doi:10.1002/2013wr014651

published in Water Resources Research 50(6), 5158-5169 (Wiley)

openalex publication_date 2014/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/03

Abstract

Abstract The Mekong River, largely undeveloped prior to 1990, is undergoing rapid dam construction. Seven dams are under construction on the mainstem in China and 133 proposed for the Lower Mekong River and tributaries. We delineated nine distinct geomorphic regions, for which we estimated sediment yields based on geomorphic characteristics, tectonic history, and the limited sediment transport data available. We then applied the 3W model to calculate cumulative sediment trapping by these dams, accounting for changing trap efficiency over time and multiple dams on a single river system. Under a “definite future” scenario of 38 dams (built or under construction), cumulative sediment reduction to the Delta would be 51%. Under full build‐out of all planned dams, cumulative sediment trapping will be 96%. That is, once in‐channel stored sediment is exhausted, only 4% of the predam sediment load would be expected to reach the Delta. This scenario would have profound consequences on productivity of the river and persistence of the Delta landform itself, and suggests that strategies to pass sediment through/around dams should be explored to prevent the consequences of downstream sediment starvation.

Citations

• Geomorphic/Tectonic Control of Sediment Discharge to the Ocean: The Importance of Small Mountainous Rivers
• World-Wide Delivery of River Sediment to the Oceans

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