Title: Impact of large dam reservoirs on slight local season shifting (case study: Three Gorges Dam)

Authors: Yongzhen Deji; Jihui Fan; Majid Galoie; Artemis Motamedi

Addresses: Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China ' Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China ' Civil Engineering Department, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, 34148-96818, Iran ' Civil Engineering Department, Technical University of Buein Zahra, Imam Khomeini Blvd, Buein Zahra, Qazvin, 3451745346, Iran

Abstract: The monthly data (1980-2018) from 54 stations, which were classified into three altitude levels, were extracted. The analysis showed TGD had a minor effect on the variation of the precipitation data. Also, due to the variation in dominant wind direction and speed, the spatial distribution of rainfall was altered significantly. The Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) analysis in 1, 3, and 12 months showed degradation in the positive drought index downstream of the dam after impounding. The data analysis showed that TGD had a strong impact on the increase in monthly temperature and relative humidity both upstream and downstream of the dam such that for the regions with altitudes of higher than 400 m.a.s.l., the month with the maximum monthly RH and temperature was shifted from December to June and from July to June, respectively. This shifting in lower altitude regions was not seen.

Keywords: Three Gorges Dam; TGD; meteorological data analysis; season shifting; local climate change.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHST.2024.140313

International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology, 2024 Vol.18 No.2, pp.186 - 200

Received: 04 Apr 2023
Accepted: 14 Apr 2023

Published online: 02 Aug 2024 *

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