Influence of reservoir construction upstream on the navigation channel in the fluctuating backwater area of the Three Gorges Reservoir

Through analyzing the sedimentation process and distribution in Chongqing reach with/without reservoir construction upstream,the influence of reservoir construction upstream on the water level and the navigation channel in the fluctuating backwater area of the Three Gorges Reservoir are studied.The results show that the Chongqing reach will become the main obstructive shipping area with the regulation works and the headwater extension of backwater at operation level 155m.Under the function of the upper reservoirs,the deposition in main stem Chongqing reach will greatly decrease,even erosion could be observed,which will help a lot to improve the navigation channel.However,building reservoir upstream has a little influence on the navigation condition in Jinshaqi reach.