1-D numerical modeling of the mechanics of gravity-driven transport of fine sediments in the Three Gorges Reservoir

A 1-dimensional (1-D) numerical model was developed to simulate the formation and distribution of fine sediment deposition in the Three Gorges Reservoir. Based on the research of fluid mud in estuaries, a dynamic submodel of gravity-driven, fine sediment transport was developed using the staggered grids and finite volume method and a 2-order Runge-Kutta time processing format. This submodel was first verified for fine sediment deposition in a typical section of Three Gorges Reservoir and was then combined with a 1-D hydrosediment transport submodel to reproduce sedimentation in the dam area of the Three Gorges Reservoir. Results for selected variables indicated that the distribution of sedimentation is in acceptable agreement with field observations and demonstrate the ability of the 1-D model to improve understanding of the fine sediment deposition in the Three Gorges Reservoir.