RIVERBED DEFORMATIONS IN THE UPPER DNISTER CATCHMENT UNDER GRAVEL-PITS EXPLOITATION
Abstract
Paper deals with the short analysis of vertical and horizontal river beds deformations which are developed due to intensive gravel mining within the river channels and floodplains of the Upper Dnister catchment. These processes and water regime changes have noticeable impact upon the hydroecological state of the small river systems and ecological problems in their catchments. Regressive river bed erosion is especially dangerous for buildings, economical objects, engineering and transport infrastructure. Based on the main results obtained due to the analysis of the recent monitoring, field, stationary and semi-stationary observations data the scales, main tendencies and intensity of erosion and accumulation processes have been ascertained. Main ecological consequences and optimization measures for the processes regulating and risk mitigation are discussed as well. Key words: River bed deformation, river system, erosion, accumulation