Issues of channel processes research for the waterways maintenance at unconfined river channels in Russia

Abstract

The article uses the example of the selected reaches of the main Russian rivers to discuss river transport capacity and difficulties in the maintenance of waterways in Russia that arise from the dynamics of fluvial processes. Attention is drawn to changeable river conditions resulting from both natural factors and the presence of hydrotechnical structures. An attempt is made to indicate “natural” river reaches and the ones transformed as a result of damming, which include the accumulation and erosion zones (above and below a dam). It is emphasized that the issues related to the use of waterways are affected by changeable hydroclimatic conditions and the occurrence of ice phenomena.