Investigation of inner?basin variation: Impact of large reservoirs on water regimes of downstream water bodies

Large dams and reservoirs alter not only the natural flow regimes of streams rivers but also their flooding cycles flood magnitudes. Although effect has been reported for some vulnerable locations, understanding inner-basin variation with respect to effects remains limited. In this study, we analyse Three Gorges Dam (TGD) built on Changjiang mainstream (Yangtze River) investigate dam variations in system interconnected water bodies located downstream. We investigated alterations along downstream river network using discharge time series at different gauging stations. The river–lake interactions (referring between its tributary lakes i.e. Dongting Poyang lakes) roles modifying TGD intensity were large-scale system. results show that storage decreased after activation TGD. Severe droughts occurred lakes, weakening ability recharge mainstream. As a consequence, increase during dry season diminished quickly dam, whereas impact decrease wet gradually exacerbated mainstream, especially sites lake outlets. Therefore, when assessing dam-induced hydrological changes, special attention should be paid changes associated This is high importance managing resource trade-offs dam-affected riverine systems.