Change of morphometric characteristics of Kaunas sea in the Kruonis PSHP influence zone

Abstract

In this paper, analysis and evaluation of Kaunas Sea (the reservoir of Kaunas HEPP on the river Nemunas) shore and bottom deformations, which occurred during the last 27 years in the 6 km stretch at the mouth of Streva river, is carried out. For the investigations, data of bathymetric plan made in 1983 and results of bathymetric measurements performed in 2011 were used. By means of GIS software and technologies the numerical model of the relief of the investigated part of Kaunas Sea bottom and shore was worked out. By employing the model, 13 cross-sections along the traces of bathymetric measurements were made. By comparing bottom levels quantified in cross-sections in 1983 with bottom levels measured in 2011 it was found that morphometric characteristics of Kaunas Sea mostly changed during the PSHP construction period. Now, in the investigated zone of Kaunas Sea and in the reverse canal, more intensive are processes of silting and sedimentation.