The effect of stream shading on the inflow characteristics in a downstream reservoir

In thermally stratified reservoirs, inflows form density currents according to the interplay between inflow temperature and reservoir stratification. The of inflowing water is affected by catchment properties, including shading riparian vegetation. We hypothesize that degree in can affect dynamics downstream reservoirs changing consequently nature current. test it for a subtropical drinking combining catchment-scale hydrological stream modeling with observations analyze formation currents, defined as under, inter overflow, scenarios contrasting conditions catchment. Inflow temperatures were simulated distributed water-balance model LARSIM-WT, which integrates heat-balance temperature. River measurements simulations are good agreement RMSE 0.58°C. using present state shading, underflows most frequent flow path, 63% annual period. During remaining time, river intrusion interflows. scenario without average increased 2.2°C. Thus, interflows path (51%), followed (34%) overflows (15%). With this change, we would expect degradation quality, promote longer periods anoxia nutrient loads be delivered photic zone, potential trigger algae blooms. This study revealed potentially important, yet unexplored aspect management controlling quality.