Study on the evolution law of density current in the Xiaolangdi Reservoir before the flood in 2018

Sediment problems affect the operation life and comprehensive benefits of a reservoir. In response to the floods in the middle and upper reaches of the Yellow River, the Xiaolangdi Reservoir is subjected to preventative pre-discharge scheduling. Through a prototypical observation of the density current plunging zone of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir in 2018, we collected prototypical data of the water level, water-sediment characteristics, sediment thickness, thalweg points, and flow velocity, and analyzed the pre-dam distribution of density current and scouring-sedimentation characteristics during the flood dispatching period of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir. The research results promoted the understanding of the movement law of the density current of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir and the development of efficient sediment drainage technology for reservoirs.