Sedimentation in reservoirs refers to the gradual accumulation of sediments in a reservoir basin. Soil, sand, and debris settles in the reservoir basin as water flows into the area. This natural process occurs because the water velocity decreases as it enters the reservoir, causing it to lose the energy needed to carry the sediments further. Over time, these sediments settle to the bottom of the reservoir, filling in the space that was initially available for water storage.
Sedimentation is a common issue in reservoir management, as it reduces the reservoir's capacity and can impact its intended purposes, such as water supply, flood control, and power generation. To mitigate sedimentation, some reservoirs employ sediment management techniques like desilting or sediment basins.
