Effects of River-Ice Breakup on Sediment Transport and Implications to Stream Environments: A Review

Abstract

During the breakup of river ice covers, a greater potential for erosion occurs due to rising discharge and moving ice and the highly dynamic waves that form upon ice-jam release. Consequently, suspended-sediment concentrations can increase sharply and peak before the arrival of the peak flow. Large spikes in sediment concentrations occasionally occur during the passage of sharp waves resulting from releases of upstream ice jams and the ensuing ice runs. This is important, as river form and function (both geomorphologic and ecological) depend upon sediment erosion and deposition. Yet, sediment monitoring programs often overlook the higher suspended-sediment concentrations and loads that occur during the breakup period owing to data-collection difficulties in the presence of moving ice and ice jams. In this review paper, we introduce basics of river sediment erosion and transport and of relevant phenomena that occur during the breakup of river ice. Datasets of varying volume and detail on measured and inferred suspended-sediment concentrations during the breakup period on different rivers are reviewed and compared. Possible effects of river characteristics on seasonal sediment supply are discussed, and the implications of increased sediment supply are reviewed based on seasonal comparisons. The paper also reviews the environmental significance of increased sediment supply both on water quality and ecosystem functionality.

Sediment Entrainment and Slump Blocks Limit Permafrost Riverbank Erosion

“…Permafrost riverbanks also differ from non‐permafrost banks because thaw rates are negligible during winter months, since water temperatures remain close to 0°C. As ice breakup occurs earlier in the year (Beltaos & Burrell, 2021), we expect that the number of days with non‐zero erosion will increase, raising average annual erosion rates even if daily rates remain similar. Finally, regional permafrost thaw should reduce riverbank strength, resulting in smaller and more frequent slump blocks.…”

The effect of climate change on sources of radionuclides to the marine environment

“…Climate impacts on secondary sources in the cryosphere In the cryosphere, the increased retreat of glaciers 167 , changes in glacial meltwater runoff 168 , snow cover 169 , and timing of seasonal snow melt 170 will have impacts on runoff in relevant watersheds. CC impacts, including effects on seasonal runoff, can have consequences for the breakup of frozen rivers and the formation of ice jams 171,172 that can scour riverbeds and cause flood events leading to increased transport of sediment and any associated radionuclides in rivers [173][174][175] . Due to increasing air temperatures, more frequent mid-winter build-up and breakup of ice jams can be predicted that may alter sediment dynamics in rivers with seasonal ice cover 175,176 .…”

Actual Status Assessment and Prediction of the Musi River Water Quality, Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia

“…In its utilization, large rivers also function as transportation routes, and even some industries are located on the banks of the river. Transportation activities affect vegetation arrangement, which can have implications for erosion and abrasion that form sediments upstream, middle and downstream rivers (Beltaos and Burrell, 2021;Gabbud and Lane, 2016). This can lead to siltation and concentration of pollutants.…”