Contribution of channel geometry adjustments to stage variance based on rating-curves in the main stream of the Lancang–Mekong river

Abstract

Abstract Extensive dam development and climate change have altered seasonal stage variation patterns, which are critical to residents in the riparian zone along the Lancang–Mekong River. However, the effects of morphological changes and reservoirs on stage variability are not clear due to data-scarce fluvial systems. In this work, discharge and water level data from five hydrological stations (1960–2020) were acquired to assess temporal shifts in rating curves during different disturbance periods. The contribution of channel geometry adjustment to the stage variance of the extreme flow regime under high- and low-flow conditions were empirical analysed by rating-curve method. Analysis revealed that the stage variance along the main channel was modulated by channel geometry adjustment under both high- and low-flow conditions, even though discharge was the dominant factor. Moreover, the degree of modulation resulting from geometric adjustment varied under different flow and reach conditions, which varied in the ranges of -0.57 ~ 0.27 m and − 0.41 ~ 0.39 m under low- and high-flow conditions, respectively. Furthermore, an inverse channel geometry adjustment response was observed for 60% of the high-flow conditions versus 40% of the low-flow conditions. The Luang Prabang–Vientiane reach was transitional in terms of the effects of channel geometry adjustment on stage variation. Our findings quantified how channel geometry adjustment modulated water levels across various extreme regimes, offering insights into the morphological processes of data-scarce river reaches.