Impact of reservoirs on the hydrological regime and morphology of the lower reaches and delta of the Zambezi River (Mozambique)

Abstract

The recent general geographic characteristics of the Zambezi River basin and its delta are discussed. The main hydroclimatic features of the river basin and delta are revealed. The fluvial and marine factors that influence the river delta are discussed in detail. Close attention is given to the effect of the large reservoirs of Kariba and Cahora Bassa on the hydrological regime, morphology, and ecosystem of the Lower Zambezi valley and the river delta. Considerable changes in the delta and its coastline that occurred over the last decades are revealed.