Abstract
Sediment is due to the movement of sand, silt, and clay, or organic debris. Sediment and global warming are a major concern for our aquatic ecosystems. The composition of sediment in certain cases depends on the composition of the parent rock in a particular location. Sediment is formed by the weathering of rock and soil and can be transported by wind and major weather events such as rainfall, flash flooding, tidal waves, and water movement. Sediment can be caused by natural and anthropogenic means and by the consequences of global warming. Anthropogenic sediment can be formed by overuse of lands and industrial activities including activities such as agriculture, deforestation, urban development, and rural and urban runoff. Sediments are mostly transported by water fluvial processes and by wind aeolian processes and glacier movement. Drought conditions giving rise to compaction cause more sediment runoff during wet weather events post a drought. Surface runoff is a major concern and should be focused on when designing a sediment management plan. This chapter will discuss sediment pollution and global warming. Types of sediment, the importance of sediment ecosystems, and the ecological services due to sediments will be outlined. The chapter will also discuss global warming and how it can affect the natural baseline of sediment formation. The chapter will also cover areas such as pollution concerns surrounding sediments and sediment fluxes; the challenges of global warming, climate change, and major weather events; the types of pollution in rivers and water systems due to sediment runoff; mitigation and adaptation strategies to minimize the effects of sediment pollution on water systems due to the challenges brought about by global warming; and how flash flooding and drought brought about by global warming can affect issues related to sediment management. This chapter will generate collective knowledge surrounding global warming and sediment management in aquatic ecosystems.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Handbook of Climate Change Impacts on River Basin Management |
Subtitle of host publication | Fundamentals and Impacts |
Publisher | CRC Press |
Pages | 77-91 |
Number of pages | 15 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781040020388 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781032041797 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2024 |