Sixth Cascade - Floodplains

Sixth Cascade - Floodplains

DREVO Floodplain & Wetland Restoration System (FWRS)

The role of floodplains

Floodplains are the final element of the systemDREVO Living Mountainsand a natural continuation of the river network. This is not "extra" territory that needs to be protected from water, but a natural mechanism for regulating the hydrological regime.

During floods, the floodplain temporarily absorbs part of the river's runoff, reducing the height of the flood wave. After the water recedes, it gradually returns moisture to the river, soil, and atmosphere, maintaining the stability of the entire ecosystem.

The main principle:

The river should periodically flow into the floodplain where it is safe and provided for by the project.

Main tasks

The sixth cascade provides:

safe seasonal flooding;

reduction of flood peaks;

restoration of swamps;

accumulation of organic matter;

natural water purification;

groundwater recharge;

biodiversity conservation;

channel stabilization;

carbon sequestration.

Main threats

When natural floodplains are lost, the following occurs:

increase in flood velocity;

coastal erosion;

deepening of riverbeds;

drying up of swamps;

disappearance of spawning grounds;

loss of fertile alluvial soils;

lowering of groundwater levels;

reduction of biodiversity.

Spatial structure

1. Main channel

Ensures a constant flow of water.

Functions:

water transport;

maintaining the river ecosystem;

migration of fish and other aquatic organisms.

The riverbed should not be excessively straightened or enclosed in concrete channels.

2. High-water channel

Works only at increased costs.

Purpose:

safe distribution of flood water;

decrease in flow rate;

protection of the main channel from destruction.

3. Floodplain basins

During seasonal floods, part of the water volume is taken in.

Main functions:

temporary accumulation of water;

sludge sedimentation;

development of marsh vegetation;

groundwater replenishment.

After the flood ends, the water gradually returns to the river or seeps into the ground.

4. Restored wetlands

Swamps are natural water accumulators.

Their functions:

long-term moisture storage;

filtration of contaminants;

carbon sequestration;

maintaining rare species of plants and animals;

mitigating the effects of droughts.

Restoration of wetlands is preferably achieved by restoring the natural hydrological regime, rather than by constructing high dams.

5. Natural infiltration fields

Water flowing into the floodplain is distributed over wide areas with high filtration capacity.

Used:

sand and gravel deposits;

meadow communities;

floodplain forests;

swampy areas.

Operation in normal mode

For most of the year:

water remains in the main channel;

swamps maintain high levels of humidity;

groundwater is replenished slowly and evenly;

the floodplain ecosystem is developing.

Work during seasonal floods

During floods:

the water level is rising;

part of the stream flows into a high-water channel;

then the water is distributed among the floodplain basins;

the flow rate decreases sharply;

sediments settle;

water gradually seeps into the ground;

the remainder slowly returns to the river.

This mechanism significantly reduces the risk of destructive floods downstream.

Working in extreme rainfall

During rare extreme events:

floodplain basins are filled consistently;

additional temporary flood zones are activated;

emergency spillways prevent the destruction of banks;

water is distributed over the widest possible area.

Even when calculating extreme floods, provision should be made for flood reserve zones rather than relying solely on protective dams.

Working in a drought

During prolonged drought:

swamps gradually release accumulated water;

the groundwater level is maintained;

the base flow of rivers is maintained;

the floodplain overheating is reduced;

damp shelters for flora and fauna are preserved.

Restoration of swamps

Main events:

closure of old drainage canals (where this is environmentally and socially justified);

restoration of natural meanders;

return of seasonal flooding;

creation of shallow water areas;

restoration of peat-forming processes;

limitation of intensive drainage.

The main goal is to restore the natural water regime, and not to create a permanently flooded reservoir.

Working with sediments

The floodplain is a zone of natural sedimentation.

Delayed:

open;

organic remains;

seeds;

wood;

fine mineral particles.

It is these materials that form fertile alluvial soils.

Floodplain forests

Forest communities are formed on elevated areas of the floodplain.

Main types:

ash tree;

elm;

oak;

alder;

willows;

local poplar species;

linden (in drier areas).

Floodplain forests:

stabilize the banks;

reduce the speed of flood water;

create shadow;

increase the accumulation of organic matter.

Marsh vegetation

Local species used:

sedges;

sieves;

reed (only where it is natural);

rug;

tavolga;

marsh irises;

moisture-loving mosses.

The main principle is the restoration of natural communities characteristic of a particular region.

Ecological corridors

Floodplains become the main migration routes:

fish;

amphibians;

mammals;

insects;

birds.

They connect mountain forests, rivers, swamps and lowland ecosystems.

Robotic maintenance

DREVO Mountain Rover

Used for:

formation of floodplain basins;

restoration of oxbow lakes;

removal of artificial obstacles;

planting of floodplain vegetation;

infrastructure maintenance.

TREVO AeroSense Drone

Controls:

flooded area;

development will occur;

vegetation condition;

surface temperature;

water quality;

dynamics of river channels.

WOOD AI

Analyzes:

flood scenarios;

swimming pool efficiency;

speed of swamp restoration;

change in groundwater level;

biodiversity dynamics.

Monitoring

Living Mountain Observatory tracks:

water level;

duration of flooding;

groundwater level;

organic matter content;

water quality;

state of swamps;

carbon accumulation;

development of floodplain forests;

number of key species.

Integration

The sixth cascade combines the work of:

DREVO Mountain Sponge— flow regulation;

Mountain Springs Recovery— maintenance of aquifers;

Mountain Forest Corridors— creation of a continuous ecological network;

Living Mountain Observatory— monitoring of hydrology and ecosystems;

Mountain Digital Twin— digital modeling of floodplain processes;

TREVO AeroSense Drone— remote control;

WOOD BioFire System- use of wetlands as natural fire barriers.

Expected results

After the restoration of the sixth cascade, the following is expected:

reduction in the height of flood waves;

increasing the duration of water retention in the landscape;

restoration of wetland ecosystems;

stabilization of groundwater levels;

improving the quality of river water;

restoration of floodplain forests;

increasing biodiversity;

increase in organic carbon reserves;

increasing the region's resilience to droughts and extreme precipitation.

Conclusion

The sixth cascade completes the system.DREVO Living Mountains, transforming floodplains from a risk zone into a strategic natural regulator of water regimes. Safe seasonal flooding, restored wetlands, floodplain forests, and natural infiltration fields simultaneously reduce the impact of floods, replenish groundwater reserves, maintain biodiversity, and increase landscape resilience to climate change.

In this concept, water is viewed not as a threat that must be removed as quickly as possible, but as a natural resource that should be retained in the ecosystem for as long as possible, preserving its ability to self-regulate over decades and centuries.