Abstract

Importance of sediment storage has been expressed as being higher than that of water in floodwater spreading networks. To determine the contribution of each geological formation in sediment input of Gachsaran Floodwater Spreading Station after 12 years of flood spreading, sediment sampling was conducted in 16 points and 0-15 cm depth of the field. Using dry sieve analysis, all samples were analyzed for granolumetry. To determine mineralogical composition of sediments, particles on 150 and lower than 62 micron sieves were used. The lithology of formations was identified using geologic maps. The mineralogical composition of samples was also compared with lithological units of upstream watershed. Then percentages of share of each lithological unit in sediment production were determined. By considering the area of each lithological unit, weighted percentage of share of each unit was calculated. The results showed that Pabdeh-Gurpi formations  with 55.3 % of the sediment input, has had the most contribution in the production of the largest particle size of 150-300 micrometers, followed by Kazhdomi formation with 14.1% share, Ilam-Sarvak formations  with 13.1 % share, Khami formation with 10.8 % and Asmari formation with 6.5% share in the sediment production, respectively. With regard to the particles size less than 62 micrometers, Pabdeh-Gurpi formations with 80% of input sediment, had the largest contribution in the production of these particles. By using erosion control measures and storing sediments of streams on Pabdeh-Gurpi formations, 80% of very fine sediments (less than 62 microns) and 50% of fine sediments (150-300 micrometers) will be decreased.