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«IZVESTIYA IRKUTSKOGO GOSUDARSTVENNOGO UNIVERSITETA». SERIYA «NAUKI O ZEMLE»
«THE BULLETIN OF IRKUTSK STATE UNIVERSITY». SERIES «EARTH SCIENCES»
ISSN 2073-3402 (Print)

List of issues > Series «Earth Sciences». 2026. Vol 55

Conditions of Formation and Morphodynamics of River Channels in the Taz River Basin and Their Mapping

Author(s)

R. S. Chalov, A. A. Kurakova, E. R. Chalova, G. B. Golubtsov

Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation

Abstract
This article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the morphodynamics of river channels in the Taz basin, conducted using cartographic, hydrological, and geomorphological methods. A thematic map of river channel processes has been obtained for this area, which previously had only fragmentary data covering the lower reaches and delta of the Taz. The formation conditions and dynamics of the channels are analyzed, taking into account climatic and geologicalgeomorphological factors, water and sediment runoff, seasonal and long-term fluctuations in water levels, and ice conditions. Particular attention is paid to the morphological types of channels: widefloodplain and incised, their meanders, multi-branching, and the characteristics of channel deformations. The development of side channels, the rate of bank erosion, and the genesis of deltaic braiding, including the formation of a bifurcated channel in the lower reaches, are considered. It has been shown that the Taz River basin is characterized primarily by wide-floodplain channels with low stability and relatively low rates of horizontal channel deformation. The river branches have complex morphologies and rapidly reforming branches and channels under conditions of widespread sand deposits. Summarizing the obtained data in cartographic form allows us to identify spatial patterns of channel processes and assess their intensity. The results of the study are of practical value for water management and transportation projects, as well as for understanding the natural processes involved in the development of Arctic rivers.
About the Authors

Chalov Roman Sergeevich, Doctor of Sciences (Geography), Professor of Department of Land Hydrology, Chief Research Scientist, Makkaveev Research Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Fluvial Processes, Faculty of Geography Lomonosov Moscow State University 1, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation e-mail: rschalov@mail.ru

Kurakova Anna Alexandrovna, Candidate of Sciences (Geography), Research Scientist, Makkaveev Research Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Fluvial Processes, Faculty of Geography Lomonosov Moscow State University 1, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation e-mail: a.a.kurakova@mail.ru

Chalova Ekaterina Romanovna, Candidate of Sciences (Geography), Engineer, Aerospace Research Laboratory, Makkaveev Research Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Fluvial Processes, Faculty of Geography Lomonosov Moscow State University 1, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation e-mail: ekar28@yandex.ru

Golubtsov Georgy Borisovich, Candidate of Sciences (Geography), Junior Research Scientist, Makkaveev Research Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Fluvial Processes, Faculty of Geography Lomonosov Moscow State University 1, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation e-mail: georgy1995golubcov@yandex.ru

For citation
Chalov R.S., Kurakova A.A., Chalova E.R., Golubtsov G.B. Conditions of Formation and Morphodynamics of River Channels in the Taz River Basin and Their Mapping. The Bulletin of Irkutsk State University. Series Earth Sciences, 2026, vol. 55, pp. 116-131. https://doi.org/10.26516/2073-3402.2026.55.116 (in Russian)
Keywords
broad-bedded riverbed, channel deformations, meandering, channel regime, branching.
UDC
551.4 (282.256.26)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.26516/2073-3402.2026.55.116
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