Abstract: On the basis of analyzing the sedimentation regularity since the operation of Three Gorges Reservoir,we made a comparison between the measured sedimentation(in terms of amount,distribution and sediment delivery ratio) and the sedimentation predicted by models developed by Yangtze River Scientific Research Institute during the initial design,technical design,and follow-up planning stage. Results reveal that the predicted regularity of sedimentation is consistent with the measured value. When the incoming flow and sediment conditions and reservoir operation modes in the prediction are different from the actual conditions,the predicted sediment amount and delivery ratio are larger than the measured values; while when the prediction conditions are approximate to the actual conditions,the predicted values are close to measured values,which indicates that the prediction models and results are reliable. To increase the prediction accuracy,the mechanism of sediment transport should be further revealed,and the prediction models should be improved and checked based on measured data accumulation.

Key words: sediment amount, sediment distribution, sediment delivery ratio, comparative analysis, Three Gorges Reservoir