Impact of humans on the flux of terrestrial sediment to the global coastal ocean

Science. 2005 Apr 15;308(5720):376-80. doi: 10.1126/science.1109454.

Abstract

Here we provide global estimates of the seasonal flux of sediment, on a river-by-river basis, under modern and prehuman conditions. Humans have simultaneously increased the sediment transport by global rivers through soil erosion (by 2.3 +/- 0.6 billion metric tons per year), yet reduced the flux of sediment reaching the world's coasts (by 1.4 +/- 0.3 billion metric tons per year) because of retention within reservoirs. Over 100 billion metric tons of sediment and 1 to 3 billion metric tons of carbon are now sequestered in reservoirs constructed largely within the past 50 years. African and Asian rivers carry a greatly reduced sediment load; Indonesian rivers deliver much more sediment to coastal areas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Databases, Factual
  • Ecosystem
  • Geologic Sediments*
  • Human Activities*
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Oceans and Seas
  • Rivers*
  • Seasons
  • Seawater
  • Soil
  • Water

Substances

  • Soil
  • Water