Reservoirs are natural or artificial accumulations of water that can have a permanent or temporary nature, decorative purpose and be equipped in parks and gardens. The flow of water bodies is slow or absent.
Rivers are classified as watercourses because they have a constant, sometimes strong, flow.
Natural reservoirs: lakes
A lake is a part of the water shell of the earth, formed in depressions of various origins. Lakes are s alt and fresh water bodies. The science of limnology studies them, which claims that they are not part of the oceans. Often these reservoirs are s alty. This is due to the fact that the process of accumulation of minerals takes place in them. The reason is the low level of runoff and water exchange. Bottom sediments accumulate at the bottom of lakes.
The main classification is based on the shape and origin of the basins. The most common of them are tectonic, formed in the faults of the earth's crust. Lakes of volcanic type are formed in the craters of extinct volcanoes, mainly in the mountains. Dams are formed in places where a fragment of a mountain blocked the path of the river. Due to the dissolution of rocks, karst lakes are formed. In the mountainous regions of the Alps, the Caucasus, the Uralsglacial reservoirs are formed. These lakes are formed by glacier activity.
What is a pond?
A pond is a body of water of natural or artificial origin. It is created in order to conserve water, water the surrounding areas, and breed fish. The natural pond is a small lake.
An artificial pond often functions as a reservoir. They form it by blocking the path of the river and forming a dam. The artificial pond is mainly fed by groundwater or river runoff.
Ponds are fresh water bodies. To simplify the outflow of excess water, artificial drains are formed. Ponds are often found in rural areas. Here they have a certain economic role - breeding fish, storing water for irrigation, sometimes doing laundry.
There are two types of ponds: dug and dam. Inhabitants of reservoirs - protozoa, algae, fish. They create special ponds for breeding valuable fish species - trout, sturgeon, stellate sturgeon. Reservoirs are specially cleaned, forming their own ecosystem in them.
The importance of reservoirs
Reservoirs are artificial reservoirs formed to store water on an industrial scale. Allocate channel and lake reservoirs, depending on the origin. They can also be covered, open and dammed.
The world's largest reservoirs: Bratsk, Rybinsk - in Russia, Smallwood - in Canada, Nasser - in Egypt and Sudan. The creation of such reservoirs has huge consequences, but not always positive ones. The main one isfundamental change in the landscape. This applies to both fauna and flora. They have a negative impact on the conditions for fish spawning.
Not the best consequence of the creation of such reservoirs is the siltation of reservoirs. The process is the formation of large sediments, sediment at the bottom. As a result, the water level decreases. This process has been studied in detail because it harms the ecosystem. The inhabitants of the reservoirs may change.
Where do old women come from?
The oxbow lakes as natural reservoirs are part of the channel where the river used to flow. Another name is old river. Such reservoirs often have a bizarre shape - a sickle or crescent, a loop, a curl. How are old people formed? The formation process occurs when, due to any reason, the channel straightens, and the former curl or curvature remains cut off from the main reservoir. The main reason is the high water, when the river finds a more convenient way.
Sometimes the bends of one river unite - this is how oxbow lakes can also be formed. Such a process takes place in the presence of a large number of sleeves. The entrances to the oxbow lake are gradually filled with silt, and the reservoir itself turns into a lake or swamp. In the presence of power, it can function, in the absence - to dry out. The largest oxbow lakes can be over 500 meters long.
What do water bodies eat?
The type of food is one of the main characteristics of a reservoir. It can characterize its structure and functions.
How can bodies of water feed? Firstly, external surface runoff - rain, other hydro facilities. In-secondly, groundwater, which can come close to the surface. Thirdly, artificially - the basin of the reservoir is filled forcibly. Fourth, replenishment with combined type waters.
Groundwater feeding is the most environmentally friendly because it is clean. If the lake has such a supply, then duckweed and ooze will form less often in it. The most common type of food combined.
The guarantee of constant filling with water is the forced implementation of this process. Fill the reservoir with either tap or irrigation water. The most frequent meals are combined. Its sources can be rain, melting snow, groundwater and more.
Reservoirs and their location on the ground
Reservoirs are hydro facilities located in a certain area. Where can they form? Places of formation, for example, lakes, may be a riverbed. The reservoir can be dammed or dug. The food is usually supplied from the river. Slope, watershed, floodplain reservoirs are formed on the relief. In such cases, the relief of the lake or pond is clearly visible.
In the floodplain, reservoirs with underground feeding, combined, channel are formed. They can be formed in the oxbow lake, where the locks are installed. A dam and pumps can also be located here in order to use such a reservoir in industry.
Slope reservoirs are formed on the territory of river valley terraces. They differ from others only in some design features.
On watershed areasestablish watersheds. They can feed on groundwater or artificially. Forced water can be supplied from a river, a well.
There are also reservoirs in embankments or recesses. They are quite widespread, they are easy to form and organize their food. They can be of any size. They are quite expensive to build.
In the embankments, reservoirs serve mainly to store water. Such an object could become the basis for a hydroelectric power plant.
Creating a decorative pond
Decorative pond - what is it? This is an artificial water object that performs the function of decorating the site, forming its complete look. Most often, owners of private houses and summer cottages come to the idea of creating a decorative pond.
Artificial ponds are beautiful and stylish. What do you need to know to successfully create such a site decoration?
Creating a pond with your own hands is a feasible task for everyone. The shape, design of such a cozy corner of the garden can be very diverse. An artificial reservoir will perfectly fit into any landscape, it can become its constructive dominant.
First, choose a place not very close to home (it is better to consult with landscape design experts). Close proximity to home can damage foundations.
You need to create a project. To do this, determine the shape of the reservoir: an oval, a rectangle or an intricate figure. The project will allow you to determine the costs, materials, location of filtration systems. Next, you should choose high-quality materials - durability and beauty depend on them.pond.
When everything is selected and purchased, proceed. Preferably not by yourself, but with the help of qualified specialists. The final stage is the design of plants. This will complete the image of the perfect pond. You will get a gorgeous pond - the photo below represents one of the options for your garden.
Conclusion
Reservoirs, natural or artificial, are functional but can also be the perfect, beautiful addition to your garden design.
Aesthetic pond near your home will allow you to express your individuality and emphasize the style of the garden. Especially popular is the creation of such elements in the Japanese, classical, rustic style. The main thing is to correctly arrange the pond. Sometimes fish live in such reservoirs. The presence of the inhabitants of such miniature lakes is a matter of taste for the owners of the garden.
