Back

Why the World’s Rivers Are Losing Sediment and Why It Matters

Vegetation is returning to this Elwha River valley in Washington state after two dams were removed.  OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK/FLICKR

Why the World’s Rivers Are Losing Sediment and Why It Matters

Vast amounts of river-borne sediment are trapped behind the world’s large dams, depriving areas downstream of material that is badly needed to build up the marshes and wetlands that act as a buffer against rising seas.

By Jim Robbins