Assessment of the impact of wind-wave phenomena and channel deformations on navigable depths of the Volga-Caspian Sea Shipping Channel

Navigable depths of the Volga-Caspian Sea Shipping Channel are affected by fluctuations in the Caspian Sea level, wind-wave effects and channel deformations associated with, first of all, with the high portability of the channel. In conditions of lowering the level of the Caspian Sea, the depth of the channel is greatly influenced by runaway denovelation and channel drift, which are insufficiently studied in the available scientific works. The necessity of evaluating and developing recommendations to reduce runoff denivelation and channel drift is substantiated. The analysis of the wind-wave effect on the condition of the water surface of the sections of the marine part of the canal for 2024 was carried out. based on the developed combined and compared average daily and time-detailed graphs of the course of the levels at the water measuring posts on the characteristic kilometers of the canal. The positions of the water levels on the days of the greatest run-up are revealed and graphs of their course on the canal sections are plotted. For predictive purposes, an analytical method has been developed for determining the values of run-up in the channel sections at different sea levels, wind directions and strength, and other factors using known empirical dependencies. A comparison of the results showed good convergence of the calculated and field data. Based on the totality of the calculation results and their analysis, recommendations are given for assessing the run-off of water in the canal and their use in practice. The analysis of riverbed transformations based on the materials of hydrographic surveys was carried out with the construction of combined site plans, depth change plans, combined longitudinal profiles of sites in the analyzed time periods. According to the results of the analysis of channel deformations, recommendations are given to reduce the drift of canal sections. It is concluded that it is necessary to continue further research to reduce the skidding of the hull and increase the stability of the ship's course.