This research analyzed the degree of sedimentation in Cachoeira Dourada reservoir Brazil, belonging to the Paranaíba hydrologic catchment basin. Were evaluated bottom sediments of the lake, in an area of 74 km². Were considered particle and bathymetric parameters. The results, presented on the maps, showed the distribution of the particles chacteristics and allowed to estimate the volume of sediments. The bottom deposits are essentially constituted of silt and clay in the portion near the dike; of fine and very fine sandy material in the middle sector of the reservoir and, in the beginning of the reservoir, we have since silt just large sand. By comparison of topographic data, since the construction of the reservoir, with present measured bathymetric data, the Cachoeira Dourada reservoir lost 38.5 % of its original storing capacity. The expected reservoir useful life, estimated in this research, is of about 145 years, following this deposition rhythm.
Sedimentation; Reservoir; River Paranaíba
