The heat exchange process between surface water and near-surface atmosphere in the front of the Three Gorges Dam

As the largest dam in China, the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) impacts on the environment cannot be ignored. The heat exchange process between surface water and near-surface atmosphere in the front of the dam has also been changed due to the construction of the dam, which will affect the development of downstream ecosystems. Therefore, the discussion of the water body in the front of the dam is very important. This research focused on the changes in the near-surface air temperature (NSAT) before the TGD was constructed (1989–2003, Pre-TGD) and the variations in the NSAT and the surface water temperature in the front of the dam (DSWT) after the construction of the TGD (2004–2018, Post-TGD). By analyzing the relationship between the changes and correlations of the NSAT and the DSWT and the operation cycle of the dam, exploring the impact of the TGD on the heat exchange process between the water-air interface. The results show that (1) the warming rate of the NSAT in the Pre-TGD period was obviously higher than the warming rate of the NSAT in the Post-TGD period. (2) After the construction of the dam, the DSWT showed a considerable upward trend, which was much higher than the rate of increase of the NSAT during the same period. And the variation trend in the NSAT and DSWT showed obvious seasonal and artificial regulation characteristics. (3) The NSAT and the DSWT were significantly correlated during the flood season. The construction of the TGD has changed the heat exchange process in the front of the dam, and that will further affect the regional heat balance.