The researchers studied how the Three Gorges Reservoir affected Dongting Lake and the Jingjiang River outlets. They analyzed data on water and sediment flow, finding that reduced precipitation and dam construction caused changes in the lake. The decrease in water and sediment downstream led to siltation and the decline of two tributaries. The amount of sediment in Dongting Lake decreased significantly from 1994 to 2011. Using a neural network, they accurately simulated runoff and sediment flow, helping manage the river system effectively.