The Three Gorge Reservoir affects the water levels of Dongting Lake during important times of the year. By studying the lake's response to changes in water flow, researchers found that the lake's water levels can vary significantly based on the regulation of the Three Gorge Project. The lake's stage can change by up to one meter depending on the amount of water released from the reservoir after the flood season or before the flood season. Different parts of the lake respond differently to these changes, with some areas showing a high response while others show a low response.