Abstract:[Objective] To investigate the elevation-based differentiation in moisture and nutrients of sedimentary layer in the water-level fluctuation zone(WLFZ)and provide a scientific basis for reservoir management. [Methods] The WLFZ of the Three Gorges Reservoir was selected as the research object and layered sample were collected from a representative slope. The particle size distribution,nutrient concentration,and moisture content were measured,and the differences in sediment properties at different elevations were analyzed. [Results] 1)The particles of the sediment in the WLFZ were relatively fine,with a median particle size ranging from 6.1 to 13.5 μm and an average of 8.7 μm. No significant difference in median particle size was observed among sediments at varying elevations(p>0.05). The particle size distribution of the sediments was dominated by silt,with an average volume content of 82.7%,and the contents of clay and sand were 14.2% and 3.1%,respectively. 2)The mean total organic carbon(TOC),total nitrogen(TN),and total phosphorus(TP)contents of the sediments in the WLFZ were 18.82,1.24 and 0.75 g/kg, respectively. The stoichiometric ratios of carbon,nitrogen,and phosphorus(C∶N,C∶P,and N∶P)were 15.25, 25.26 and 1.68,respectively. Significant differences were observed in the overall trends of nutrient content changes with elevation. Specifically,TOC and TN contents increased significantly with increasing elevation(p<0.05),while TP content did not show a clear trend. The stoichiometric ratios of C∶P and N∶P in the sediments increased with increasing elevation,while the C∶N ratio showed no significant trend(p>0.05). 3)The average mass water content of the sediments in the WLFZ was 28.63%,and no significant elevation-based spatial differentiation was observed(p> 0.05). 4)The particle size distribution,nutrient content,and moisture content of sediments in the WLFZ were distributed in striated layers formed by alternating high and low values along the profile. [Conclusion] There is a significant elevation-based differentiation in the nutrient content of the sediments in the WLFZ of the Three Gorges Reservoir,but there is no significant spatial differentiation in particle composition and mass water content.