Impact of Changing Flood Characteristics on River Morphology

Project description

Globally, the morphological structure of the river networks is undergoing significant changes in the recent past. The disturbance in the morphology has made significantly negative impact on the ecosystem dependent on it. Identification of possible root causes behind such changes is hence critical to future river basin management. The proposed project aims to investigate the possible impact of the changing frequency and magnitude of floods on the morphology and stream networks, focussing on change in dynamics between erosion and deposition, which is the main mechanism of changes in river morphological structure. The stable chain of erosion, transport, and deposition may be altered during flood events, affecting the dynamic stability of rivers. Integrated hydro-dynamic and sedimentation models will be developed over a representative river basin, to simulate the possible degradation and aggradation of river bed/banks during such extremes. The project aims to develop a framework to study the changes in the pattern and profile of river beds during the flow regimes during extreme conditions.

Outcomes

• A framework to assess the impact of extreme flooding on the morphological pattern and profile of rivers.
• Practical tool to analyse river erosion and sedimentation for operation, planning and management of reservoirs and basin water resources.

Essential capabilities

Expertise in water resources engineering, Hydrologic/hydro-dynamic modelling.

Desireable capabilities

Geomorphology, GIS and remote sensing.

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

Masters in Engineering (Water Resources Engineering/Agricultural Engineering/ Remote Sensing & GIS).

Candidate Discipline

Geomorphology, Water Resources Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Hydrometeorology.